SAT
SAT Prep
Good SAT Score
1600 SAT Score 1590 SAT Score 1580 SAT Score 1570 SAT Score 1560 SAT Score 1550 SAT Score 1540 SAT Score 1530 SAT Score 1520 SAT Score 1510 SAT Score 1500 SAT Score 1490 SAT Score 1480 SAT Score 1470 SAT Score 1460 SAT Score 1450 SAT Score 1440 SAT Score 1430 SAT Score 1420 SAT Score 1410 SAT Score 1400 SAT Score 1390 SAT Score 1380 SAT Score 1370 SAT Score 1360 SAT Score 1350 SAT Score 1340 SAT Score 1330 SAT Score 1320 SAT Score 1310 SAT Score 1300 SAT Score 1290 SAT Score 1280 SAT Score 1270 SAT Score 1260 SAT Score 1250 SAT Score 1240 SAT Score 1230 SAT Score 1220 SAT Score 1210 SAT Score 1200 SAT Score 1190 SAT Score 1180 SAT Score 1170 SAT Score 1110 SAT Score 1100 SAT Score 1090 SAT Score 1080 SAT Score 1070 SAT Score 1060 SAT Score 1050 SAT Score 1040 SAT Score 1030 SAT Score 1020 SAT Score 1010 SAT Score 1000 SAT Score 990 SAT Score 980 SAT Score 970 SAT Score 960 SAT Score 950 SAT Score 940 SAT Score 930 SAT Score 920 SAT Score 910 SAT Score 900 SAT Score 890 SAT Score 880 SAT Score 850 SAT Score 840 SAT Score 830 SAT Score 820 SAT Score 810 SAT Score
Acceptance Rate
Math Prep
English Prep
ACT
ACT Scores Guide
SAT Tips
ACT Tips
College Guide

Arcadia University SAT, ACT, Acceptance Rate & GPA Requirements

Last Updated on Jul 07, 2025
IMPORTANT LINKS

Arcadia University's SAT requirements are the first step towards securing a successful admission to this prestigious university. With an acceptance rate of approximately 79%, Arcadia University evaluates applicants holistically, considering not just SAT or ACT scores but also GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. The average SAT score for Arcadia University typically falls between 1070 and 1265, while the average ACT score ranges between 26 and 30. A 3.3 or higher GPA is expected from students, implying a steady academic performance. Such knowledge of these key indicators is important for a good application at Arcadia University.

Elements

Details

College Name

Arcadia University

College Location

Glenside, PA

University Short Form

Arcadia

Acceptance Rate

79%

Early Action Candidates

November 1

Regular Application Due

December 15

Common Application Accepted

Yes

SAT Score range

1070 and 1265

ACT Score range

26 and 30

Arcadia University Admission Requirements

Arcadia University places importance on SAT and ACT scores, GPA, and other factors like essays and extracurricular activities. Here's a summary of Arcadia University admissions requirements:

Requirements

Details

Application Platform

Common App or University Application

SAT Scores

1070 and 1265

ACT Scores

26–30

GPA

Typically around 3.3 or higher

Application Requirements

1 recommendation letter

Personal Essay

Required

Extracurricular Activities

Encouraged

Application Fee

$30 (fee waiver available)

Arcadia University SAT Score Requirements

SAT scores are not the only criteria for admission into Arcadia University, although competitive applicants often tend to have scores on the higher end. According to statistics, the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1100 and 1310 on the SATs taken specifically for Arcadia University; hence while they could improve an application, they are but a piece of a much larger puzzle. Although standardized test scores are included in Arcadia's comprehensive admission process, they are accompanied by an appraisal of high school GPA, extracurricular participation, personal statements, and letters of recommendation for each applicant under consideration.

Arcadia University SAT Requirements

The average SAT score for Arcadia University is an essential aspect of the admissions process. Students typically score between 1080 and 1260 on the SAT. While a high SAT score can strengthen an application, Arcadia University considers the entire application, including extracurriculars and essays.

Section

Average

25th Percentile

75th Percentile

Math

565

515

615

Reading + Writing

600

550

650

Composite

1165

1070

1265

Arcadia University SAT Score Distribution

Students with Arcadia University SAT scores below the 25th percentile (1070) may face increased competition, and it's recommended that they emphasize other strengths. Students scoring above the 75th percentile (1265) generally have a higher chance of acceptance.

SAT Range

Details

Middle 50% Range

Scores typically between 1070 and 1265

Below 25th Percentile

Focus on other strengths

Above 75th Percentile

Stronger chance of acceptance

Arcadia University SAT Requirements for Schools

Several schools that consider Arcadia University's SAT scores when evaluating applications within the university are as follows:

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Global Business

Arcadia University ACT Score Requirements

Arcadia University also accepts ACT scores, with admitted students typically scoring between 26 and 30. Applicants scoring below the 25th percentile (26) should highlight other aspects of their application, while those scoring above the 75th percentile (30) generally have a stronger chance of acceptance.

Score Percentile

ACT Score

25th Percentile

26

75th Percentile

30

Arcadia University ACT Score Distribution

The ACT score range of Arcadia University's candidates is not less than the academic trustworthiness of competitive applicants. It is a university that practices a balanced approach by weighing test scores against GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. Scoring within or above this range, combined with a strong academic record and community involvement, increases a candidate's admission prospects.

Arcadia University Schools That Accept ACT Scores

The schools and colleges that accept ACT Scores are mentioned in the table below:

Schools That Accept ACT Scores

College of Arts and Sciences

School of Education

School of Global Business

Test Series
16.3k Students
SAT Practice Test 2025
56 TOTAL TESTS | 14 Free Tests
  • 11 Full Test
  • 14 Sectional Test
  • 31 Topic Test

Get Started

Arcadia University GPA Requirements

A solid GPA is essential for admission to Arcadia University. The average unweighted GPA of admitted students is around 3.3. Applicants with GPAs below this average are encouraged to highlight leadership and community involvement.

Arcadia University Average GPA Students Who Are Admitted to This University

Arcadia University's average GPA of accepted students is high relative to most institutions of this rank. In many cases, the average is more than 3.5 on an unweighted scale, which means that most accepted students have demonstrated excellent work over their high school years, and especially in challenging classes.

GPA Ranges for Admission

The middle 50% GPA range for admitted students is between 3.2 and 3.7. Students with such GPAs are usually on par in the admissions process. However, the student's GPA falls below or above this range. In that case, Arcadia University uses a holistic approach to admissions with respect to outstanding extracurricular activities, an effective personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Through such a comprehensive evaluation, students can showcase their other strengths beyond academic metrics.

Arcadia University Average GPA

GPA Ranges for Admissions

Average of 3.3

Middle 50% range: 3.0 - 3.6

Arcadia University Acceptance Rate

With an acceptance rate of approximately 79%, Arcadia University's acceptance rate is moderately selective. The holistic admissions process at Arcadia University values not only academic metrics but also personal statements, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities.

Admission Statistics

Details

Total Applicants

Approximately 10,163 students annually

Admitted Students

Roughly 8,153 students

Enrolled

602

Holistic Review Approach

Academics, personal qualities, and extracurricular activities are considered

Arcadia University Scholarships

Arcadia University offers a comprehensive array of scholarships designed to support both merit-based and need-based students. Approximately 99% of Arcadia students receive some form of financial aid, with the majority benefiting from institutional grants and scholarships.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Arcadia provides several merit-based scholarships to recognize academic excellence and specific talents.

  • Presidential Scholarship: A prestigious award for students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement.
  • Creator Award: Available to select full-time undergraduate students studying majors in specific creative fields, enrolling at Arcadia as new students in fall 2025 or later.
  • Innovation Award: Offered to select full-time undergraduate students studying majors in STEM fields, enrolling at Arcadia as new students in fall 2024 or later.
  • Impact Award: Targeted at first-generation college students enrolling at Arcadia as new students in fall 2024 or later.
  • Venture Beyond Award: Available to select full-time undergraduate students who live in states bordering Pennsylvania at the time of admission, enrolling at Arcadia as new students in fall 2024 or later.

Need-Based Aid

To qualify for need-based aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This process determines eligibility for various federal and state grants, including:

  • Federal Pell Grant: A need-based grant for low-income students.
  • Federal Work-Study: Provides part-time employment opportunities to help students earn money to pay for educational expenses.
  • Federal Direct Loans: Low-interest loans available to students and parents to help cover educational costs.

Endowed Scholarships

Arcadia University has a well-equipped endowed scholarships program designed to provide for the needs of students in perpetuity. There resulting scholarships come from donations or grants. Notable examples include the Kevin G. Shollenberger '88 Endowed Scholarship and the Mable Kuhn Cornell Endowed Scholarship. 

Application Process

To be considered for scholarships and financial aid at Arcadia University, prospective students should:

  1. Complete the FAFSA: Ensure that Arcadia University (School Code 003235) receives your FAFSA form.
  2. Apply for Admission: Submit your undergraduate application through the Common Application or the University Application.
  3. Review Financial Aid Offers: Upon acceptance, you will receive a financial aid offer detailing the scholarships and aid for which you qualify.

Conclusion

The strength of an application is based upon academic persuasion, whereby anything above-average SAT score, relatively impressive GPA, and balanced extracurricular activities would help to produce that. SAT and ACT scores are certainly important, but Arcadia takes a holistic view on admission, considering personal essays, recommendation letters, and accomplishments in equal measure. To improve your chances of acceptance, submit a comprehensive application that highlights both academic and individual strengths.

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Scores

College Name

ACT Score

SAT Score

Clark Atlanta University

17–20*

860–1053*

Keiser University

15–21*

Not available*

Barry University

16–20*

860–1062*

Texas Southern University

15–19*

820–980*

Tennessee State University

16–21*

890–1080*

Colleges That Accept a 1200 Score on the SAT

University

ACT Score

SAT Score

University Of Memphis Admissions

17–24*

930–1175*

Sam Houston State University Admissions

19–25*

950–1130*

Oakland University Admissions

20–27*

900–1150*

University Of North Florida Admissions

20–26*

1010–1200*

Wayne State University Admissions

21–27*

940–1200*

Kean University Admissions

16–25*

910–1150*

Eastern Michigan University Admissions

18–26*

910–1150*

Lamar University Admissions

18–24*

910–1120*

Radford University Admissions

19–26*

950–1150*

Grand Valley State University Admissions

21–28*

950–1180*

Central Connecticut State University Admissions

16–27*

925–1140*

Arcadia University SAT Requirements FAQs

Arcadia University offers merit-based scholarships like the Presidential, Innovation, and Venture Beyond awards, as well as need-based aid like Pell Grants and Federal Work-Study.

To apply for scholarships, complete the FAFSA and submit your application for admission to Arcadia University through the Common Application.

Arcadia University has an acceptance rate of approximately 64%, making it moderately selective.

Yes, students can receive both merit-based and need-based scholarships, depending on their academic performance and financial need.

The average SAT score for Arcadia University is between 1080 and 1260, and a strong academic record further enhances an application.

Arcadia University typically requires a GPA of 3.3 or higher, with successful applicants demonstrating substantial academic achievement.

Report An Error