Carlow University vs. Cairn

Comparable Facts

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

Carlow University is larger than Cairn based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 1,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carlow University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Cairn University Langhorne is in Langhorne, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cairn University Langhorne is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carlow University 12:1; Cairn University Langhorne 11:1.

Carlow University vs. Cairn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carlow University or Cairn? 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 Carlow University than Cairn ($21,002 vs. $23,273).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cairn University Langhorne are 7.6% lower than at Carlow University ($12,753 vs. $13,808).
• Carlow University is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cairn (about $1,865 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $34,009.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.5% higher at Carlow University than at Cairn University Langhorne (about $1,865 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $34,009.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carlow University than at Cairn University Langhorne (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 31.8% larger than aid received by Cairn University Langhorne students ($28,233 vs. $21,416).

Carlow University vs. Cairn Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cairn University Langhorne (1080) is 20 points higher than at Carlow University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carlow University 960/1168; Cairn University Langhorne 1000/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carlow University - Test optional; Cairn - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Cairn (3.31).
• Cairn has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Carlow University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Carlow University vs. 45.2% at Cairn.

Carlow University vs. Cairn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carlow University and Cairn? 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 Carlow University's (51%).
• Graduates from Carlow University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Cairn graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cairn University Langhorne and Carlow University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Cairn University Langhorne and Carlow University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Cairn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carlow University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 59%)

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.