Academic Comparison between Cairn and Penn State

Cairn University-Langhorne and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Cairn is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Langhorne, PA and Penn State is a four-year, public school located in University Park, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Cairn is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,188) than Cairn ($32,275).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than Cairn.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,140) than Cairn (1,140).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (26) than Cairn (26).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,028 students while Cairn has 1,031 students.
  • Cairn has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 2,994 faculties while Cairn has 44 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Cairn University-Langhornevs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Langhorne, PennsylvaniaLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$32,2752024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
92%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$19,629Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
83.96 %Acceptance Rates54.00 %
62.03 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,140SAT Score1,310
26ACT Score29
55 %Graduation Rate83 %
24 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
79 %Retention Rate91 %
1,031Student Population50,028
44Number of Faculties2,994
11 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling serviceOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services