Cairn Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Cairn is 83.6%.  Its admission rate is the 66th lowest in Pennsylvania.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Cairn and can you get accepted?

Cairn University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 422 out of the 505 who applied were admitted.

Cairn University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.31. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. Of those applicants who were admitted, 62% enrolled. This indicates that the school is a top choice for many students who apply.

Can you get into Cairn?

84% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Cairn University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.31 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1160 on the SAT
• Score 25 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top half of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Cairn University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Cairn are to have around a 3.31 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.31 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Cairn accepts 84% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Cairn is 3.31 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #81 in Pennsylvania for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Cairn is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.3 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Cairn University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 24% of students submitted SAT scores and 3% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Cairn University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Cairn is 1160 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1050-1260. Students who get into Cairn University score in the top 51 percent of all SAT test takers..  Cairn ranks #60 in the state of Pennsylvania for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1160 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Cairn regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1050 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1050, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 940, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Cairn University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1160 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1155, you have around a 84% chance of being admitted. A 1260 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 91% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Cairn?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Cairn is 25, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 23 and 27.  The school ranks #41 in Pennsylvania for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 25. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 23 and score in the score in the top 32 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 21.

3 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Cairn University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Cairn University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Cairn for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 25 score has around 84% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 91% with a 27 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

58% of Cairn University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 36% are in the top quarter.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Cairn University is $25.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Cairn University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Cairn University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.31 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1160 and ACT of 25 will almost guarantee your admission.