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's financial picture is shaky. You pay a net price of $27,653 a year and come out to median earnings of $49,697 after ten years, which barely clears a wage you could reach without the degree. A 45.7% graduation rate means fewer than half of you finish, and paying tuition for years without a credential is the worst outcome here.
The program pay gap is stark. Theological and Ministerial Studies leads at $47,846, but that field caps your income low no matter where you study. Business Administration comes next at $38,289, then Human Development at $36,141. Psychology sits at the bottom near $32,284 while loading you with $26,000 in debt, the highest debt among these programs paired with the lowest pay. If you want a return, Psychology at this school is the one to avoid.
The specific risk is debt against weak salaries. Business grads carry $25,000 in debt against under $40,000 in pay. Fullerton and greater Orange County are expensive places to live, so a starting salary in the mid-$30,000s stretches thin against rent. The median debt of $23,000 is manageable only if you actually graduate and land work in your field.
The net price tiers are backwards for low-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $26,641, less than every higher bracket, but the $30,000-$48,000 tier pays $34,153, more than families earning over $110,000. If you sit in that lower-middle band, you get the worst deal here.
This school fits you if you are called to ministry and accept the modest pay that comes with it. If you want business or psychology as a financial move, the numbers do not back that up, and you should compare cheaper public options in California first.
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.