Skip to content
Private nonprofit, 4-year

Pfeiffer University

Misenheimer, North Carolina · www.pfeiffer.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

96.0%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$35,070

$47,920 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

696

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

30.3%

4-year; 6-year rate 34.3%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Pfeiffer University, located in Misenheimer, North Carolina, is a private liberal arts institution that has been dedicated to providing a holistic educational experience since its founding in 1885. The university is known for its strong commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and service to others, which is reflected in its motto, "To Know and to Love." Pfeiffer emphasizes a personalized education by maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for meaningful interactions between students and professors. The faculty comprises dedicated professionals who are not only experts in their fields but also actively engage in mentorship, fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

The university's campus is characterized by a vibrant community atmosphere and a range of facilities that support student life and learning. Pfeiffer offers various recreational and athletic programs, encouraging students to participate in sports and physical fitness as part of a balanced lifestyle. The university's commitment to community service is evident in its numerous outreach programs and partnerships that enable students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Graduates of Pfeiffer University find success in diverse fields, thanks to the university's emphasis on practical experience and career readiness. The supportive environment, combined with a strong liberal arts education, prepares students to become thoughtful leaders in their communities and beyond.

Analysis of Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates at Pfeiffer University

Pfeiffer University, a private institution, has experienced notable trends in tuition fees, enrollment numbers, and graduation rates over the past decade. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $24,150 in 2014 to $33,290 in 2023, reflecting a rise of approximately 38%. This trend is indicative of the broader national pattern where higher education costs continue to escalate, placing a financial burden on students and their families.

Simultaneously, the student enrollment figures have shown a concerning decline. The number of undergraduate students dropped from 980 in 2013 to just 683 in 2023, representing a significant decrease of over 30%. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including rising tuition costs, changing demographics, and competition from other institutions. The reduction in student numbers could potentially impact the university's financial stability and its ability to maintain diverse academic programs.

Moreover, graduation rates also present a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students hovered around 33% to 37% in recent years, with a slight decline to 33% in 2023. While the 150% graduation rate has remained relatively stable, hovering around 43%, the challenges of timely graduation highlight the need for improved academic support and retention strategies.

Lastly, the retention rate of undergraduate students shows fluctuations, with a notable dip to approximately 58.8% in 2020 but rebounding to around 61.4% in 2023. This inconsistency suggests that while the university has made efforts to retain students, ongoing challenges remain that could deter student persistence.

Overall, Pfeiffer University must address the rising costs of tuition while enhancing student support services to reverse the downward trends in enrollment and graduation rates. Maintaining a competitive edge in the higher education landscape will require strategic planning and a focus on affordability and student success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, near a city
Nearest major city
Charlotte, about 35 mi
Nearest international airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 40 mi
Misenheimer, North Carolina
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
United Methodist
President
Scott Bullard, Ph.D. (President)
Phone
7044631360
City
Misenheimer, North Carolina
Address
48380 US Hwy 52N, Misenheimer, NC 28109-0960

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
96.0%
Women
96.0%

In 2020: men 61.3%, women 65.1%.

Data insights

Analysis of Pfeiffer University's Admission Trends

The admission data for Pfeiffer University over the years reveals significant fluctuations in acceptance rates and enrollment numbers. In 2009, the university had a relatively high acceptance rate for males at 68.39% and 73.91% for females, with 582 students enrolling. However, as the years progressed, a notable decline in acceptance rates can be observed, particularly around 2016 when the male acceptance rate plummeted to 46.99% and the female rate to 46.20%. This trend continued, culminating in 2017, where acceptance rates fell to alarming lows of 44.16% for males and 44.12% for females.
Interestingly, from 2018 onwards, there was a resurgence in acceptance rates, with male acceptance reaching 63.33% and female acceptance at 68.43% in 2018. This recovery in acceptance rates could indicate a strategic shift in the university's admission policies or perhaps a response to external factors affecting student interest and enrollment.
The number of students denied admission also saw significant variation, peaking in 2016 with 870 denials. This might suggest a highly competitive admission process or possibly a decrease in the number of applications received during that period. Additionally, the number of deferred applications has remained relatively high, indicating that many students are still interested in the university but may not be ready to commit immediately.
Overall, Pfeiffer University's admission trends reflect broader patterns seen in many colleges, where fluctuating acceptance rates can be attributed to both internal policy changes and external pressures within the higher education landscape. As the university navigates these changes, it will be crucial to maintain a balance between attracting a diverse student body and upholding academic standards.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Health Specialty1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Analysis of Pfeiffer University's Admission Test Scores Over the Years

The admission data from Pfeiffer University reveals notable trends over the past years, particularly regarding standardized test submissions and scores. Initially, in 2007, a significant majority of admitted students submitted their SAT scores, with a participation rate of 91%. This trend, however, began to decline sharply, reaching as low as 2% in 2023 for SAT submissions. This decrease could be reflective of a broader trend in higher education where many institutions are adopting test-optional policies, thus diminishing the emphasis on standardized testing as a critical component of the application process.

The scores themselves have shown fluctuations, with the 25th percentile for SAT reading starting at 410 in 2007 and rising to 448 by 2023. This indicates an overall improvement in the academic preparedness of incoming students, although the decline in submission rates raises questions about the representativeness of these scores. The 75th percentile scores also show an upward trend, suggesting that those students who do submit their scores are performing better over time.

Interestingly, the ACT participation has also experienced a downturn, with only 2% of students submitting their scores in 2023. This raises concerns about the accessibility and impact of standardized testing in the admissions process. As universities pivot towards a more holistic review of applicants, it will be essential to monitor how these changes influence not only the demographics of admitted students but also their academic success and retention rates over subsequent years.

In conclusion, while the quality of admitted students appears to improve, the declining submission rates for standardized tests highlight a significant shift in the admissions landscape that could reshape how academic potential is evaluated in the future.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 10 in 10

1,538 applicants in 2025, 96.0% admitted

1,477 admitted 61 not admitted Yield 13.7%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's1465 international (3.4%)
Master's746 international (8.1%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
21
Business Administration and Management, General
15
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
15
Psychology, General
14
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
13
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
13
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
10
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
10
Computer and Information Sciences, General
8
Education, General
6

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Occupational Therapy/Therapist · Master's21 (0% international)
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management · Master's16 (0% international)
  • Organizational Leadership · Master's15 (20% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's14 (21% international)
  • Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling · Master's5 (0% international)
  • Teacher Education, Multiple Levels · Master's3 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Pfeiffer University

The graduation data from Pfeiffer University reveals significant trends in the fields of study, particularly in health-related programs. Notably, the Physician Assistant program stands out with 33 graduates at the master's level, indicating a strong demand for professionals in healthcare. This aligns with national trends where the healthcare sector continues to grow, driven by an aging population and increasing healthcare needs.

Another prominent area is Registered Nursing, which produced 16 graduates. The emphasis on nursing aligns with recent initiatives to bolster healthcare services, especially in light of the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare systems globally. The data also reflects a complete absence of international students graduating from most programs, which may suggest a focus on domestic enrollment or potential barriers for international candidates.

The business administration domain shows a modest number of graduates, particularly in organizational leadership and general business management, with 15 and 7 graduates respectively. However, this is less compared to the healthcare programs, indicating a possible area for growth.

Moreover, programs in criminal justice and psychology also show a healthy number of graduates (14 and 11 respectively), reflecting societal interests and career opportunities in these fields.

Overall, the data presents a snapshot of Pfeiffer University's strengths in healthcare education, while also highlighting the potential for expanding international student enrollment and diversifying program offerings in business and arts disciplines. As the job market evolves, so too should the university's academic strategies to meet future workforce demands effectively.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 63 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.$84,378
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling.$47,780
Occupational Therapy/Therapist.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$75,333
Businesshas 49 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$41,525-$83,564
Organizational Leadership.$41,525-$83,564
Accounting.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 41 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.$35,958
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$35,958
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$35,958
Educationhas 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Education, General.$43,731
Special Education and Teaching, General.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.-
Biology Teacher Education.-
Psychology has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.-
Homeland security has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Biologyhas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Public administrationhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other.-
Communication has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Communication, General.-
Natural resources has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Environmental Science.-
History has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Philosophy has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Religion/Religious Studies.-
Visual and Performing artshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Graphic Design.-
English has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-

Students

889 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 55:45 · Freshman retention 72.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (696)

White
420 · 60.3%
Black
138 · 19.8%
Hispanic
71 · 10.2%
Two or more races
30 · 4.3%
International
22 · 3.2%
Asian
5 · 0.7%
Unknown
5 · 0.7%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.7%
18–19
48.6%
20–21
31.2%
22–24
9.3%
25 and over
10.2%

Graduate students

Under 22
4.7%
22–24
36.3%
25–29
29.5%
30–34
9.8%
35 and over
19.7%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Pfeiffer University in 2023

The student body at Pfeiffer University in 2023 showcases a diverse mix of undergraduate and graduate students. Among the undergraduate newcomers, 165 students have enrolled, with a notable male representation of 59.4% and female representation of 40.6%. This indicates a healthy gender balance, though there is still a higher number of male students in this category.

In contrast, the continuing undergraduate students, numbering 460, present a different gender dynamic with males making up only 41.5% and females 58.5%. This shift may reflect a growing trend in higher education, where female students increasingly outnumber their male counterparts in undergraduate studies, particularly in liberal arts and social sciences.

For the transfer students, there are 58 individuals, predominantly male at 56.9%. This indicates that male transfer students are actively seeking opportunities to continue their education at Pfeiffer, which may align with broader national trends of male students transferring at higher rates than females.

The graduate student population, totaling 393, is significantly skewed towards females, with only 23.7% being male. This aligns with national trends where women are earning advanced degrees at a higher rate than men.

The breakdown of racial and ethnic diversity among these groups illustrates varying representation, particularly among white students, who remain a significant demographic across all categories. As Pfeiffer University continues to evolve, it will be essential to address these dynamics and foster an inclusive environment that supports all student populations effectively.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Pfeiffer University

The age distribution of students at Pfeiffer University reveals interesting insights into the demographics of the student body. The majority of undergraduate students fall within the 18-21 age range, accounting for approximately 65% of the total undergraduate population. Specifically, the 18-19 age group shows a strong presence with 138 male and 171 female students, highlighting a vibrant freshman and sophomore cohort.

As students age, there is a noticeable drop in numbers, particularly in the 22-24 age range, where the total drops to 167 students. This decline continues into the 25-29 age group, where the total is only 137 students. The data suggests that as students progress in their academic journey, fewer remain on campus, possibly indicating a shift towards part-time studies or online education as they balance other responsibilities.

Interestingly, the graduate student population shows a different trend. While the numbers are lower overall, there is a notable representation of older students, particularly in the 25-34 age range. This could reflect a growing trend of adults returning to education later in life, seeking advanced degrees to enhance their careers or shift professional paths.

In addition, the higher number of female students compared to male students across various age categories reflects broader trends in higher education, where female enrollment has surpassed that of males in many institutions. This might point towards evolving societal norms and increased female participation in higher education.

Overall, Pfeiffer University showcases a diverse student age composition that reflects both traditional college-age students and older adults pursuing further education, highlighting the institution's role in catering to a wide range of educational needs.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates3.2%

22 in 2025 · 5.8% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 5.8%2017: 4.8%2018: 2.0%2019: 1.4%2020: 1.2%2021: 0.9%2022: 1.6%2023: 2.2%2024: 2.8%2025: 3.2%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students4.1%

8 in 2025 · 3.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.3%2017: 3.5%2018: 2.6%2019: 3.7%2020: 3.2%2021: 2.9%2022: 2.4%2023: 1.5%2024: 2.7%2025: 4.1%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Pfeiffer University

The data on international students at Pfeiffer University over the years reveals a concerning trend of declining enrollment in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Starting in 2004, the percentage of international students among undergraduates was about 5.22%, with a peak of 8.34% in the graduate programs. However, by 2023, the undergraduate international student percentage has dropped to a mere 2.20%, while graduate enrollment has decreased to 1.53%.

This significant decline can be attributed to several factors, including increasing competition among U.S. universities to attract international students, changes in visa policies, and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted education systems worldwide. The sharp drop in 2021, with only 0.86% of undergraduates being international students, illustrates the impact of the pandemic on global mobility.

The overall decrease in total student enrollment at Pfeiffer University compounds the issue, suggesting a need for strategic initiatives to revive international interest. The decline in diversity within the student body may limit the cultural exchange that enhances the educational experience for all students. As universities increasingly recognize the value of a diverse student population, Pfeiffer University's current trajectory raises concerns about its competitiveness and appeal in the global education market.

In light of these trends, Pfeiffer University may need to reassess its recruitment strategies, possibly enhancing outreach efforts in regions that have historically contributed a significant number of international students.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$47,920

Undergraduate tuition
$35,070
Room and board
$12,850
Graduate tuition
$12,240
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 29% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 22%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$25.7M

Tuition and fees
$11.6M45.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.1M19.7%
Gifts and private grants
$4.8M18.9%
Investment return
$2.4M9.2%
Government grants and contracts
$533K2.1%
Other
$1.3M5.0%

Expenses$29.7M

Instruction
$11.6M39.0%
Student services
$5.4M18.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$4.7M15.7%
Institutional support
$4.1M13.7%
Academic support
$2.7M8.9%
Other
$1.3M4.3%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$69,613peers $68,006
Professor
$82,081peers $78,041
Associate professor
$70,812peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$63,599peers $63,827

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · USA South Athletic Conference

USA South Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)11953
Basketball8213
Baseball81-
Soccer5021
Lacrosse5713
Softball-28
Tennis1611
Golf149
Volleyball-21
2024
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Lacrosse5916
Basketball5514
Baseball49-
Soccer3211
Track and Field (Indoor)2515
Track and Field (Outdoor)2515
Tennis169
Golf129
Softball-19
Cross Country118
Volleyball-16
2023
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Lacrosse5216
Soccer3718
Basketball4014
Baseball51-
Track and Field (Outdoor)2816
Track and Field (Indoor)2013
Softball-25
Tennis149
Volleyball-18
Golf98
Cross Country87
Swimming-7

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools around Pfeiffer University:

  1. Duke University - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, Duke University is a prestigious private university located in Durham, North Carolina. It is known for its strong research programs, competitive athletics, and beautiful campus.

  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - This public university is ranked 22nd and is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is renowned for its research initiatives.

  3. Wake Forest University - Ranked 47th, this private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is known for its liberal arts education and strong emphasis on student-faculty collaboration.

  4. Elon University - With a rank of 133, Elon University offers a vibrant campus life and a commitment to experiential learning, making it a popular choice for students seeking a holistic education.

  5. Davidson College - Ranked 16th, Davidson is a highly regarded liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on honor and integrity.

  6. University of North Carolina at Charlotte - This public research university is ranked 178th and offers a diverse selection of undergraduate and graduate programs, contributing significantly to the local economy and community.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
4
Drug arrests
4
Drug referrals
4
Liquor referrals
3
Dating violence
1
Stalking
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Pfeiffer University

The crime statistics from Pfeiffer University over the years reveal an interesting trend in campus safety. Starting from 2013, the average number of crimes reported per 1,000 students stood at a significant 20.84, which indicates a concerning environment for students. However, as we move through the years, there is a noticeable decline in the crime rate, reaching an all-time low of 8.74 in 2023. This decline is an encouraging sign, reflecting possibly improved campus safety measures and a greater focus on creating a secure environment for students.

Particularly noteworthy is the reduction in serious offenses such as armed arrests and drug-related incidents. The data suggests that while incidents of domestic violence and stalking have occurred, their frequency appears to be decreasing, which aligns with a broader trend in many educational institutions focusing on mental health and safety resources. The university's commitment to addressing these issues is crucial in fostering a safe learning environment.

It's also important to consider how external factors, such as community engagement and law enforcement efforts, may have contributed to this decline. The statistics should be interpreted with an understanding of the broader socio-economic context that influences crime rates in educational settings. Overall, while there is still work to be done, the downward trend in crime rates at Pfeiffer University is a positive indicator for current and prospective students regarding their safety on campus.

For more information on how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Pfeiffer University include Susan Abulhawa (Palestinian-American writer and activist), Antonio Harvey (Former NBA basketball player) and Santi Moar (Spanish footballer who plays as a forward).

More alumni (2, by field)

Sports

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.