At $11,893/yr net price, Heritage University graduates earn $49,416/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,416/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,893 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,572 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,416/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,416/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,573 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,713/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,202/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,511/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,275/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,198/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $102,409 | $125,678 |
| Education, General. | Master | $57,619 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $52,259 | $34,477 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $43,100 | $18,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $19,551 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,416 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $13,620 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $16,152 |
The Risk Factor
39.8% of students at Heritage University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Heritage University gives you a low sticker cost and low debt, but the payoff after graduation is modest and finishing is far from guaranteed. You'll borrow around the price of a used car, and the median graduate earns just under $50k a decade out. The bigger problem is that fewer than 4 in 10 students graduate, and only 58% come back for a second year. The math only works if you're one of the people who actually finishes.
The named programs pay poorly across the board. Teacher education tops the list, yet it still leaves you carrying more debt than social work while earning under $9k more per year. Social work is the best debt-to-earnings trade here: low borrowing against pay that lands close to the middle of the pack. Criminal justice and psychology are the worst deals on this list, pairing high debt with the lowest earnings, so think hard before choosing them for the money.
The specific risk at Heritage is non-completion. If you leave after a year or two with loans and no degree, you get the debt without the earnings, and the low retention rate says that happens often. Toppenish sits in an agricultural, lower-income part of central Washington, and the earnings numbers reflect that regional market.
The net price barely moves across income brackets until you pass $110k, where it jumps to $18,198. If your family earns under $48k, you'll pay close to the same as families earning up to $110k, so the aid does little to reward lower income here. This school fits you if you want teaching or social work close to home and can commit to finishing. If you're chasing high earnings, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heritage University worth the cost?
Heritage University's low net price of $11,893 makes it affordable, but graduates earn just $49,416 ten years out, which is below average for college graduates. The 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Heritage University?
Allied health programs at Heritage University lead to the highest earnings at $102,409, making them the clear winner for ROI. Education and teaching programs pay around $43,000-$57,000, while criminal justice graduates earn $38,289.
How much debt do Heritage University graduates have?
Heritage University graduates leave with a median debt of $14,573, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load helps offset the lower post-graduation earnings.
Does Heritage University have good graduation rates?
Heritage University's 40% graduation rate is concerning, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't complete their degrees. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.