Pfeiffer University vs. Carlow University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC with Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carlow University is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pfeiffer University is located in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting); Carlow University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pfeiffer University 11:1; Carlow University 12:1.

Pfeiffer University vs. Carlow University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pfeiffer University or Carlow 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 Pfeiffer University than Carlow University ($19,660 vs. $21,002).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pfeiffer University are 6.9% lower than at Carlow University ($12,850 vs. $13,808).
• Carlow University is 2.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pfeiffer University (about $804 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $35,070.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.3% higher at Carlow University than at Pfeiffer University (about $804 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $35,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at Carlow University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 8.8% larger than aid received by Pfeiffer University students ($28,233 vs. $25,951).

Pfeiffer University vs. Carlow University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pfeiffer University or Carlow 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 Carlow University and Pfeiffer University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carlow University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 891/1165; Carlow University 960/1168.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pfeiffer University - Test-free; Carlow University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Carlow University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Pfeiffer University vs. 15.7% at Carlow University.

Pfeiffer University vs. Carlow University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pfeiffer University and Carlow 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).

• Carlow University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Pfeiffer University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carlow University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Pfeiffer University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $41,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have a $4,601 lower median loan debt than Carlow University graduates ($22,399 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carlow University graduates ($231 vs. $279).
• More Carlow University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pfeiffer University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.