Enrollment: 2075
Average SAT: 540
Average ACT: 23
Most Popular Majors: Business/Commerce, General,Education, General,Psychology, General,
Regular Application Deadline: 08/01
Student Faculty Ratio: 13:1

School Says - General Information
Arcadia University is a coeducational, private university serving more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Founded in 1853, Arcadia is a comprehensive university offering more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs of study in a personalized setting. Arcadia offers a wide variety of undergraduate majors, each leading to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Bachelor of Science degree. The Arcadia Promise affirms that each student will receive an educational experience that is global, intergrative, and personal. The University offers an excellent combination of strengths - the diversity and academic options typical to a larger university in the context of a close-knit and supportive small college environment. Arcadia's faculty, 89% of whom hold a doctorate or terminal degree in their field, strive to meet the individual needs of students. Arcadia's commitment to personal attention is at the core of students' educational experiences with an average class size of 16 and a 13:1 student to faculty ratio. U.S. News & World Report ranks Arcadia among the top universities in the north, and among the top schools nationally for international study. Arcadia's highly-regarded Center for Education Abroad offers more than 70 study abroad programs around the world. The campus in Glenside, Pennsylvania offers students the best of all worlds. Located just 25 minutes north of Center City, Philadelphia, Arcadia resides on a beautiful campus. The campus, on the grounds of a former private estate, is distinguished by historic buildings, including Grey Towers Castle, a national historic landmark. With more than 2/3 of all full-time undergraduate students residing on campus, Arcadia offers a wide variety of activities including Division III athletics and more than 40 clubs and organizations.

School Says - Student Body
With more than 40 clubs and organizations at Arcadia, it's easy to get involved in campus life. Arcadia's student organizations provide students with opportunities to meet others who have similar interests and to develop leadership, organizational and management skills. Participation develops networks of people and enriches the university experience. Options include student government, religious and cultural organizations, musical, academic and media-related groups, community service organizations and athletics. Arcadia is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation (MASCAC), the largest Division III Conference holding NCAA membership. Student-athletes compete in 14 intercollegiate sports. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, swimming and tennis. Women's sports include basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball. Club sports include a very strong equestrian team that competes in both English and Western Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) shows.

School Says - Academics
The academic programs at Arcadia University take a personalized approach to education. An Arcadia education emphasizes critical thinking and collaborative learning and promotes each student's unique intellectual and personal growth. Close interaction with faculty, including the ability to be a part of research both in the United States and abroad, further allows students to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. Arcadia University operates on a two semester academic calendar. Between the two semesters, from May to early August, the school offers summer sessions. It is typical for students to take four courses each semester for a total of 128 semester hours upon graduation. Students have the option of taking a limited number of courses on a pass-fail basis.

School Says - Admissions
Prospective students are evaluated on the basis of their academic preparation, intellectual achievement, and potential for success. The admissions staff evaluates each application individually. The most important factors in an admissions decision are the student's academic transcript, including the quality of their secondary school program, GPA, and class rank. Arcadia also looks closely at standardized test scores, recommendations, and the student's involvement in extracurricular or community activities. Prospective freshmen must submit a secondary school transcript, official scores from the SAT or ACT, a personal essay, and recommendations from a high school teacher and guidance counselor. Students are strongly encouraged to follow a strong high school program of at least 19 academic units. Though not required, it is recommended that students visit the campus and schedule an admissions interview before applying. Students applying for transfer admission may apply for the fall or spring semester, and must submit college transcripts from each school they have attended. Transfer students with fewer than 30 college credits are also required to submit their high school transcript.

School Says - Campus Life
Arcadia University is located on 81 acres in Glenside, just outside of Philadelphia. While the immediate area is suburban, Philadelphia is a quick trip away, giving students all the advantages of proximity to a major city, while living in a beautiful college campus setting. The centerpiece of campus is Grey Towers Castle, a National Historic Landmark. In addition to Arcadia's historic buildings, the campus offers modern facilities with wireless access, smart classrooms, and a recently expanded and upgraded library. In addition to the wide variety of resources in lively Philadelphia, the metropolitan areas of New York City and Washington, D.C. are only a few hours from campus and easily accessible via train and air.

School Says - Cost Aid
For 2008-2009, undergraduate tuition is $29,340 and room and board is $10,280. Student fees total $360 per year. Part-time undergraduate courses will cost $490 per credit.Arcadia believes that a qualified student should not have to choose their college based on financial factors alone. With this philosophy in mind, Arcadia University will help qualified students find the financial assistance they need to attend Arcadia. On average, 98 percent of students at Arcadia receive financial aid, and over 97 percent receive grants and scholarships. Arcadia offers financial aid in the form of grants, loans, and on-campus employment, as well as merit-based scholarships. The University determines financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Arcadia University Financial Aid Application. In addition, the school awards a number of scholarships to students who have displayed exemplary academic or extracurricular achievement. Distinguished Scholarships recognizing academic achievement range from $13,500 to $18,000 per year. Arcadia University Achievement Awards, recognizing extracurricular involvement, leadership and community service, range from $1,000 to $13,000 per year(higher level award amounts of $6,500-$13,000 also reflect academic achievements/standardized test scores). A limited number of full-tuition Landman Scholarships are also awarded based on exemplary academic performance. Transfer students receive separate consideration for Distinguished Scholarships ranging from $5,000-$15,000 and for Achievement Awards ranging from $1,000-$6,000 annually. All awards are renewable for four years provided student is a full-time undergraduate in good academic standing. Arcadia offers a unique online financial aid calculator tailored for high school juniors and seniors and prospective transfer students. The calculator allows students to estimate their eligibility for federal, state and Arcadia University financial aid (including merit scholarships). A student can get financial aid information in as little as five minutes, even before applying for admission, by visiting www.arcadia.edu/calculator.

Students Say - Academics
Arcadia University near Philadelphia is "a gem in suburbia" that offers "a global learning experience." "Arcadia's all about study abroad" and the program is "huge." Regardless of major, "almost everyone at Arcadia" spends some time globetrotting. Destinations for "semesters, summers, or even community service trips" include China, Equatorial Guinea, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Korea. Also, "freshman preview is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" that allows first-year students to spend a week in England, Scotland, or Spain. (Preview for transfer students is in Italy). Back on campus, "there are small class sizes, which make learning so easy." The "usually accessible" professors "genuinely care about their students and the subject that they teach." A host of excellent majors includes a "very hands-on" education program. Arcadia is "a good art school," too. Theater is particularly strong. Some students say that Arcadia is "good for science majors." Others disagree. "Arcadia is okay for science majors," they say, "but not a great place."

Students Say - Campus Life
This campus "in the suburbs of Philadelphia" is "beautiful." "Arcadia has a friggin' castle," observes a senior. "Enough said." Socially, "everyone knows everyone" and the "unnecessary drama" can occasionally feel like "a glorified high school." Cultural events are abundant. "The dance club (Knight Club) is very popular." "In the fall, we have Mr. Beaver, which is a male mock beauty pageant," explains a senior. It's "always fun." Thursday nights are the big party nights and "as big as a Friday or Saturday night" at other places. On the whole, though, "Arcadia is fairly low key" and "very far from a party school." There's no Greek system and the festivities that do occur "don't get very rowdy." Ordering pizza and watching movies is a "favorite pastime."Many students love the social scene. "This is exactly what I wanted from my school," declares a junior. Others complain about "weekend nothingness." They note that Arcadia has a large commuter population and a reputation as "a suitcase college." Of course, that term has a slightly different connotation here. "There are a huge number of students who are studying abroad," relates a sophomore. "At Arcadia, you get your typical college party life overseas." Also, the train station is "right down the street" from campus. The "20-minute train ride into Philly" is "great for weekend trips or anything fun."

Students Say - Student Body
Most students here are "pretty friendly" and come from middle class backgrounds. There are also "a good number of international students." Commuter students make up more than a third of the population, and women noticeably outnumber men. "There are more squirrels than boys on campus," laments one female. "If you run into a guy, he is most likely a jock or gay." Indeed, Arcadia boasts "a highly tolerant campus" and a "very strong" gay community. There are also lots of "artsy" types who are "very outside the social norm." Other students are "ridiculously nerdy." Of course, there are plenty of perfectly normal people here, too. "You know: the ones that throw on sweats and leave their hair elegantly disheveled because that's the look these days." For the most part, though, "everyone has their own style." "There seems to be a higher ratio of weird people here at Arcadia than in the regular world."

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