At $14,317/yr net price, Fresno Pacific University graduates earn $58,896/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,896/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,317 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,268 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,896/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,896/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,146 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,059/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,874/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,116/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,205/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,235/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 | $125,611 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $100,849 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $83,388 | |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $65,332 | $28,909 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $64,493 | $27,025 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 | $34,167 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $49,962 | $24,981 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,207 | $22,313 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,119 | $23,000 |
The Risk Factor
55.9% of students at Fresno Pacific University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Fresno Pacific University delivers solid returns for healthcare majors but struggles with outcomes across most other programs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning over $100,000 annually, justifying even the higher debt loads some nursing students carry. Student counseling also pays off well at $83,388 per year.
The concerning reality is that most other majors lead to earnings barely above the overall median of $58,896. With only a 56% graduation rate, you face real risk of leaving with debt but no degree. The 80% retention rate suggests many students realize this isn't working financially and transfer elsewhere.
Your debt load will likely stay manageable at around $23,000 median, and the $14,317 net price makes this one of the more affordable private options in California. Nearly 60% of students receive financial aid, though specific merit scholarship details vary by program.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing, counseling, or select allied health programs where the career pipelines are strong in Central California's healthcare market. For business, education, or liberal arts majors, you'll find better ROI elsewhere. The regional job market limits opportunities for many degree types, making this primarily a healthcare-focused investment rather than a broad-based education play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresno Pacific University worth the cost?
Fresno Pacific University offers decent value with a net price of $14,317 and 10-year earnings of $58,896, but the 56% graduation rate means many students don't finish. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with nursing programs showing strong returns while other fields may not justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Fresno Pacific University?
Nursing programs at Fresno Pacific University lead earnings with graduates making $100,849-$125,611 after 10 years. Student counseling follows at $83,388, while business and allied health majors earn $64,493-$65,332.
How much debt do Fresno Pacific University graduates have?
Fresno Pacific University graduates leave with a median debt of $23,146, which is manageable for nursing majors but could be problematic for lower-paying fields. With 10-year earnings of $58,896, most graduates can handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
What is the graduation rate at Fresno Pacific University?
Fresno Pacific University has a 56% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degree. This significantly impacts ROI since students who don't graduate still carry debt but miss out on the degree premium in earnings.