Catawba College vs. Pfeiffer University

Comparable Facts

Compare Catawba College in Salisbury, NC with Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Catawba College is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (1,376 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Catawba College is located in Salisbury, NC (Distant Town setting); Pfeiffer University is in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Catawba College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Catawba College 13:1; Pfeiffer University 11:1.

Catawba College vs. Pfeiffer University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Catawba College 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 Catawba College than Pfeiffer University ($18,447 vs. $19,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pfeiffer University are 5.3% lower than at Catawba College ($12,850 vs. $13,565).
• Pfeiffer University is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Catawba College (about $770 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $34,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at Pfeiffer University than at Catawba College (about $770 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $34,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Catawba College as at Pfeiffer University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Catawba College students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Pfeiffer University students ($30,808 vs. $25,951).

Catawba College vs. Pfeiffer University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Catawba College 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 Catawba College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Catawba College (1170) is 140 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming Catawba College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Pfeiffer University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 1030/1300; Pfeiffer University 891/1165.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 17/25; Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Catawba College - Test optional; Pfeiffer University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Catawba College Aug 15, 2027; Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Catawba College students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Catawba College (75.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Catawba College vs. 13.7% at Pfeiffer University.

Catawba College vs. Pfeiffer University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Catawba College 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).

• Catawba College's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Pfeiffer University's (45%).
• Graduates from Catawba College earn a median of about $900 more per year than Pfeiffer University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $41,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have a $2,601 lower median loan debt than Catawba College graduates ($22,399 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Catawba College graduates ($231 vs. $258).
• More Catawba College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pfeiffer University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.