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 gives you a moderate return with one clear winner and several programs that barely move the needle. The median graduate earns just under $59,000 ten years out against a net price around $14,000 a year and roughly $23,000 in debt. That math works if you pick the right major and stumbles badly if you don't.
Nursing is the standout by a wide margin. At about $100,000 a year, it more than doubles what the next-best bachelor's program returns, and it pays off your debt fast. Human resources and business administration land in the high-$40,000s to low-$40,000s, which covers your loans but leaves you close to the regional median for the Central Valley.
The bottom of the list is where you should slow down. Teacher education and human development both graduate you with roughly $23,000 in debt and pay around $29,000 to $30,000. That debt load against a starting salary in the high $20,000s is a real problem, and Fresno's teaching and social-services job market won't rescue those numbers quickly.
The 56% graduation rate is your biggest financial risk here. If you borrow and leave without the degree, you carry the debt without the earnings, and nearly half of students don't finish in the standard window.
On price, families earning under $75,000 pay less than the sticker figure, dropping to around $11,000 in the middle tiers. If your family earns over $110,000, expect closer to $20,000 a year with less discounting.
Come here for nursing, and the return is strong. Come for education or human development, and you should compare cheaper public options before borrowing. If you're unsure you'll finish, the debt risk outweighs the payoff.
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.