Academic Comparison between Cairn and Penn State Altoona

Cairn University-Langhorne and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona 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 Altoona is a four-year, public school located in Altoona, 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 Altoona is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Cairn has more expensive tuition & fees ($32,275) than Penn State Altoona ($26,668).
  • It is harder to admit to Cairn than Penn State Altoona.
  • Penn State Altoona has a higher submitted SAT score (1,140) than Cairn (1,140).
  • Cairn has higher submitted ACT score (26) than Penn State Altoona (24).
  • Penn State Altoona has more students with 2,577 students while Cairn has 1,031 students.
  • Cairn has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Penn State Altoona's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Penn State Altoona has more full-time faculties with 202 faculties while Cairn has 44 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Cairn University-Langhornevs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Langhorne, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie Classification
$32,2752024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
92%% Receiving Financial Aid71%
$19,629Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,140
83.96 %Acceptance Rates97.00 %
62.03 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.99 %
1,140SAT Score1,160
26ACT Score24
55 %Graduation Rate16 %
24 %Transfer-out Rate47 %
79 %Retention Rate77 %
1,031Student Population2,577
44Number of Faculties202
11 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling serviceOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services