
450 South Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038-3295, USA


Arcadia University holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a recognized regional accrediting body. This accreditation confirms that the university meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education.
Programs within the university have also received specialized accreditations. For instance, certain health sciences and education programs are accredited by their respective professional organizations, assuring prospective students of compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Maintaining these accreditations involves regular evaluation processes that review academic quality, institutional resources, and student outcomes. These assessments help ensure that Arcadia University continues to provide a credible and reputable education.
Arcadia University requires applicants to submit a secondary school record along with evidence of completion of a college program and specific competencies. Additionally, applicants must provide TOEFL scores to demonstrate English language proficiency, while submission of other standardized tests is recommended but not mandatory. The university does not operate an open admission policy and does not accept dual credit or general credit, although Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized.
Admissions selectivity is moderate, with an acceptance rate of approximately 79%, placing it in the top 40% for selectivity. The average SAT score for enrolled students is around 1180, with a breakdown of about 580 in Math and 600 in Writing, reflecting average performance within national percentiles. The average ACT score is 25, also considered average, positioning enrolled students near the mid-range nationally.
Arcadia University charges an application fee for prospective students submitting their undergraduate applications. This fee is required to process the application and must be paid at the time of submission.
However, the university offers fee waivers for certain applicants. Students who demonstrate financial need or who participate in specific programs, such as college fairs or school visits, may qualify to have the application fee waived. Additionally, some prospective students can request a waiver through their guidance counselor or adviser, often based on economic hardship or other qualifying circumstances.
The availability of application fee waivers aims to reduce financial barriers, making the application process more accessible to a broader group of students. Interested applicants should inquire about these waivers early in their application process to ensure eligibility and proper documentation.
Information regarding specific Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs at Arcadia University is not available from the provided sources. Prospective students interested in ROTC opportunities at this institution should consult directly with Arcadia University for the most accurate and detailed information about academic and military training options.
Arcadia University welcomes transfer students for the fall and spring terms, providing opportunities for those seeking to continue their education there. The acceptance of transfer credits includes general CLEP exams, though specific subject CLEP and DANTES credit information is not available. The university's admission process for transfer students can be characterized as moderately difficult, indicating a balanced level of selectivity. Prospective transfer students should consider these factors when evaluating Arcadia University as a potential destination for completing their degrees.
Arcadia University offers a diverse range of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. The university emphasizes global engagement by facilitating programs that allow students to study in multiple countries while earning credit toward their degrees. These include semester- and year-long programs hosted at the university's own international campuses, as well as faculty-led courses and exchange opportunities with partner institutions around the world.
Students can choose from an extensive list of destinations, spanning continents such as Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. The programs cover various academic disciplines, enabling students to align their international experience with their major or interests. Arcadia University's dedicated study abroad advisors support participants from the application process through to their return, ensuring academic requirements are met and cultural immersion is maximized.
The university's programs are structured to provide comprehensive support, including pre-departure orientation, housing arrangements, and on-site assistance. This framework helps students adapt to new environments safely and successfully. Additionally, scholarships and financial aid options are available to help mitigate the costs associated with studying abroad, making global education more accessible.
Median composite SAT score
1180Median composite ACT score
25Percent of students submitting ACT scores
1%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
9%Computer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
Data not availablePossible transfer
Fall, Spring