Arcadia vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Arcadia based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 3,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arcadia University is located in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arcadia University 10:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Arcadia vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arcadia or Liberty University? 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 Liberty University than Arcadia ($29,532 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 19.5% lower than at Arcadia University ($13,835 vs. $17,180).
• Arcadia University is 120.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $27,145 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 120.8% higher at Arcadia than at Liberty University (about $27,145 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arcadia University than at Liberty University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arcadia University students is 177.9% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($34,705 vs. $12,489).

Arcadia vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arcadia or Liberty University? 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 Liberty University and Arcadia.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arcadia University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arcadia University 1065/1265; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLiberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arcadia - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Liberty University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Arcadia (3.42).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Arcadia (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.4% at Arcadia vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Arcadia vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arcadia and Liberty University? 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 Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Arcadia University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $2,834 lower median loan debt than Arcadia graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arcadia graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More Arcadia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 36%)

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.