Academic Comparison between Penn State Altoona and Cairn

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

  • Penn State Altoona is a public and Cairn is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,160) than Cairn (1,140).
  • Cairn has higher submitted ACT score (24) 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

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoonavs.Cairn University-Langhorne
Altoona, PennsylvaniaLocationLanghorne, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
2024 Tuition & Fees$32,275
71%% Receiving Financial Aid92%
$10,140Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,629
97.00 %Acceptance Rates83.96 %
11.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)62.03 %
1,160SAT Score1,140
24ACT Score26
16 %Graduation Rate55 %
47 %Transfer-out Rate24 %
77 %Retention Rate79 %
2,577Student Population1,031
202Number of Faculties44
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service