About Cairn University-Langhorne
This small Christian university builds character alongside careers for its 782 students in suburban Philadelphia. Cairn emphasizes biblical worldview integration across all academic programs, from business to education to social work. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight mentoring relationships that extend well beyond graduation. Students appreciate the personal attention and faith-centered community that defines campus culture.
The average student pays $29,577 after financial aid, with 30% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $44,172 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $26,926. Monthly loan payments average $285, which is manageable given the strong 96% employment rate. The financial picture works better for students seeking ministry or education careers rather than high-salary fields.
Campus life revolves around 13 NCAA Division III sports teams called the Highlanders, with 214 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 83% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the close-knit community. Housing accommodates 479 students, creating a residential experience where faith and friendship intersect. The 65% six-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete degrees, but most eventually cross the finish line.
The average student pays $29,577 after financial aid, with 30% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $44,172 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $26,926. Monthly loan payments average $285, which is manageable given the strong 96% employment rate. The financial picture works better for students seeking ministry or education careers rather than high-salary fields.
Campus life revolves around 13 NCAA Division III sports teams called the Highlanders, with 214 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 83% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the close-knit community. Housing accommodates 479 students, creating a residential experience where faith and friendship intersect. The 65% six-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete degrees, but most eventually cross the finish line.
Academics & Faculty
Cairn University operates as a Christian liberal arts institution where faith integration shapes every academic program. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally and provide extensive mentoring. With a 65% six-year graduation rate, the university demonstrates solid academic support, though students need to stay engaged to succeed. Cairn is particularly known for its education, business, and biblical studies programs, preparing graduates for careers in teaching, ministry, and nonprofit work. The semester calendar allows for deep dive courses, and the Christian worldview approach means students examine their chosen fields through both academic and theological lenses.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.2%
- Retention Rate
- 83.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,172
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,682 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $36,674 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $28,753 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
This Christian university sits in suburban Philadelphia, just 25 miles from Center City. Winter coats are essential as Pennsylvania temperatures drop into the 30s during the coldest months. About 60% of the 782 students live on campus in residence halls that house up to 479 students. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name.
Weekend life revolves around the tight-knit Christian community and Highlanders athletics. Students attend NCAA Division III games supporting 13 varsity teams with 214 total athletes competing in the United East Conference. Chapel services and faith-based activities anchor campus culture. Philadelphia offers endless weekend options for concerts, museums, and professional sports when students want city experiences. The suburban setting provides a quieter study environment while keeping urban opportunities accessible by train or car. Students often gather in residence halls or participate in intramural activities. The 83.74% retention rate suggests most students find their community here and choose to stay.
Weekend life revolves around the tight-knit Christian community and Highlanders athletics. Students attend NCAA Division III games supporting 13 varsity teams with 214 total athletes competing in the United East Conference. Chapel services and faith-based activities anchor campus culture. Philadelphia offers endless weekend options for concerts, museums, and professional sports when students want city experiences. The suburban setting provides a quieter study environment while keeping urban opportunities accessible by train or car. Students often gather in residence halls or participate in intramural activities. The 83.74% retention rate suggests most students find their community here and choose to stay.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 479 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–38°F
- July Avg
- 66°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
This Christian university draws primarily from Pennsylvania and the broader Mid-Atlantic region, with 55% of students coming from in-state. The student body is roughly evenly split between men and women, reflecting balanced program offerings across disciplines. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves a significant population of lower-income families seeking affordable Christian higher education. The campus attracts students who want a faith-based education close to home, with many choosing Cairn for its biblical worldview integration and small-class environment in suburban Philadelphia.
- Men
- 49.9%
- Women
- 50.1%
- White
- 61.1%
- Black
- 7.8%
- Hispanic
- 3.3%
- Asian
- 3.7%
- In-State Students
- 55.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.2%
Location
Cairn University sits in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, roughly 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia. The suburban setting offers easy access to one of America's major metropolitan areas while maintaining a quieter campus environment. Bucks County provides a mix of historic towns, shopping centers, and green spaces typical of the greater Philadelphia region. Students can reach Center City Philadelphia in about an hour by car or public transit. The area attracts families and professionals who want proximity to urban opportunities without city living. With 55.35% of students coming from Pennsylvania, many appreciate staying close to home while attending college. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Cairn University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Langhorne, Pennsylvania 19047-2990
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,172
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,180
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $285/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,926
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Cairn University-Langhorne?
Cairn University-Langhorne accepts 80.98% of applicants, making it moderately selective. This Christian university in suburban Philadelphia maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio across its small community of 782 students.
How much does Cairn University-Langhorne cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $29,577 annually after aid at Cairn University-Langhorne. The university provides institutional grants averaging $18,376 to about 25% of students, helping offset the $32,625 tuition cost.
Does Cairn University-Langhorne have strong graduation rates?
Cairn University-Langhorne graduates 65.20% of students within six years and maintains an 83.74% retention rate. The university's Christian liberal arts focus emphasizes close mentorship relationships that support student persistence through graduation.
What do graduates of Cairn University-Langhorne earn after college?
Cairn University-Langhorne graduates earn a median salary of $44,172 ten years after graduation. The university's employment rate reaches 96.1%, reflecting strong career preparation despite graduates carrying median debt of $26,926.
Where do students live at Cairn University-Langhorne?
Cairn University-Langhorne houses 479 students on its suburban campus near Philadelphia. The close-knit residential community reflects the university's emphasis on Christian fellowship and spiritual development alongside academics.
What sports programs does Cairn University-Langhorne offer?
Cairn University-Langhorne fields 13 varsity sports teams competing as the Highlanders in NCAA Division III. The athletic program involves 214 student-athletes in the United East Conference without offering athletic scholarships.
