Glenside, PA · Private University
Is Arcadia University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$58,336
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$48,290
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$48,290
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$193,160
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.21x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
8.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
64.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$25,866
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Arcadia University graduates earn $13,336 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Arcadia University ranked by graduate earnings
41 graduates
21 graduates
51 graduates
30 graduates
25 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Arcadia University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Arcadia University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $64,127) and the lowest (Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies: $27,390) is $36,737/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $64,127 | 1.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $59,514 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $59,331 | 1.2x |
| International Business | $55,700 | 1.1x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $53,150 | 1.1x |
| International/Global Studies | $48,459 | 1.0x |
| Psychology, General | $46,694 | 1.0x |
| Criminology | $45,372 | 0.9x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $39,533 | 0.8x |
| Sociology(1yr data) | $36,919 | 0.8x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $32,105 | 0.7x |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing StudiesLowest(1yr data) | $27,390 | 0.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Arcadia University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $58,336 10 years after starting — $13,336 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 8.3 years, a reasonable timeline.
Ready to apply to Arcadia University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.