Pfeiffer University vs. Cairn

Comparable Facts

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

Cairn University Langhorne is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (1,097 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Pfeiffer University vs. Cairn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University than Cairn ($19,660 vs. $23,273).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cairn University Langhorne are 0.8% lower than at Pfeiffer University ($12,753 vs. $12,850).
• Pfeiffer University is 3.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cairn (about $1,061 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $34,009.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.1% higher at Pfeiffer University than at Cairn University Langhorne (about $1,061 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $34,009.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at Cairn University Langhorne (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 21.2% larger than aid received by Cairn University Langhorne students ($25,951 vs. $21,416).

Pfeiffer University vs. Cairn Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cairn University Langhorne (1080) is 50 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 891/1165; Cairn University Langhorne 1000/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pfeiffer University - Test-free; Cairn - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cairn students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Cairn (88.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Pfeiffer University vs. 45.2% at Cairn.

Pfeiffer University vs. Cairn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University's (45%).
• Graduates from Pfeiffer University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Cairn graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,100 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have a $4,601 lower median loan debt than Cairn graduates ($22,399 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cairn graduates ($231 vs. $279).
• More Cairn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pfeiffer University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 56%)

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.