Cairn University: A Legacy of Christian Higher Education and Notable Alumni
Cairn University, an institution with a rich heritage spanning over a century, has evolved from its origins as a Bible institute to a comprehensive university offering a wide array of academic programs. Originally founded as the "Bible Institute of Philadelphia" in 1913, Cairn University has consistently upheld its commitment to Christian education while adapting to the changing needs of its students and the broader world.
Historical Overview
The university's journey began with W. W. Rugh, who established the "Bible Institute of Philadelphia" as an extension of the National Bible Institute of New York. Simultaneously, C. I. Scofield and William L. Pettingill, prominent Bible teachers, co-founded "Philadelphia School of the Bible." Both institutions focused on training individuals in the Scriptures for service within their churches and communities.
In 1951, the two schools merged to form "Philadelphia Bible Institute" (PBI), offering a three-year Bible diploma. The institution gained approval to offer a four-year program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Bible degree in 1958, and subsequently changed its name to "Philadelphia College of Bible" (PCB). PCB distinguished itself by developing a rigorous core of biblical studies and liberal arts courses, earning accreditation from the Middle States Association in 1967. This recognition placed PCB among a select few Bible colleges in the nation with such regional accreditation.
PCB further expanded its academic offerings by introducing Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Social Work degrees, paving the way for a series of programs in various professional fields. This evolution set PCB apart from traditional Bible colleges, as graduates were now prepared for careers beyond vocational ministry within the church.
In 1979, the College relocated from Center City Philadelphia to Langhorne, Pennsylvania, in Bucks County. Additional bachelor's degrees in Education and Business Administration were developed, along with graduate-level programs in Biblical Studies, Counseling, Education, Educational Leadership and Administration, Organizational Leadership, and a Master of Divinity. In 2000, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania granted approval for university status, and the institution became Philadelphia Biblical University (PBU).
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Recognizing the need to broaden its appeal and overcome the perception of a narrow vocational focus, the University’s Board of Trustees voted to change the name of the institution to Cairn University in 2012. Today, Cairn University offers over 70 academic programs and specializations, holding accreditations from bodies such as the Council for Social Work Education, the National Association of Schools of Music, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
Cairn University provides undergraduate students with opportunities to earn degrees in diverse fields such as business, education, ministry, music, social work, and theology. Regardless of their chosen field, students in professional programs complete a minimum of 30 credits in Bible and theology, reinforcing the integration of biblical principles into all academic disciplines. Graduate students have the option of dual-level programs, allowing them to earn a master’s degree concurrently with their bachelor’s degree.
Graduation Rates
Cairn University-Langhorne offers a variety of degree programs, with graduation rates varying across different fields of study. For Master's degree programs, the highest number of graduates can be found in the Education field, with 42 graduates, consisting of 12 men and 30 women. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services follow closely with 32 graduates, including 13 men and 19 women. Other popular Master's degree programs include Psychology, with 19 graduates (2 men and 17 women), and Theology and Religious Vocations, with 19 graduates (13 men and 6 women).
In the Bachelor's degree programs, Theology and Religious Vocations have the highest number of graduates, with 34 in total, consisting of 23 men and 11 women. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services also have a significant number of graduates, with 30 in total, including 14 men and 16 women. Other notable Bachelor's degree programs include Education, with 23 graduates (6 men and 17 women), and Public Administration and Social Service Professions, with 16 graduates (2 men and 14 women).
Cairn University-Langhorne's overall graduation rate is 61%, placing it in the top 45% of institutions. The retention rate, however, is 73%, which falls in the bottom 50%. The 6-year graduation rate is also 61%, remaining in the top 45%, while the 4-year graduation rate is 46%, placing it in the top 50%.
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Earning Potential
At Cairn University-Langhorne, the earning potential for graduates varies significantly depending on the degree pursued. The university offers a wide range of programs, each with its own unique financial prospects post-graduation. For prospective students, understanding these potential earnings can be a crucial factor in deciding which degree to pursue.
Among the degrees offered at Cairn University-Langhorne, the median earnings for graduates in Education stand at 25,470 USD. For those with a philosophical or religious inclination, the Philosophy and Religious Studies degree at Cairn University-Langhorne offers a median earning of 28,083 USD. However, the degree with the highest median earnings at Cairn University-Langhorne is Public Administration and Social Service Professions, with graduates earning a median of 32,714 USD.
It's important to remember that these figures represent median earnings, and individual outcomes can vary based on a multitude of factors. Furthermore, the university offers a variety of other degrees such as Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, English Language and Literature/Letters, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Mathematics and Statistics, Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology, Theology and Religious Vocations, Psychology, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Visual and Performing Arts, Health Professions and Related Programs, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, and History.
Career Services and Counseling
Cairn University-Langhorne offers a variety of career services and counseling opportunities for its students to help them plan their future careers. While internships are required for some majors, they are not mandatory for all students. However, the university does provide a job bank on campus and organizes job fairs, allowing students to explore potential employment opportunities.
All undergraduates at Cairn University-Langhorne have access to both group and individual career counseling sessions. These sessions can help students identify their career interests and develop strategies for achieving their professional goals. Additionally, on-campus employer recruitment is available to all undergraduates, further expanding their job search options.
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The Career Center at Cairn University-Langhorne offers a range of services to support students in their career development. These services include an alumni network, a career library, job interviews, interview workshops, resume preparation, career and interest testing, and resume referrals to employers. These resources can help students build a strong foundation for their job search and professional growth.
In the last academic year, 377 organizations recruited on campus, providing students with a diverse array of potential employers. Cairn University-Langhorne has a notable record of post-graduation success, with 80% of students receiving full-time job offers within six months of graduation.
Notable Alumni
Cairn University has produced a diverse array of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These individuals exemplify the university's commitment to preparing graduates for lives of service and leadership.
- Trip Lee: An American Christian rapper and singer signed to Reach Records. He has recorded as a solo artist and as a founding member of the 116 Clique. He served as a young adult pastor at Concord Church until 2021.
- Allen C. Guelzo: An American historian who serves as the Thomas W. Smith Distinguished Research Scholar and director of the Initiative on Politics and Statesmanship in the James Madison Program at Princeton University. He formerly was a professor of history at Gettysburg College.
- Da' T.R.U.T.H.: A Christian rapper whose album Emanuel was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2024.
- David Rossi: CEO of Esperanza Charter Schools in Philadelphia. He oversees all aspects of Esperanza Academy and Esperanza Cyber Charter School, which together serve over 1300 students in grades 6-12.
- John Njoroge: A member of the speaking team at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). As an international apologist, John faces various challenges presenting the gospel all over the world to skeptics and hostile audiences.
- Julie Lee Wu: The president of China Bible Seminary since 2002. She is committed to a distinctive, biblical education at China Bible Seminary.
Athletics
Cairn University student-athletes compete in twelve sports as the "Highlanders." The athletic program is affiliated with the United East Conference (as of July 1, 2023), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).
In 2014 the men's Cross Country team won the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Championship. This was the school's first NCAA conference championship in its 100-year history. In 2015 and 2016, the men's Cross Country team won the championship again. In 2019, the women's Soccer team won their first conference championship, followed by the men's Basketball team during the 2019-20 season.
Rankings and Recognition
In Perry L. Glanzer’s recently published book, Christian Higher Education: An Empirical Guide, Glanzer ranked Cairn University as second among the nation’s best Christian colleges and universities. Glanzer’s methodology for ranking the colleges was supported by 11 unique and objective factors, including an assessment of institutions’ mission statements, chapel attendance requirements, theology class requirements, and more.
Cairn University - Langhorne has a graduation rate of 65%, which is among the 29% highest for universities in the US.
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