About Pfeiffer University
Pfeiffer University builds careers in health sciences and education for its 654 students. This Methodist institution has specialized in preparing nurses, teachers, and healthcare professionals since 1885. The rural North Carolina campus attracts students who want close faculty relationships and hands-on learning opportunities. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than ID number.
Students pay an average net price of $21,953 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $46,950. Graduates earn a median of $51,562 ten years after leaving school. The typical monthly loan payment of $277 represents a manageable debt load given those earning outcomes. Over 55% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to first-generation college students.
The Falcons compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 391 student-athletes participating. Nearly 40% of students graduate in four years, though the 68% retention rate suggests some struggle with the academic transition. The student body draws heavily from North Carolina, with 83% of students coming from in-state. Campus housing accommodates 593 students, creating a tight-knit residential community where Methodist values influence daily life.
Students pay an average net price of $21,953 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $46,950. Graduates earn a median of $51,562 ten years after leaving school. The typical monthly loan payment of $277 represents a manageable debt load given those earning outcomes. Over 55% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to first-generation college students.
The Falcons compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 391 student-athletes participating. Nearly 40% of students graduate in four years, though the 68% retention rate suggests some struggle with the academic transition. The student body draws heavily from North Carolina, with 83% of students coming from in-state. Campus housing accommodates 593 students, creating a tight-knit residential community where Methodist values influence daily life.
Academics & Faculty
Pfeiffer operates as a small Methodist university with particularly strong health sciences and education programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring relationships, though the 42.6% six-year graduation rate suggests students face real challenges completing their degrees. The university's health science programs, including nursing and physician assistant studies, have built solid regional reputations among healthcare employers. Education majors benefit from extensive field experience in local school districts. With just 654 students total, every program feels intimate and professors know students by name. The Methodist foundation emphasizes service learning, connecting academic work to community needs throughout rural North Carolina.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 44.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.6%
- Retention Rate
- 67.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,562
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $70,176 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Master | $67,660 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,984 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,312 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $38,289 |
Campus Life
With 654 students on a rural campus in the North Carolina Piedmont, Pfeiffer feels intimate and tight-knit. The campus sits about 45 minutes northeast of Charlotte, giving students access to internships and jobs while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. Nearly 91% of students can live on campus with housing for 593, creating a residential community where most undergraduates know each other by name.
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors recognize you in the dining hall and remember your research interests. North Carolina's mild climate requires a light jacket for winter but plenty of sunscreen for humid summers. With 391 student-athletes across 19 Division III sports, Falcons games draw campus crowds on weekends. The Methodist heritage shows in campus traditions and community service emphasis, though students of all backgrounds attend. Weekend activities center on campus events, outdoor recreation in the surrounding Piedmont region, or trips to Charlotte for shopping and nightlife. The close-knit environment means campus organizations and Greek life play major roles in social life.
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors recognize you in the dining hall and remember your research interests. North Carolina's mild climate requires a light jacket for winter but plenty of sunscreen for humid summers. With 391 student-athletes across 19 Division III sports, Falcons games draw campus crowds on weekends. The Methodist heritage shows in campus traditions and community service emphasis, though students of all backgrounds attend. Weekend activities center on campus events, outdoor recreation in the surrounding Piedmont region, or trips to Charlotte for shopping and nightlife. The close-knit environment means campus organizations and Greek life play major roles in social life.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 593 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1885
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–50°F
- July Avg
- 69°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.8"
Student Demographics
Students at this small Methodist university come primarily from North Carolina, with 83% choosing to stay close to home. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, reflecting the school's balanced programs in health sciences and education. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Pfeiffer's commitment to serving working-class families. The diverse mix includes significant African American and Hispanic populations alongside white students. These demographics align with the university's Methodist values of accessibility and community service, drawing students who want personal attention while staying connected to their North Carolina roots.
- Men
- 52.3%
- Women
- 47.7%
- White
- 59.3%
- Black
- 20.6%
- Hispanic
- 10.9%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 83.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 55.6%
Location
Pfeiffer University sits in Misenheimer, North Carolina, a small rural community about 45 minutes northeast of Charlotte. The campus serves 654 students in the heart of the Carolina Piedmont region. Misenheimer borders Lake Tillery and offers a quiet, close-knit atmosphere typical of small Southern towns. The rural-fringe setting means students experience genuine small-town life while remaining within driving distance of Charlotte's urban opportunities. The surrounding area features rolling hills, pine forests, and several small lakes that define the North Carolina countryside. About 83% of students come from within North Carolina, reflecting the university's strong regional ties. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Pfeiffer University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Misenheimer, North Carolina 28109-0960
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,562
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,277
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $277/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,163
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pfeiffer University?
Pfeiffer University accepts 69.05% of applicants with an average ACT score of 18. This Methodist institution provides accessible entry to students seeking a small-college experience in rural North Carolina.
How much does Pfeiffer University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $21,953, lower than the sticker price of $46,950. Over 55% of students receive financial aid, with the university offering substantial support to make education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pfeiffer University?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 with total enrollment of 654 students. This small Methodist university emphasizes personalized attention and close relationships between students and professors.
What are the graduation outcomes at Pfeiffer University?
The six-year graduation rate is 42.60% with graduates earning a median salary of $51,562 ten years after graduation. The university maintains strong programs in health sciences and education that prepare students for stable careers.
Where is Pfeiffer University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Misenheimer, North Carolina, with housing capacity for 593 students. About 83% of students come from in-state, creating a close-knit community atmosphere typical of small Methodist colleges.
Does Pfeiffer University offer athletic scholarships?
Pfeiffer University offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution with 19 varsity sports. The 391 student-athletes compete in the USA South Athletic Conference, focusing on the student-athlete experience rather than athletic funding.
