Carlow University vs. Cedar Crest College

Comparable Facts

Compare Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA with Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carlow University is larger than Cedar Crest College based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 1,290 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carlow University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Cedar Crest College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cedar Crest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carlow University 12:1; Cedar Crest College 9:1.

Carlow University vs. Cedar Crest College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carlow University or Cedar Crest College? 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 Cedar Crest College ($21,002 vs. $23,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedar Crest College are 2.9% lower than at Carlow University ($13,406 vs. $13,808).
• Cedar Crest College is 29.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carlow University (about $10,440 more per year; $46,314.00 vs. $35,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.1% higher at Cedar Crest College than at Carlow University (about $10,440 more per year; $46,314.00 vs. $35,874.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Carlow University as at Cedar Crest College (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cedar Crest College students is 18% larger than aid received by Carlow University students ($33,323 vs. $28,233).

Carlow University vs. Cedar Crest College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carlow University or Cedar Crest College? 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 Cedar Crest College and Carlow University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cedar Crest College (1120) is 60 points higher than at Carlow University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carlow University 960/1168; Cedar Crest College 1000/1230.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carlow University - Test optional; Cedar Crest College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Cedar Crest College (3.42).
• Carlow University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Cedar Crest College (84.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Carlow University vs. 13.5% at Cedar Crest College.

Carlow University vs. Cedar Crest College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carlow University and Cedar Crest College? 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).

• Carlow University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Cedar Crest College's (50%).
• Graduates from Cedar Crest College earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Carlow University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $41,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carlow University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Cedar Crest College graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,750).
• Among borrowers, Carlow University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cedar Crest College graduates ($279 vs. $286).
• More Cedar Crest College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carlow University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.