At $25,866/yr net price, Arcadia University graduates earn $58,336/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,336/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,866 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,336/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,336/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,744/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,872/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,027/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,220/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,115/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health. | Master | $77,715 | |
| Genetics. | Master | $73,321 | $41,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,163 | $87,258 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $62,209 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $59,124 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $26,358 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Master | $51,607 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $50,677 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,041 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,260 | $33,223 |
The Risk Factor
64.0% of students at Arcadia University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Arcadia University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The school's $25,866 annual net price generates median earnings of $58,336 after ten years, creating a reasonable but unspectacular payoff for most graduates.
Your program selection makes or breaks the financial equation here. Public Health graduates earn $77,715 annually, while Genetics majors pull in $73,321. These health-focused programs align well with the Philadelphia region's strong medical sector. However, Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions saddles you with $87,258 in debt for $72,163 in earnings, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio that could strain your finances for years.
The 64% graduation rate presents a significant risk. More than one in three students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 80% retention rate suggests many departures happen after freshman year, potentially after you've already committed substantial money.
Arcadia works best financially for students targeting healthcare careers who can leverage the school's strong health science programs and regional hospital connections. The relatively low median debt of $27,000 for most programs keeps payments manageable. Students interested in liberal arts or undecided majors face weaker prospects given the modest overall earnings.
Only 28% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial assistance for middle-income families. Merit scholarships may be your best path to affordability. If you're considering expensive programs like rehabilitation therapy or struggling to commit to a high-earning major, you should examine cheaper alternatives that offer better financial protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arcadia University worth the debt?
With median debt of $27,000 and graduates earning $58,336 after 10 years, Arcadia offers manageable debt levels relative to income. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable compared to many private colleges, though earnings vary significantly by major.
What are the best paying majors at Arcadia University?
Public Health ($77,715), Genetics ($73,321), and Rehabilitation/Therapeutic Professions ($72,163) offer the strongest earning potential at Arcadia. These programs significantly outperform the school average and justify the private college cost.
How does Arcadia University's ROI compare to other schools?
Arcadia's 10-year earnings of $58,336 are modest for a private college charging $25,866 annually. The 64% graduation rate is concerning, meaning over one-third of students don't finish their degree.
Should I choose Arcadia University over a state school?
Only if you're pursuing Public Health, Genetics, or Rehabilitation programs where Arcadia shows strong outcomes. For most other majors, state schools likely offer better value given Arcadia's average post-graduation earnings.