Arcadia University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Arcadia admits most applicants, but the scores students choose to submit are still fairly strong. Since it is test-optional, submit scores when they help you stand out academically, ideally near the top of Arcadia’s range: about a 1265 SAT or a 30 ACT.
⬡ LangSmith9b317fdb-45dc-47fc-9515-c147c686fd53Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Arcadia University facts and stats
Arcadia University is a suburban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,030. Arcadia has a freshman retention rate of 79%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 6-year graduation rate of 67%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.
⬡ LangSmith1a1dab8c-3ec8-4bc8-a4e0-5731abfff325Glenside, PA
How do your scores compare at Arcadia?
Key Arcadia University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
—
Early Decision
—
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Arcadia, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and save the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. The October retake is the last practical option for scores to arrive by Arcadia’s November 15 Early Action deadline.
⬡ LangSmithf92f26f2-7209-402a-8e32-47cadb9562b8Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Arcadia University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Arcadia’s tuition and fees are $49,720. Arcadia is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Students receiving merit aid see an average award of $17,183.
⬡ LangSmitha88228b4-d116-405f-84b1-f4a00143510f
Arcadia’s listed cost of attendance is about $66,900, including $49,720 in tuition and fees and $17,180 for room and board. Merit aid can meaningfully reduce the price for some students, with an average merit award of $17,183. Actual costs will vary based on financial need, scholarships, and personal expenses.
⬡ LangSmitha2de2e92-5ab4-4d84-bf46-aaf776810b65Student life at Arcadia University
61% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Mercyhurst University
Erie, PAAcceptance rate: 81%
SAT: 1070–1290
ACT: 21–29
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PAAcceptance rate: 79%
SAT: 1120–1330
ACT: 26–31
Juniata College
Huntingdon, PAAcceptance rate: 78.9%
SAT: 1095–1290
ACT: 21–29
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PAAcceptance rate: 77.9%
SAT: 1110–1300
ACT: 26–31

Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
