Cairn vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cairn University Langhorne in Langhorne, PA with Limestone University in Gaffney, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Limestone University is larger than Cairn based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 1,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cairn University Langhorne is located in Langhorne, PA (Large Suburban setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Cairn University Langhorne is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cairn University Langhorne 11:1; Limestone University 11:1.

Cairn vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cairn or Limestone 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 Limestone University than Cairn ($19,369 vs. $23,273).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 12.1% lower than at Cairn University Langhorne ($11,210 vs. $12,753).
• Cairn University Langhorne is 22.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $6,209 more per year; $34,009.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.3% higher at Cairn than at Limestone University (about $6,209 more per year; $34,009.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at Cairn University Langhorne (96% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 0.4% larger than aid received by Cairn University Langhorne students ($21,504 vs. $21,416).

Cairn vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cairn or Limestone 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 Limestone University and Cairn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cairn University Langhorne (1080) is 10 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cairn University Langhorne 1000/1160; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLimestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cairn - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Cairn (3.31).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Cairn (88.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.2% at Cairn vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

Cairn vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cairn and Limestone 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 Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Cairn graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cairn University Langhorne graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, Cairn graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($279 vs. $281).
• More Cairn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone 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.