Pfeiffer University
Pfeiffer University has an acceptance rate of 96.0%, annual tuition of $35,070, average net price of $19,076, and a national rank of #1011 (Grade B), with a 46.9% graduation rate, about 655 undergraduates, and median earnings of $57,619 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Pfeiffer University is a private nonprofit university in Misenheimer, NC. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Academically, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and 72.3% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 66.8%, roughly 16.9 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Pfeiffer University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Pfeiffer University graduates 46.9% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 72.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Pfeiffer University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $35,070 |
| Books and Supplies | $500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,850 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $45,542 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 50.8% of Pfeiffer University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $16,167 to $24,513 depending on family income. Use Pfeiffer University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,005/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,513/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $57,619
- 10-Year Median Earnings $51,562
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $26,163
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 54.6%
- Employment Rate 86.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Pfeiffer University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Pfeiffer University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Pfeiffer University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Pfeiffer University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Pfeiffer University graduates earn $57,619 median four years after graduation, -5% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 655
- Full-Time Students 97.1%
- Part-Time Students 2.9%
- Retention Rate 72.3%
- Graduation Rate 55.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Pfeiffer University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Pfeiffer University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 96.0%, Pfeiffer University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 96.0% acceptance rate, Pfeiffer University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Pfeiffer University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Public Administration and Social Service Professio draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 21.3%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 10.3%
- Public Administration and Social Service Professio 9.0%
- Psychology, General 7.1%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.8%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.5%
- Biology, General 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $67,479
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $66,499
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $39,701
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $26,744
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $86,429
- 2. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $82,325
- 3. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $56,796
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $67,479—152% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($26,744). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $86,429 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Pfeiffer University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (19 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Psychology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- History
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Education, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 655
- Full-Time Students 97.1%
- Part-Time Students 2.9%
- Male Students 55.7%
- Female Students 44.3%
- Caucasian 62.6%
- Asian 0.5%
- Hispanic 10.8%
- Black 16.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 50.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Pfeiffer University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Pfeiffer University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pfeiffer University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Pfeiffer University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: 50.8% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pfeiffer University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Pfeiffer University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Pfeiffer University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 66.8% ROI. Ranked #1011 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $19,076 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $57,619 median earnings. With 46.9% earning an award within eight years of entry and 72.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Pfeiffer University's Positioning
With a B grade and #1011 ranking, Pfeiffer University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $19,076 annually, Pfeiffer University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 72.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,353 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 66.8% ROI and $57,619 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $9,076+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Pfeiffer University ranks #1011 of 1962 institutions, with 859 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 46.9% graduation rate sits 15.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 72.3% first-year retention is 4.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 66.8% return on investment is 16.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $57,619 run about 5% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $19,076 is roughly $1,003 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 72.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.5% employment rate within three years sits 18.3 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Pfeiffer University—a private nonprofit university in Misenheimer, NC—at B overall. It stands at #1011 among 1962 schools Category results include Completion (D), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 72.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 46.9% earn an award within eight years of entry. The reported ROI is 66.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,076 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $45,542.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,466 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $26,163 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 50.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $57,619 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 5% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 86.5%.
Plan around an ROI of about 66.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
96.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Pfeiffer University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pfeiffer University's acceptance rate?
Pfeiffer University's acceptance rate is 96.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Pfeiffer University cost?
At Pfeiffer University, listed tuition and fees are $35,070 per year, and the average net price after aid is $19,076. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Pfeiffer University's ranking?
Pfeiffer University ranks #1011 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Pfeiffer University's graduation rate?
At Pfeiffer University, the graduation rate is 46.9%, and first-year retention is 72.3%.
What are Pfeiffer University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Pfeiffer University report median earnings of $57,619 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Pfeiffer University's student population?
Pfeiffer University enrolls about 655 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Misenheimer, NC 28109-0960
- Website www.pfeiffer.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$17.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate44.8%