Worcester State University vs. Arcadia

Comparable Facts

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

Worcester State University is larger than Arcadia based on total student enrollment (5,745 students vs. 3,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Worcester State University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Arcadia University is in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Worcester State University 16:1; Arcadia University 10:1.

Worcester State University vs. Arcadia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Worcester State 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 Worcester State University than Arcadia ($12,778 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 16.7% lower than at Arcadia University ($14,307 vs. $17,180).
• Arcadia University is 320.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $37,824 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 177.7% higher at Arcadia than at Worcester State University (about $31,744 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arcadia University than at Worcester State University (99% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arcadia University students is 266.7% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($34,705 vs. $9,464).

Worcester State University vs. Arcadia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Worcester State 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 Worcester State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arcadia University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Worcester State University 1026/1283; Arcadia University 1065/1265.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Worcester State University - Test optional; Arcadia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arcadia students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Arcadia (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at Worcester State University vs. 7.4% at Arcadia.

Worcester State University vs. Arcadia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Worcester State 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Worcester State University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Arcadia graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Arcadia graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arcadia graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Arcadia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 66%)

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.