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Millersville University of Pennsylvania vs Arcadia University: which has better ROI?

Public, Millersville PA · vs · Private nonprofit, Glenside PA

The verdict

Arcadia University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $117,864 in 11.8 years versus 12.1 years at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, on median earnings of $58,336 vs $55,246 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMillersville University of PennsylvaniaArcadia University
Net price / yr$20,787$29,466
Total net cost$83,148$117,864
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,246$58,336
Median debt$23,507$27,000
Payback12.1 yrs11.8 yrs
20-year net return$54,572$81,656

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Millersville University of Pennsylvania or Arcadia University?

Millersville University of Pennsylvania, at $20,787 a year after aid versus $29,466 — a gap of $8,679 a year, or $34,716 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Millersville University of Pennsylvania or Arcadia University graduates earn more?

Arcadia University graduates report a median $58,336 ten years after entry, $3,090 more than the $55,246 at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. 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, Millersville University of Pennsylvania or Arcadia University?

Millersville University of Pennsylvania: its completers carry a median $23,507 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Arcadia University, a difference of $3,493. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

67% of students finish at Arcadia University, against 58% at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. 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.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania vs Arcadia University: frequently asked questions

Is Millersville University of Pennsylvania or Arcadia University a better value?
Arcadia University. It clears its $117,864 net cost in about 11.8 years versus 12.1 years at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, on median earnings of $58,336 vs $55,246 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Millersville University of Pennsylvania or Arcadia University?
Millersville University of Pennsylvania: $20,787/yr net price after aid versus $29,466/yr at Arcadia University — a difference of $8,679 a year, or about $34,716 over four years.
Do Millersville University of Pennsylvania or Arcadia University graduates earn more?
Arcadia University graduates earn a median $58,336 ten years after entry, versus $55,246 at Millersville University of Pennsylvania — a $3,090 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.