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 University delivers solid financial returns for nursing and tech majors but creates serious debt burdens in education and therapy programs. Your median earnings of $66,677 easily cover the $23,219 typical debt load, but program choice matters enormously at this Christian university.
Nursing stands out as APU's financial winner, with graduates earning $89,570 to $106,724 depending on specialization. Computer science also pays well at $100,414, making these programs worth the investment. Education majors face a concerning mismatch between high debt loads ($95,539) and moderate salaries ($90,146), while rehabilitation therapy creates crushing debt burdens of $137,739 for $78,719 earnings.
The 64% graduation rate presents risk if you struggle with academic demands or find the Christian environment restrictive. You lose substantial money if you transfer or drop out after accumulating debt. The 84% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to campus culture.
APU works financially if you pursue high-earning majors and value the faith-based education model. The $19,798 net price becomes reasonable when nursing or tech salaries justify the cost. You should look elsewhere if you want education or therapy careers, as the debt-to-income ratios create long-term financial stress.
Only 35% of students receive federal aid, indicating many families pay close to sticker price. Merit scholarships exist but require strong academic credentials. Your best cost strategy involves targeting the highest-paying programs and completing your degree on time to avoid additional debt accumulation.
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.