Cairn vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cairn University Langhorne in Langhorne, PA with Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Liberty University is larger than Cairn based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 1,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cairn University Langhorne is located in Langhorne, PA (Large Suburban setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Cairn University Langhorne is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cairn University Langhorne 11:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Cairn vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cairn or Liberty University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Cairn University Langhorne than Liberty University ($23,273 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cairn University Langhorne are 7.8% lower than at Liberty University ($12,753 vs. $13,835).
• Cairn University Langhorne is 51.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $11,544 more per year; $34,009.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.4% higher at Cairn than at Liberty University (about $11,544 more per year; $34,009.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Liberty University than at Cairn University Langhorne (97% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cairn University Langhorne students is 71.5% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($21,416 vs. $12,489).

Cairn vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cairn or Liberty University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Liberty University and Cairn.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Liberty University (1150) is 70 points higher than at Cairn (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cairn University Langhorne 1000/1160; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLiberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cairn - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Liberty University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Cairn (3.31).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Cairn (88.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.2% at Cairn vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Cairn vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cairn and Liberty University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Cairn University Langhorne's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Liberty University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Cairn graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $2,834 lower median loan debt than Cairn graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cairn graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More Cairn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 36%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.