2025 admissions data

Arcadia University Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 80.2% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 80 actually get in. No guessing. Arcadia University is a UNIV institution located in Glenside, PA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Arcadia University appeals to students who thrive in smaller, intimate learning environments, where a liberal arts approach fosters broad intellectual engagement. However, those seeking a highly competitive atmosphere with rigorous STEM programs might not find it as stimulating. Students valuing study abroad opportunities will appreciate Arcadia's global focus, but this might come at the cost of a more traditional college experience, as academics prioritize adaptability and global citizenship over specialized training.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

73.6%

Acceptance Rate

Women

83.7%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

10,163

Admitted

8,153

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Arcadia University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math515–615

Reading550–650

ACT Score Range

English24–35

Math19–27

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

What Students Miss When Looking at the Arcadia University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Arcadia University is one of the most searched admissions metrics, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many students treat it as a pass-or-fail indicator, when it’s really just a summary of past outcomes.

An acceptance rate of 80.2% blends together thousands of decisions made across different programs and applicant profiles. That makes it informative at a high level, but unreliable for predicting individual chances.

Acceptance Rates Reflect Applicant Behavior

Acceptance rates rise or fall largely based on who applies. When a university attracts more applicants who are still exploring options, acceptance rates tend to increase—even if academic standards stay consistent.

At Arcadia University, demand varies across departments, meaning selectivity isn’t evenly distributed. This is why some applicants experience a more competitive process than others.

How to Read Acceptance Rates More Accurately

Instead of focusing on whether the acceptance rate is “high” or “low,” applicants should ask how it applies to them. Academic background, intended major, and preparation level all shape admissions outcomes.

Viewed this way, the acceptance rate at Arcadia University becomes a planning reference—not a judgment.

Admissions Insight

One significant factor influencing student outcomes at Arcadia University is its emphasis on personalized advising and mentorship. With a relatively low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, students benefit from close relationships with faculty who often serve as advisors. This accessibility not only enhances academic guidance but also impacts students' career trajectories significantly. Faculty invest time in understanding individual student goals, leading to tailored recommendations for internships, research opportunities, and even graduate school preparations. Moreover, advisors play a pivotal role in navigating the complex financial aid landscape, especially in securing funding for global studies and internships abroad. This personalized support is crucial because it directly correlates with student satisfaction and academic success. Students who engage actively with their advisors often report a stronger sense of direction and increased graduation rates. However, this system requires students to proactively seek support; those who hesitate to engage might miss out on valuable resources, emphasizing the need for students to take initiative in this nurturing environment.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: N/A

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: https://www.arcadia.edu/admissions/undergraduate/how-apply

Your Chances of Getting Into Arcadia University

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Arcadia University based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Should Arcadia University Be on Your College List?

By now, most students aren’t just researching out of curiosity — they’re trying to decide whether Arcadia University belongs on their final application list. That decision rarely comes down to a single metric.

Admissions competitiveness varies depending on who you are as an applicant. Some students find that their academic record aligns well with what the university typically looks for, while others may face more competition based on program choice or preparation.

Making a Balanced Application Decision

Strong applicants think in terms of balance. They include schools where they feel confident, schools that push them slightly, and schools that represent ambition. Admissions data helps place Arcadia University into one of those categories, but it doesn’t make the decision on its own.

What matters most is alignment — between your interests, academic background, and the opportunities the university offers. When that alignment exists, applying becomes a logical step rather than a risky gamble.

Should You Apply to Arcadia University?

If 80.2% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Arcadia University

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Arcadia University Acceptance Rate

How much financial aid does Arcadia provide?

Arcadia University provides a variety of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and investigate merit-based awards that can significantly reduce tuition costs.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Arcadia University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

Next step

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