Cairn University vs Liberty University

Cairn University-Langhorne and Liberty University, two distinct institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to their students. Cairn, a private Christian university, boasts a tight-knit community with a focus on faith-based education, while Liberty, a larger private Christian university, emphasizes academic excellence and spiritual growth. With varying acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, these universities cater to different student preferences and aspirations. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals, personal values, and desired campus environment.

	Cairn University-Langhorne	Liberty University
Overview
Location	Langhorne, Pennsylvania	Lynchburg, Virginia
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	73.0%	79.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation		Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	82.3%	99.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	509	28,448
Total number of admissions given out	419	28,244
Admitted students who chose to enroll	209	5,461
Yield rate	49.9%	19.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$44,582	$42,620
Average net price	$26,380	$27,891
Tuition	$30,345	$21,663
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,091 Meal plan: $5,330	Room/dormitory: $6,150 Meal plan: $4,560
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	95.0% Average amount $16,309	89.0% Average amount $12,431
Students receiving federal student loan	63.0% Average amount $5,441	52.0% Average amount $5,619
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $11,653	9.0% Average amount $17,351

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	844 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%	47,696 Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
Graduate students	272 Men 39.3% Women 60.7%	47,013 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	76.0%
International students	4.3%	0.7%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	464	8,222
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Business Theology Psychology Public Administration and Social Service	Education Business Health Professions Psychology Theology
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	61.2%	62.1%
Dropout rate	10.2%	30.2%
Transferred out	28.6%	5.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $39,009 Year 3: $52,235 Religion/Religious Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,083 Year 2: $28,753 Year 3: $33,899 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: N/A Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,470 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $36,674 Year 3: N/A Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,714 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: N/A	Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,316 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $91,964 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,385 Year 2: $80,964 Year 3: $87,831 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,657 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $77,205 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,410 Year 2: $72,022 Year 3: $73,900 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,556 Year 2: $51,106 Year 3: $65,313 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,731 Year 2: $62,936 Year 3: $64,580 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,576 Year 2: $57,705 Year 3: $62,807 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,423 Year 2: $57,714 Year 3: $62,225 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $40,885 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $62,169 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $58,240 Year 2: $59,895 Year 3: $61,052

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary religious affiliations of Cairn University and Liberty University?

Cairn University is a non-denominational Christian university with a strong emphasis on biblical integration in all aspects of its curriculum and campus life. Liberty University is also a Christian university, specifically Baptist, and is known for its evangelical Christian focus and its strong ties to the Baptist faith.
How do the academic programs at Cairn University and Liberty University differ?

Cairn University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on the arts, sciences, and biblical studies. It is known for its smaller class sizes and personalized attention. Liberty University provides a much broader selection of programs, including many online options, and has a larger student body. Liberty offers programs in areas like aviation, engineering, and law, which are not available at Cairn.
What is the typical campus environment like at Cairn University and Liberty University?

Cairn University has a close-knit campus environment with a strong sense of community, fostered by its smaller size. It is located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, a suburban area. Liberty University has a large, bustling campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, with a wide array of activities and a more diverse student body. Liberty's campus is known for its extensive facilities and on-campus events.
How do the tuition and financial aid options compare between Cairn University and Liberty University?

Tuition costs vary between the two universities. It's best to check the most current tuition rates on each university's website. Both universities offer financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Liberty University, due to its larger size, may have a wider range of scholarship opportunities, but Cairn University may offer more personalized financial aid counseling.
What are the student life and extracurricular activities like at Cairn University and Liberty University?

Cairn University offers a variety of student clubs, intramural sports, and campus events, though the options are more limited due to its smaller size. Liberty University has a vast array of extracurricular activities, including a wide range of clubs, sports teams (including NCAA Division I athletics), and campus ministries. Liberty's size allows for a more diverse and extensive student life experience.
What are the admission requirements for Cairn University and Liberty University?

Both universities require prospective students to submit an application, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT). However, admission requirements can vary. It's recommended to check each university's website for the most up-to-date information on application deadlines, required essays, and any specific program requirements. Liberty University generally has a higher acceptance rate due to its larger size.
How do the career services and alumni networks differ between Cairn University and Liberty University?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. Liberty University, with its larger alumni network, may offer more extensive career networking opportunities. Cairn University's smaller alumni network may provide more personalized career guidance and mentorship opportunities.
Which university is better for someone seeking a strong emphasis on biblical studies?

Both universities integrate biblical studies into their curriculum. Cairn University, with its specific focus on biblical integration, may be a better fit for students seeking a more concentrated emphasis on biblical studies and theology. Liberty University also offers strong programs in this area, but its broader academic offerings may dilute the focus for some students.
What are the main differences in campus culture and values?

Both universities are Christian institutions, but their campus cultures differ. Cairn University emphasizes a close-knit community and a focus on the arts and sciences within a Christian worldview. Liberty University has a larger, more diverse student body and a more evangelical Christian culture, with a strong emphasis on conservative values and political engagement.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

Cairn University's location in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, offers access to the Philadelphia metropolitan area, providing opportunities for internships, cultural events, and weekend trips. Liberty University's location in Lynchburg, Virginia, offers a more Southern experience, with access to outdoor recreation and a more traditional Southern culture. The location impacts the available activities and the overall feel of the student experience.

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