Undergraduate Tuition & Aid
Learn more about a wide range of financial aid opportunities Arcadia provides, including scholarships, grants, and other aid.
Graduate Aid
Students accepted into a degree program or enrolled in most graduate certificate programs can apply for financial aid.
File the FAFSA to apply for Financial Aid
How to file your FAFSA
- Visit studentaid.gov to file your 2025-2026 FAFSA now!
- If you are a first-time FAFSA filer, your first step is to create an account (FSA ID).
- Select Arcadia University (School Code 003235) when choosing who receives your FAFSA form.
What happens after you file your FAFSA?
- New students: Check your email inbox (the email address on your FAFSA). We will email you at that address.
- We will release Financial Aid offers to new admitted students starting in early January. Look for the large red envelope in the mail!
- We will release Financial Aid offers to current students after spring 2025 grades are available.
How to Cover your Remaining Cost/Balance After Financial Aid
Your financial aid will not cover all of your charges. There are a range of options to help you cover what your financial aid offer does note. You can choose the option(s) that work best for you.
Maintaining Financial Aid
When you apply to Arcadia, you're automatically considered for scholarships and merit awards! Be sure to review these policies to keep your aid after you receive it.
Additional Resources
Federal Loan Changes Under OBBBA (Effective July 1, 2026)
Significant changes to federal student loans will affect how graduate and professional students finance their education beginning July 1, 2026. Information below reflects current federal guidance and may change.
What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduced new federal student loan limits and eliminated certain loan programs for new borrowers starting July 1, 2026.
What federal loan programs are changing?
- Graduate PLUS Loans will no longer be available to new borrowers after July 1, 2026.
- Parent PLUS Loans will remain available but with new limits for students entering or changing programs in Fall 2026 and beyond:
- $20,000 per year per dependent student
- $65,000 lifetime per dependent student
Who is considered a “new borrower”?
A new borrower is a student who has not received a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan before July 1, 2026.
What are the new federal loan limits for new borrowers?
Annual and lifetime limits:
- Undergraduate students: No change
- Graduate students: $20,500 annual / $100,000 lifetime
- Professional students: $50,000 annual / $200,000 lifetime
The maximum lifetime federal loan limit is $257,500 (excluding Parent PLUS Loans).
Graduate PLUS Loans will not be available to new borrowers.
What is the legacy provision?
Students who received a Direct Unsubsidized Loan or Graduate PLUS Loan before July 1, 2026, and remain enrolled in the same program at Arcadia, may continue borrowing under current rules:
- $20,500 in Unsubsidized Loans annually
- Graduate PLUS Loans up to the cost of attendance
This applies through June 30, 2029 or until program completion, whichever comes first.
Will part-time students be affected?
Yes. Beginning July 1, 2026, new borrowers enrolled less than full-time will have federal loan eligibility prorated based on enrollment status. Additional guidance is expected.
What if my program is not considered “professional”?
The Department of Education (ED) announced proposed definitions of "professional degree" during rulemaking and included a short list of programs they have designated as professional. These definitions may continue to evolve. Many graduate programs not included on the list are professional in nature (require professional licensure to begin practice), but did not meet ED’s requirements for an increased level of borrowing.
Will I still be able to finance my education?
Yes. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans will remain available within new limits. Private student loans are expected to play a larger role for graduate students.
Where can I compare private loan options?
Arcadia has been a long time partner with ELMSelect, a website where you can compare private loan options. This site provides students with clear information about loan rates and terms so you can compare products and find the one that meets your needs.This is a free service and no registration is required.
Who can I contact with questions?
For all questions regarding the OBBBA, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
- By phone: 215-572-2980
- By email: finaid@arcadia.edu
Financial Aid Team
Undergraduate students with last names G-P should contact finaid@arcadia.edu
The financial aid resources at Arcadia have helped me navigate student loan obstacles. Our advisers provide the support I need to keep calm as I secure as much aid as possible.
Arcadia University’s Non-Discrimination Statement
Arcadia University does not discriminate or permit discrimination as outlined in our Non-Discrimination Statement. Our Lived Values include Equity and Respect. More information may be found here.
