Analysis
Based on comparable business programs in Pennsylvania, this bachelor's degree appears to underdeliver relative to national standards. Similar programs in the state produce first-year earnings around $36,000—nearly $15,000 below the national median of $50,740 for business degrees. The estimated $27,000 in debt aligns with typical borrowing, but when paired with below-average earnings, it creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 that's workable but hardly compelling for a four-year business credential.
The wider Pennsylvania landscape shows significant variation, with some programs producing graduates earning $42,000 while others languish below $25,000. Without actual outcomes data for Arcadia's business program specifically, you're betting on where it falls in that range. The school's 79% admission rate and modest academic profile suggest it may track closer to the state median than to top performers like Widener.
For families considering this investment, the fundamental question is whether $27,000 in debt makes sense when peer programs suggest earnings barely above $36,000. That's manageable debt on paper, but business degrees at stronger programs nationally routinely produce 40-50% higher starting salaries. If Arcadia is the right fit for other reasons, ensure your student has a clear career plan and networking strategy, because the credential alone may not open doors as readily as you'd hope.
Where Arcadia University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Arcadia UniversityGlenside | $48,290 | $36,089* | — | $27,000* | — |
 Widener UniversityChester | $53,638 | $42,408* | $54,708 | $27,000* | 0.64 |
 Susquehanna UniversitySelinsgrove | $57,400 | $36,089* | — | $27,000* | 0.75 |
 Point Park UniversityPittsburgh | $38,160 | $24,948* | $42,734 | $27,000* | 1.08 |
| National Median | — | $50,740* | — | $26,000* | 0.51 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Arcadia University, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.