At $19,798/yr net price, Azusa Pacific University graduates earn $66,677/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,677/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,798 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,192 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,677/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,677/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,219 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,839/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,271/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,848/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,641/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,832/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $106,724 | $61,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $100,414 | |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $90,146 | $95,539 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $89,570 | $25,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $78,719 | $137,739 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $60,771 | $18,000 |
| Education, General. | Master | $60,234 | $49,325 |
| Psychology, Other. | Doctoral | $59,722 | $223,308 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,425 | $28,753 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $25,797 |
The Risk Factor
64.4% of students at Azusa Pacific University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Azusa Pacific gives you a solid but uneven financial return. With a net price near $20,000 a year and median earnings of $66,677 a decade out, most of you will clear your debt without trouble, especially since median debt sits around $23,000. The 64% graduation rate and 84% retention rate mean the odds you finish are decent, which matters because the earnings payoff only happens if you leave with a degree.
Nursing is where this school pays off hardest. At nearly $90,000 a year, nursing grads out-earn every other program by a wide margin and comfortably absorb the $25,000 in debt that comes with it. Accounting and computer science land in the high $50,000s to low $60,000s, respectable for Southern California and enough to justify the cost. The general business and international business degrees are weaker, landing in the $48,000 to $52,000 range. Same tuition, thousands less in yearly earnings, so those majors thin out your margin.
The main risk here is paying private-college prices for a lower-earning major. If you take on the same debt for general business as you would for nursing, your return shrinks fast. Los Angeles-area living costs also eat into these salaries more than the numbers alone suggest.
Net price barely moves across income tiers. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $17,800. over $110,000, you pay about $23,800. That flat $6,000 spread means lower-income families get limited relief here, so budget for close to the full sticker if aid is thin.
Azusa Pacific fits you if you're heading into nursing, accounting, or computer science. If you want a general business degree, price out cheaper options first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azusa Pacific University worth the cost?
Azusa Pacific University offers mixed value depending on your major. Nursing and computer science graduates earn strong salaries ($89,570-$106,724), while education majors face lower returns at $90,146 annually. The $19,798 net price is reasonable, but the 64% graduation rate means significant dropout risk.
What is the return on investment for Azusa Pacific University graduates?
APU graduates earn a median of $66,677 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $23,219. This creates manageable debt-to-income ratios for most students, though earnings vary significantly by program.
Which Azusa Pacific University programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at APU lead to the highest salaries, with graduates earning $89,570-$106,724 annually. Computer science majors also see strong returns at $100,414, while education graduates face more modest earning potential.
How much debt do Azusa Pacific University students typically graduate with?
APU graduates carry a median debt load of $23,219, which is manageable given typical starting salaries. However, one in three students don't graduate, potentially leaving with debt but no degree.