At Arcadia University, students think big as they venture toward greatness. Arcadia is a leader in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, where students learn, live, and work in an welcoming and supportive community while embracing their authentic selves. U.S. News & World Report ranks Arcadia as among the most innovative colleges, as well as the #1 college in Pennsylvania for study abroad. The Princeton Review has ranked Arcadia among the best regional colleges for nine straight years.
All credits successfully completed by students at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) students will be accepted toward an equal or comparable degree program at Arcadia University. Arcadia will accept 100 percent of all credits granted or accepted in transfer by PAFA, including graduate credits, and guarantee admission to PAFA students in good academic standing with no outstanding disciplinary sanctions or pending disciplinary matters. No application fees will be charged.
Arcadia University will provide a concise and streamlined application process for PAFA students. Students can provide unofficial copies of their transcripts to be reviewed for admission. Additionally, the university will waive the portfolio review requirement. For students transitioning to Arcadia University, their financial aid offer will be the same or better than their PAFA financial aid offer, meaning their out-of-pocket costs will be the same. In addition, for students commuting from Philadelphia, Arcadia will provide an annual SEPTA award to help cover the added transportation costs.
Credits and Time to Degree
Arcadia University will accept all PAFA credits and will ensure that students complete their bachelor’s degree on their originally intended time schedule. The university agrees to waive Arcadia curriculum requirements as needed.
Curious how Arcadia's curriculum compares to PAFA's? Check out the curricular transfer tables below:
- Drawing
- Illustration
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
Virtual Information Session for PAFA Students
We encourage you to join us for a special information session designed for PAFA students on February 12 at 7 p.m. Click here to register.
Academic and Study Abroad Opportunities
Arcadia University and PAFA have an existing “Memorandum of Understanding” that includes:
Residential Experience
Arcadia University can provide traditional and apartment-style on-campus housing for interested students. Financial aid assistance will be provided for students to help with housing costs.
Academic and Financial Aid Advising
Arcadia University will work with students personally to provide academic and financial aid advising, support, and services needed to ensure success and affordability. Please reach out to Darien Ryan, Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions, through the form below or by reaching out directly, to learn more about your options:
Darien Ryan
Assistant Director, Transfer Admissions
ryanda@arcadia.edu
(215) 572-2836
"The program pushes students to think critically about the work they are making and what the greater meaning is. Personally, I feel like having smaller classes has helped me dive deeper into my art because I can have more meaningful conversations with my classmates and professors."
— Makenzie Hillegass, ’23
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