Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 31.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.1%
- Retention Rate
- 54.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,376
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,793
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $284/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 | $17,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $23,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $32,563 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $31,042 | $24,467 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $23,649 |
Outcomes Overview
Howard Payne graduates earn a median of $48,376 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 56%. Monthly loan payments of $284 consume about 7% of typical graduate income. The 94.6% employment rate reflects strong job placement in education and ministry fields where HPU has deep connections. However, the relatively modest earnings compared to the $26,793 median debt burden creates financial pressure for new graduates. Many alumni enter teaching, youth ministry, and nonprofit work where salaries start lower but offer meaningful career paths. The combination of moderate debt levels with below-average earnings potential makes this a weak return on investment for most students.