ASU vs. Pfeiffer University

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Appalachian State University is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Pfeiffer University is in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Pfeiffer University 11:1.

ASU vs. Pfeiffer University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or Pfeiffer University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Appalachian State University than Pfeiffer University ($14,978 vs. $19,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pfeiffer University are 0.1% lower than at Appalachian State University ($12,850 vs. $12,868).
• Pfeiffer University is 362.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $27,491 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.1% higher at Pfeiffer University than at Appalachian State University (about $9,858 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at Appalachian State University (100% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 223.8% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($25,951 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. Pfeiffer University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or Pfeiffer University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Pfeiffer University and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 170 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming ASU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Pfeiffer University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Pfeiffer University 891/1165.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; Pfeiffer University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027; Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.78 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than ASU (90.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 13.7% at Pfeiffer University.

ASU vs. Pfeiffer University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and Pfeiffer University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Pfeiffer University's (45%).
• Graduates from Appalachian State University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Pfeiffer University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $41,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $1,899 lower median loan debt than Pfeiffer University graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,399).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pfeiffer University graduates ($211 vs. $231).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pfeiffer University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.