Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.2%
- Retention Rate
- 83.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $44,172
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,926
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $285/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $26,887 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $36,674 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $26,562 |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $28,753 | $30,437 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Outcomes Overview
Cairn graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $26,926 and earn $44,172 ten years post-graduation. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 61%, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. Monthly loan payments of $285 consume about 7.7% of typical graduate income. The 96.1% employment rate reflects strong job placement, though many graduates pursue ministry, education, and social work careers that prioritize service over high salaries. The Christian university's mission-driven focus means graduates often choose meaningful work in nonprofit sectors. While earnings lag behind business-focused schools, the combination of reasonable debt levels and high employment rates creates an average return on investment for students committed to faith-based career paths.