Arcadia vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

Shenandoah University is larger than Arcadia based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 3,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arcadia University is located in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arcadia University 10:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Arcadia vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arcadia or SU? 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 Shenandoah University than Arcadia ($27,181 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 27.3% lower than at Arcadia University ($12,490 vs. $17,180).
• Arcadia University is 34.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $12,660 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.3% higher at Arcadia than at Shenandoah University (about $12,660 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Arcadia University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arcadia University students is 40.2% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($34,705 vs. $24,747).

Arcadia vs. SU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arcadia University (1170) is 50 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arcadia University 1065/1265; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arcadia - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Arcadia (3.42).
• Arcadia has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.4% at Arcadia vs. 16.7% at SU.

Arcadia vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arcadia and SU? 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 Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Arcadia graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shenandoah University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Arcadia graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arcadia graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Arcadia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 60%)

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.