Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Glenside, Pennsylvania |
| Online | arcadia.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Religious Affiliation | Presbyterian Church (USA) |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in Glenside, Pennsylvania, approximately 12 miles north of Philadelphia, Arcadia University occupies a suburban campus known for its distinctive Grey Towers Castle, a National Historic Landmark that serves as both an administrative building and student facility. The institution, founded in 1853 as Beaver College before becoming Arcadia University in 2001, maintains a selective admission process and is recognized for its global education initiatives, including one of the most extensive study abroad programs among U.S. universities. The university's academic strengths center on its health sciences programs, particularly physical therapy and physician assistant studies, along with its international business, psychology, and education programs. Arcadia provides traditional dormitory and suite-style housing options for students, with first-year students primarily residing in the university's north side residential complexes.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Arcadia is rated within the top 44% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Arcadia University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#471 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#329 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#38 in Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
#34 in Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania
#428 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#34 in Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1083/1310 |
| ACT | 26/30 |
| GPA | 3.42 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $30 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Other Fees | $700 |
| Room and Board | $16,250 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,100 |
| Total One Year Cost | $67,140 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 14% |
| Biology | 12% |
| Business | 12% |
| Social Sciences | 9% |
| Psychology | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
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Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=211088 IPEDS survey data for Arcadia University.
Current students may use the Arcadia University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025