Pfeiffer University
Pfeiffer University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Pfeiffer University at a Glance
Pfeiffer University is a private university in Misenheimer, North Carolina, United States. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
1885
141 years old
1,800
51
Identity
Is Pfeiffer University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Pfeiffer University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,562 — 4% below average — while paying $19,076/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 39% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 96% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $26,163 representing 51% 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 Pfeiffer University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Pfeiffer University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #43 of 87 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 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Monmouth College | 46 | $17,133 | $51,110 |
| #43 | Pfeiffer University | 26 | $19,076 | $51,562 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Pfeiffer University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in NC.
Best Programs at Pfeiffer University
The highest-earning program at Pfeiffer University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $40,500/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Pfeiffer University earns $40,500, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $40,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $24,990 in median debt vs. $24,990 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,076/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 | $40,500 | $40,500 | $24,990 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Misenheimer, NC
- Student Body
- 655 students
- Admission Rate
- 96%
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,076
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,562
- Median Student Debt
- $26,163