Growing Concerns About College Costs? How Arcadia Scholarships and Aid Make a Private Education Affordable

When families begin comparing colleges, the published tuition price can be alarming. However, the number listed on a university's website is not necessarily what your family will pay.

At Arcadia University, 99% of students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, federal and state aid, work-study, and other resources. For many families, Arcadia's actual cost after financial aid looks very different from its published sticker price.

Arcadia also recognizes that paying for college has become more complicated. Families are navigating rising household expenses, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) changes, new federal borrowing limits, uncertainty about future loan repayment, and questions about whether private college is within reach.

Arcadia's admissions and financial aid teams can help your family understand the process, identify available assistance, estimate your net price, and make informed decisions before committing to a college.

Is Arcadia's "Sticker Price" What You Actually Pay?

No. Most Arcadia students receive financial aid that lowers the published cost. A college's sticker price is the total published cost before scholarships and grants are applied. It may include:

• Tuition and required fees
• Housing and meals
• Books and supplies
• Transportation
• Estimated personal expenses

Your net price is the amount left after eligible scholarships and grants are subtracted. This is often a much more useful number for families than published tuition.

Because 99% of Arcadia students receive some form of financial aid, most families should not judge Arcadia's affordability by the sticker price alone. Instead, compare the net price of each college after scholarships and grants.

A private university may have a higher published tuition than a public university, but also provide more institutional scholarship and grant assistance. The college with the lowest sticker price is not always the college with the lowest final cost.

How Can Your Family Estimate Its Arcadia Cost?

Use the Net Price Calculator to receive an early estimate of:

• Potential financial aid eligibility
• Your estimated Student Aid Index
• Possible out-of-pocket costs
• Your approximate net price after aid

The calculator is not an official financial aid offer, but it can give your family a more realistic estimate than the published tuition alone. Arcadia's school code for the FAFSA is 003235.

What Scholarships Are Available at Arcadia University?

Arcadia offers merit scholarships and other awards based on academic achievement, leadership, service, interests, talents, intended areas of study, family connections, and other qualifications.

When you submit an undergraduate application, Arcadia automatically considers you for applicable merit scholarships. A separate scholarship application is not generally required for the University's primary merit awards.

Arcadia merit scholarships apply toward tuition and are generally renewed when a student remains enrolled full time and maintains good academic standing. Families should review the requirements associated with each award. (Review Arcadia undergraduate scholarships and grants.)

What Are Arcadia's Main Academic Scholarships?

Arcadia's Distinguished Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, service, and involvement.

During the admission review process, Arcadia may consider factors such as:

• High school grades
• Strength of curriculum
• Academic achievement
• Leadership and community involvement
• Service and extracurricular activities
• Test scores, when submitted
• Class rank, when available

Your application for admission is also an application for consideration for applicable Arcadia merit aid.

Does Arcadia Offer Scholarships for Specific Majors or Student Experiences?

Yes. Arcadia offers awards associated with certain academic interests, talents, experiences, geographic areas, and family relationships.

Depending on current eligibility requirements, opportunities may include:

• Impact Award for select first-generation college students
• Innovation Award for select students entering STEM fields
• Educator Award for select students studying education
• Creator Award for students in eligible creative fields
• Exploration Award for select students who have not declared a major
• Global Leadership Award for students in eligible programs
• Venture Beyond Award based on geographic eligibility
• Alumni Legacy Grant for eligible descendants of Arcadia or Beaver College alumni
• Sibling Grant for eligible siblings of current Arcadia undergraduate students
• Acting audition and portfolio awards for eligible Fine Arts applicants
• Phi Theta Kappa Award for eligible transfer students
• Transfer Partner Scholarship for eligible students from participating institutions

Acting audition and portfolio awards may range from $1,000 to $4,000 annually, according to Arcadia's current undergraduate aid information. Scholarship amounts, eligibility criteria, and whether awards can be combined may change, so families should review the current requirements with Admissions and Financial Aid.

Does Arcadia Offer Need-Based Financial Aid?

Yes. Arcadia provides institutional grants for eligible students with demonstrated financial need.

Students who submit the FAFSA may be considered for Arcadia need-based grant funding in addition to merit scholarships and federal or state assistance.

Need-based aid can be particularly important for lower-income and middle-income families whose available income and savings do not reflect the published cost of attendance.

An eligible financial aid package may include:

• Arcadia merit scholarships
• Arcadia need-based grants
• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
• Pennsylvania State Grants
• Federal work-study
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
• Outside (non-Arcadia) scholarships
• For more information, check out our Outside Scholarship Resource page

Scholarships and grants are often called gift aid because they generally do not need to be repaid. Work-study must be earned through eligible employment, while student and parent loans must be repaid.

Families should review each financial aid offer carefully to distinguish between scholarships, grants, employment opportunities, and loans.

How Does Arcadia Support Students From Lower-Income Families?

Arcadia uses institutional, federal, and state financial aid resources to help eligible students reduce their educational costs.

The FAFSA can help determine whether a student qualifies for:

• Federal Pell Grant assistance
• Arcadia need-based grants
• Pennsylvania State Grant funding
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
• Federal work-study
• Subsidized federal student loans

Lower-income students may qualify for multiple forms of aid that work together to reduce the net price.

Arcadia's financial aid counselors can also help families understand their offers, complete outstanding requirements, address verification questions, and determine whether changes in financial circumstances should be reviewed.

The goal is not simply to present families with a financial aid package. It is to help them understand what the package means, what they may actually owe, and what options are available before they make a decision.

Why is Filing the FAFSA Important for Receiving Financial Aid?

The FAFSA is the primary application used to determine eligibility for federal student aid. Colleges and states also use FAFSA information when awarding many grants and scholarships.

Arcadia uses FAFSA information to evaluate eligible students for need-based institutional assistance.

Completing the FAFSA can help your student be considered for:

• Arcadia need-based grants
• Federal Pell Grants
• Pennsylvania State Grants
• Federal work-study
• Subsidized student loans
• Unsubsidized student loans
• Other federal or institutional assistance

Parents may need to participate as FAFSA contributors and provide their financial information. Federal Student Aid provides a step-by-step FAFSA guide for parents reflecting the 2026-27 application process.

Completing the FAFSA may still be worthwhile even if your family believes it will not qualify for need-based aid. Some families qualify for more assistance than expected, and FAFSA information is required for federal student loans and several other forms of aid.

What Financial Aid Changes Took Effect in 2026?

The federal law commonly called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act changed several parts of the federal financial aid system. Some provisions took effect when the law was signed on July 4, 2025, while others began on July 1, 2026.

The changes include new rules involving:

• FAFSA asset reporting
• Federal Pell Grant eligibility
• Parent PLUS Loan limits
• Graduate and professional borrowing
• Federal student loan repayment

Families can follow current implementation information through the Federal Student Aid updates page.

How Did the 2026 FAFSA Change?

For the 2026-27 FAFSA, certain family assets are treated differently.

The FAFSA no longer requires families to report the net worth of:

• A family-owned business with 100 or fewer full-time employees
• A family farm on which the family lives
• An eligible family-owned commercial fishing business

These changes may benefit some families whose businesses or farms would previously have been included in the federal aid calculation.

Did Federal Pell Grant Eligibility Change?

Yes. Federal Pell Grant eligibility changed beginning with the 2026-27 award year.

Students with a Student Aid Index equal to or greater than twice the maximum Pell Grant award generally cannot receive a Pell Grant unless they qualify under certain special federal rules.

For 2026-27, that Student Aid Index threshold is $14,790. Federal rules also changed the treatment of certain foreign earned income when calculating Pell Grant eligibility.

These changes may affect whether some students qualify for federal grant assistance. However, not receiving a Pell Grant does not necessarily mean a student will receive no financial aid.

A student may still qualify for:

• Arcadia merit scholarships
• Arcadia need-based grants
• State grant assistance
• Federal work-study
• Federal student loans
• Outside scholarships

Arcadia's Office of Financial Aid can help families understand how federal changes affect the student's complete financial aid offer.

Did Parent PLUS Loan Limits Change?

Yes. New federal limits apply to many Parent PLUS Loan borrowers beginning July 1, 2026.

The law established limits affecting how much parents may borrow for a dependent undergraduate student. Federal Student Aid currently lists the new limits as:

• Up to $20,000 per academic year for each dependent undergraduate student
• Up to $65,000 total for that student's undergraduate education

The limits apply collectively to the student's parents, rather than separately to each parent. Certain borrowers may qualify for transitional exceptions based on prior enrollment and borrowing history. Families should review the current Federal Student Aid Parent PLUS Loan guidance before making plans.

Previously, eligible parents could generally borrow up to the full cost of attendance after other financial aid was subtracted. The new limits mean that some families may have a larger remaining balance than expected.

That makes early planning more important. Families should:

• Estimate their net price before enrollment
• Review scholarships and grants first
• Calculate the exact remaining balance
• Consider an available payment plan
• Avoid borrowing more than necessary
• Compare loan rates, fees, and repayment terms
• Speak with Arcadia before relying on a Parent PLUS Loan to cover the full balance

Arcadia outlines available approaches on its Financing Options page, including payment options, monthly payment plans, Parent PLUS Loans, and private student loans.

What Should Parents Do if Financial Aid Does Not Cover the Full Cost?

A financial aid offer may not cover every billed and indirect expense. If there is a remaining balance, do not assume your family must immediately borrow the full amount.

Begin by asking these questions:

1. Were all scholarships and grants included?
2. Is the FAFSA complete and accurate?
3. Are any financial aid documents still missing?
4. Did the family's financial circumstances change?
5. Is the listed balance based on billed charges or the broader cost of attendance?
6. Can savings, earnings, or a payment plan cover part of the balance?
7. How much would actually need to be borrowed?
8. What would the monthly loan payment be after graduation?

Arcadia's Financing Options page can help families review ways to address the amount remaining after financial aid.

Students and parents may accept, reduce, or decline offered loans. You are not required to borrow the maximum amount listed in a financial aid offer. Arcadia explains student rights and responsibilities on its Financial Aid Policies page.

Will Arcadia Reconsider Aid if a Family's Income Changes?

Potentially. Families should contact Arcadia's Office of Financial Aid when the FAFSA no longer reflects their current financial situation.

The FAFSA uses financial information from an earlier tax year. As a result, it may not show a recent:

• Job loss
• Reduction in income
• Divorce or separation
• Death of a parent or spouse
• Loss of benefits
• Change in housing or dependency circumstances
• Significant unusual expense

Arcadia's financial aid policies include processes for special circumstances and professional judgment. A review does not guarantee additional assistance, but it allows the financial aid team to determine whether documented circumstances justify an adjustment.

Arcadia also advises families whose current income is lower than the income reported on the FAFSA to contact the Office of Financial Aid. Current instructions and supporting documents are available through the Financial Aid Forms page.

Can Outside Scholarships Lower the Cost of Arcadia?

Yes. Outside scholarships can provide additional support for tuition, books, transportation, supplies, and other educational costs.

Students can look for scholarships through:

• High school counseling offices
• Community foundations
• Local employers
• Parent or student workplaces
• Professional associations
• Religious and civic organizations
• Local businesses
• National scholarship databases

Useful scholarship resources include:

• Federal Student Aid
• College Board BigFuture
• Fastweb
• Scholarships.com
• Scholarship America

Students should notify Arcadia's Office of Financial Aid after receiving an outside award. Arcadia generally attempts to add outside scholarships to the existing package. When an adjustment is required, the University's current policy indicates that loans and work-study are generally reduced before institutional aid.

However, Arcadia merit awards apply toward tuition. If another scholarship or benefit pays part or all of tuition, an Arcadia merit award may need to be reduced or replaced to prevent total tuition-specific aid from exceeding tuition.

How Should Parents Compare Financial Aid Offers?

Do not compare offers based only on the total amount labeled "financial aid." A package that includes large loans may appear more generous than one containing more scholarships and grants.

Separate each offer into four categories:

• Student Loans
  Money borrowed by the student that must be repaid with interest.
• Parent or Private Loans
  Money borrowed by a parent, student, or cosigner that must be repaid according to the lender's terms.
• Gift Aid
  Scholarships and grants that generally do not need to be repaid.
• Earned Aid
  Federal work-study funds that the student earns through eligible employment. Work-study is not normally applied to the bill in advance.

Then compare:

• Total scholarships and grants
• Remaining billed cost
• Estimated indirect expenses
• Expected student borrowing
• Expected parent borrowing
• Scholarship renewal requirements
• Whether the aid depends on housing or enrollment status
• The estimated four-year cost

The strongest financial aid offer is not always the one with the highest total. It is often the one that leaves the family with the lowest sustainable net cost and the least unnecessary debt.

What Is the Best Way to Maximize Financial Aid at Arcadia?

Families can take several steps to avoid missing potential assistance:

1. Apply to Arcadia University and submit all required admission materials.
2. Complete the FAFSA as early as possible.
3. Include Arcadia's FAFSA school code, 003235.
4. Respond promptly to requests for financial aid documentation.
5. Review the student's Arcadia Financial Aid Portal.
6. Apply for local and national outside scholarships.
7. Report significant changes in family income.
8. Review the terms and renewal requirements of each scholarship.
9. Use the Net Price Calculator.
10. Ask questions before accepting student, parent, or private loans.

The FAFSA can still be submitted after certain priority or state deadlines. Missing a state deadline does not eliminate eligibility for federal aid, although some limited funds may no longer be available.

Who Can Help You or Your Family Understand Arcadia Financial Aid?

The Arcadia Financial Aid Office is located in Kistler Hall, Room 5.
Arcadia's Office of Financial Aid can help families understand:

• Merit scholarships
• Need-based grants
• FAFSA requirements
• Federal Pell Grants
• Pennsylvania State Grants
• Work-study
• Student loans
• Parent PLUS Loans
• Outside scholarships
• Changes in family finances
• Financing options
• Financial aid offer requirements

Phone: 215-572-2980
Email: [email protected]

Prospective students can also contact Arcadia Admissions at:

Phone: 1-877-ARCADIA
Email: [email protected]

Arcadia's main tuition and financing section connects families with information about undergraduate financial aid, undergraduate tuition and fees, the Net Price Calculator, and additional financing resources.

Is Arcadia Affordable After Scholarships and Financial Aid?

The answer will depend on your student's individual financial aid offer. However, the sticker price alone does not tell your family what Arcadia will cost.

With 99% of students receiving financial aid, Arcadia provides significant opportunities to reduce the published price through merit scholarships, need-based grants, federal and state assistance, outside scholarships, and other resources.

Students with significant financial need may qualify for institutional, federal, and state aid. Academically strong students may receive merit scholarships. Other students may qualify for awards connected to their major, talents, first-generation status, transfer background, geographic location, or family relationship to Arcadia.

Before removing Arcadia from your student's college list because of the sticker price:

• Apply for admission
• Complete the FAFSA
• Use the Net Price Calculator
• Review scholarships and grants
• Compare the net price with other universities
• Ask Arcadia to explain the financial aid offer

The published price is only the starting point. What matters is what your family may pay after scholarships and financial aid, and Arcadia is prepared to help you understand that number.