Alvernia University vs. Arcadia

Comparable Facts

Compare Alvernia University in Reading, PA with Arcadia University in Glenside, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arcadia University is larger than Alvernia University based on total student enrollment (3,404 students vs. 2,796 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alvernia University is located in Reading, PA (Small City setting); Arcadia University is in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alvernia University 14:1; Arcadia University 10:1.

Alvernia University vs. Arcadia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alvernia University or Arcadia? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Alvernia University than Arcadia ($28,645 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alvernia University are 10% lower than at Arcadia University ($15,460 vs. $17,180).
• Arcadia University is 10.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alvernia University (about $4,610 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.2% higher at Arcadia than at Alvernia University (about $4,610 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Arcadia University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arcadia University students is 19.5% larger than aid received by Alvernia University students ($34,705 vs. $29,034).

Alvernia University vs. Arcadia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alvernia University or Arcadia? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Arcadia and Alvernia University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 20 points higher than at Arcadia (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alvernia University 1093/1286; Arcadia University 1065/1265.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alvernia University - Test optional; Arcadia - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Arcadia students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• Arcadia has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at Alvernia University vs. 7.4% at Arcadia.

Alvernia University vs. Arcadia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alvernia University and Arcadia? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Arcadia University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Arcadia University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arcadia University and Alvernia University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Arcadia University and Alvernia University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Arcadia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 61%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.