Arcadia University vs Marywood University: which has better ROI?
Arcadia University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $117,864 in 11.8 years versus 12.5 years at Marywood University, on median earnings of $58,336 vs $55,817 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Arcadia University | Marywood University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $29,466 | $23,388 |
| Total net cost | $117,864 | $93,552 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,336 | $55,817 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $26,186 |
| Payback | 11.8 yrs | 12.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $81,656 | $55,588 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Arcadia University or Marywood University?
Marywood University, at $23,388 a year after aid versus $29,466 — a gap of $6,078 a year, or $24,312 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Arcadia University or Marywood University graduates earn more?
Arcadia University graduates report a median $58,336 ten years after entry, $2,519 more than the $55,817 at Marywood University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Arcadia University or Marywood University?
Marywood University: its completers carry a median $26,186 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Arcadia University, a difference of $814. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
72% of students finish at Marywood University, against 67% at Arcadia University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.