At $29,577/yr net price, Cairn University-Langhorne graduates earn $44,172/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,172/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,577 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $118,308 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,172/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,172/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,926 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,409/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,083/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,663/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,409/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,037/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
65.2% of students at Cairn University-Langhorne graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Cairn University-Langhorne is a hard financial bet. Your median earnings ten years out land below what a full four years here costs, and the highest-paying major on offer still leaves you short of the yearly net price. This is a school built around ministry, education, and social work, and none of those fields pay enough to cover what you borrow to enter them.
Business Administration is the only bachelor's program here that clears $39k, and it still carries nearly $27k in debt. Teacher education in specific subject areas comes next, then social work at roughly $33k. The bottom of the list is grim: religious studies graduates earn under $29k while carrying the highest debt load of any program at over $30k, and one teacher-preparation track pays just above $25k. If you take on that religion debt, you are borrowing more than you will make in your first year out.
The specific risk here is that Cairn's mission-driven fields have low ceilings. You are not underpaid because you picked wrong. the pay is low because pastoral work, teaching, and social work in this region pay what they pay. The 65% graduation rate adds a second problem: leave without the degree and you keep the debt with none of the earnings.
The net price barely moves with income. Families under $30k pay about $24k, and even that discount leaves a heavy bill for a $44k earnings outcome. Above $110k you pay over $32k. There is no income tier where this becomes cheap.
Cairn fits you if a Christian education and a calling to ministry, teaching, or social work matter more to you than the paycheck, and you can limit borrowing. If you need the degree to pay for itself, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cairn University-Langhorne worth the cost?
With graduates earning $44,172 ten years after enrollment and typical debt around $27,000, Cairn offers modest returns compared to its $30,000 annual cost. The 65% graduation rate means one-third of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who leave with debt but no degree.
What are the highest paying majors at Cairn University-Langhorne?
Student counseling graduates earn the most at $42,682, followed by business majors at $39,009. Education and social work programs lead to lower salaries in the $33,000-$37,000 range, while religious studies graduates average just $28,753.
How much student debt do Cairn University-Langhorne graduates have?
The median debt is $26,926, which is manageable given the typical graduate salary of $44,172. However, students in lower-paying programs like religious studies may struggle with loan payments relative to their earnings.
Does Cairn University-Langhorne provide good financial aid?
The net price of $29,577 suggests limited financial aid given the school's relatively high sticker price. With an 81% acceptance rate, Cairn is not selective enough to offer substantial merit aid to most students.