At $27,653/yr net price, Hope International University graduates earn $49,697/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,697/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,653 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,612 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,697/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,697/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,641/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,153/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,153/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,778/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,403/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $48,432 | $42,124 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $47,846 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $40,945 | $55,602 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,000 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,141 | $22,073 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,284 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
45.7% of students at Hope International 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
Hope International University delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost. With median earnings of $49,697 ten years after graduation against a net price of $27,653 annually, you face a challenging payback period that worsens when considering the school's troubling 45.7% graduation rate.
The earnings data reveals significant problems across major programs. Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates earn around $48,000 but carry debt loads up to $42,124, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. Clinical Psychology majors face an even worse scenario with $55,602 in debt for $40,945 in annual earnings. Business graduates earn just $38,289 with $25,000 in debt, while Human Development majors earn only $36,141.
The 68% retention rate signals that many students recognize the poor value proposition early and transfer elsewhere. Only 43% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability.
This school works financially only for students with substantial family wealth who can avoid debt entirely or those committed to ministry careers who accept lower lifetime earnings as a trade-off for mission alignment. If you need to borrow money for college or want strong earning potential after graduation, you should look elsewhere.
The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and modest earning outcomes across all programs creates significant financial risk. Most students would find better ROI at community colleges for the first two years or at state universities with stronger job placement records in Southern California's competitive market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hope International University worth the cost?
Hope International University's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $49,697 ten years after enrollment while paying $27,653 annually. The low 46% graduation rate means many students pay tuition without finishing their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Hope International University?
Theological and ministerial studies programs at Hope International University produce the highest earnings at around $48,000 annually. Psychology and business majors earn significantly less, with business graduates making only $38,289 ten years out.
How much debt do Hope International University graduates have?
Hope International University graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable compared to their $49,697 average earnings. However, this only accounts for students who actually graduate - nearly half of students drop out.
Does Hope International University have good financial aid?
Hope International University's net price of $27,653 per year is high for the earning potential it provides. Students should carefully evaluate whether the financial aid package makes the degree worth the investment given the modest career outcomes.