At $29,124/yr net price, John Paul the Great Catholic University graduates earn $56,930/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,930/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,124 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116,496 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,930/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,930/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,968 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,276/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,499/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,853/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,355/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,830/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $25,658 | $26,078 |
The Risk Factor
65.3% of students at John Paul the Great Catholic University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
John Paul the Great Catholic University presents a concerning financial picture with median earnings of $56,930 ten years after graduation against a net price of $29,124 annually. The payback period stretches beyond what most families can comfortably manage, particularly given the school's 65% graduation rate means one in three students never complete their degree.
The flagship Film/Video and Photographic Arts program shows troubling economics with graduates earning just $25,658 annually while carrying $26,078 in debt. This creates an immediate financial burden where loan payments consume a significant portion of take-home pay. Creative fields typically require years to build profitable careers, making this debt load particularly risky for aspiring filmmakers and photographers.
The school's location in Escondido provides access to Los Angeles entertainment markets, but breaking into Hollywood remains highly competitive regardless of your alma mater. You face the double challenge of building a creative career while servicing substantial student debt from day one after graduation.
This university makes financial sense only if you have significant family resources to minimize borrowing or receive substantial merit aid. The 38% of students receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional grant money available. If you need loans to attend and plan to study film or related creative fields, the numbers point toward financial stress after graduation.
Students with strong family financial backing who value the Catholic educational environment may find this worthwhile despite the weak ROI. Everyone else should seriously consider less expensive alternatives or schools with stronger graduate earning outcomes in their chosen field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Paul the Great Catholic University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $56,930 ten years after enrollment and typical debt of $26,968, the financial return is modest. The debt-to-income ratio is manageable, but earnings are below national averages for college graduates.
What programs at John Paul the Great Catholic University have the best ROI?
Film, Video and Photographic Arts programs dominate the curriculum but show concerning earnings of just $25,658 annually. This creates a challenging financial outlook given the school's $29,124 annual net price.
How much debt do John Paul the Great Catholic University graduates typically have?
Typical graduates carry $26,968 in student loan debt. While this amount is below the national average, it represents nearly half of what graduates earn in their first decade after school.
Does John Paul the Great Catholic University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $29,124 suggests moderate financial aid availability. However, with a 65% graduation rate, about one in three students don't complete their degree, making the investment particularly risky.