Cairn University-Langhorne
Cairn University-Langhorne — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Cairn University-Langhorne at a Glance
Cairn University is a private Christian university in Langhorne Manor and Middletown Township, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1913, the university has six schools and departments: Business, Counseling, Divinity, Education, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Music. All students take a minimum of 30 semester hours of Bible classes.
1913
113 years old
1,558
707 undergrad · 351 grad
124
96 acres
Identity
Is Cairn University-Langhorne Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Cairn University-Langhorne is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,172 — 18% below average — while paying $27,642/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.5-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 62% graduation rate means roughly 38% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $26,926 representing 61% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Cairn University-Langhorne has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Cairn University-Langhorne compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #58 of 116 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #6 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #58 | Cairn University-Langhorne | 25 | $27,642 | $44,172 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Cairn University-Langhorne's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in PA.
Best Programs at Cairn University-Langhorne
The highest-earning program at Cairn University-Langhorne is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $34,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Religion/Religious Studies at $28,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Cairn University-Langhorne earns $34,300, while a Religion/Religious Studies graduate earns $28,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,642/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,300 | $34,300 | N/A |
| Religion/Religious Studies | $28,500 | $28,500 | $28,875 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Langhorne, PA
- Student Body
- 775 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 62%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,642
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,172
- Median Student Debt
- $26,926