Heritage University: $19,920 Tuition

$19,920Tuition

782Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,416Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Heritage University

Heritage University serves primarily Hispanic students in south-central Washington's Yakima Valley, with 72.76% of its 782 students identifying as Hispanic. This small private university was founded in 1981 specifically to serve underrepresented communities, and it shows in the numbers. Only 8.18% of students are white, making it one of the most diverse campuses in the Pacific Northwest. The rural-fringe setting means you're surrounded by agricultural land rather than city life, which fits the school's mission of training teachers, nurses, and other professionals who will serve local communities.

The financial picture is mixed but manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $11,893 after aid, regardless of whether they're from Washington or elsewhere (tuition is the same $19,920 for everyone). About 63% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating many come from lower-income families. Graduates earn a median of $49,416 ten years after graduation, which is modest but reasonable given the low debt load of $14,573. Monthly loan payments average just $154.

The student body is overwhelmingly female at 77.49%, and every single student comes from Washington state. The 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio means small classes and personal attention, but the 39.8% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees on time.

Academics & Faculty

Heritage University serves a unique student population in Washington's Yakima Valley, with 72.76% Hispanic enrollment making it one of the most Hispanic-serving institutions in the Pacific Northwest. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay small and professors know students personally, but the 39.80% six-year graduation rate shows many students face challenges completing their degrees. The university focuses heavily on teacher preparation and social work programs, training educators and social workers who often return to serve rural and underserved communities. With 77.49% women enrolled, the school draws students interested in education, healthcare, and human services fields where personal attention from faculty can make the difference between dropping out and graduating.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 29.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 42.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.8%
Retention Rate: 57.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,416
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Master	$102,409
Education, General.	Master	$57,619
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$52,259
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$43,100
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$38,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$35,416
Social Work.	Bachelor	$34,704
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$32,569

View all 70 programs →

Campus Life

Heritage University sits in the Yakima Valley farming community of Toppenish, about 20 miles south of Yakima and two hours from Seattle. The campus serves a unique student body where 72.76% of students are Hispanic and 77.49% are women, reflecting the university's mission to serve underrepresented communities in rural Washington. With only 782 students total, you'll know most faces on campus within your first semester.

The small-town setting means weekends often revolve around campus activities or trips to nearby Yakima for shopping and dining. Eastern Washington's high desert climate brings hot, dry summers and cold winters with occasional snow, so you'll need both sunscreen and a winter coat. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit academic environment where professors know your name and track your progress personally. Many students commute from surrounding agricultural communities, giving the campus a commuter school feel during weekdays. The rural location means you're surrounded by farmland and mountains, offering hiking opportunities but requiring a car to reach larger cities for internships or entertainment.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1981

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–39°F
July Avg: 59°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 7.8"
Annual Snowfall: 20.4"

Student Demographics

Heritage University draws students who reflect the demographics of eastern Washington's agricultural region. With 73% Hispanic enrollment and 100% in-state students, the school serves as an educational anchor for the local Latino community in the Yakima Valley. Women make up 77% of students, which aligns with the university's focus on education, health sciences, and social work programs. The high Pell Grant rate of 63% shows Heritage's commitment to serving first-generation college students from working families who might not otherwise have access to higher education.

Men: 22.5%
Women: 77.5%
White: 8.2%
Black: 0.6%
Hispanic: 72.8%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 62.7%

Location

Heritage University sits in Toppenish, Washington, a small agricultural town in the Yakima Valley about 160 miles southeast of Seattle. The campus serves a rural area where farming and ranching dominate the economy, and the surrounding landscape features rolling hills and irrigated farmland. Toppenish has a population of around 9,000 people and serves as a cultural center for the Yakama Nation, with the town known for its murals depicting local history and Native American heritage. The setting gives students direct access to internships and jobs in agriculture, education, and social services within tight-knit rural communities. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Heritage University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Toppenish, Washington 98948

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,416
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,934
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $154/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,573

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Heritage University?

Heritage University serves 782 students, with women making up 77.49% of enrollment. The university is well-known for serving Hispanic and Native American communities, with 72.76% Hispanic students and a mission rooted in multicultural education since its founding in 1981.

How much does Heritage University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Heritage University is $11,893, lower than the published tuition of $19,920. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,713 on average, reflecting the school's commitment to accessibility for low-income students.

What are class sizes like at Heritage University?

Heritage University maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. The university operates on a semester system and emphasizes hands-on learning, particularly in teacher preparation and healthcare programs that serve rural communities.

What career outcomes do Heritage University graduates achieve?

Heritage University graduates earn a median salary of $49,416 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 91.6%. The university is particularly known for producing teachers and healthcare workers who often return to serve underrepresented communities in Washington state.

Where is Heritage University located?

Heritage University sits in Toppenish, Washington, in a rural-fringe setting in the Yakima Valley. The campus serves as a center for the surrounding agricultural community and maintains strong ties to the Yakama Nation, reflecting its founding mission to serve local populations.

Does Heritage University have good graduation rates?

Heritage University has a 39.80% six-year graduation rate and 42.39% four-year rate, with a 57.94% retention rate for first-year students. These numbers reflect the university's focus on serving first-generation college students and working adults who often face additional challenges completing their degrees.