At $22,343/yr net price, Life Pacific University graduates earn $43,299/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,299/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,343 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $89,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,299/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,299/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,395 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,754/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,991/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,317/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,573/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,526/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. | Master | $46,478 | $18,000 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Bachelor | $27,488 | $21,012 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $26,567 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $14,318 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
56.8% of students at Life Pacific 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
Life Pacific University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $43,299 ten years after graduation barely justifying the $22,343 annual cost. The 57% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degrees, creating significant financial risk without the credential to show for it.
Your choice of major makes an enormous difference at Life Pacific. Theology and Religious Vocations graduates earn $46,478 with manageable $18,000 debt, making this the only program with decent ROI. Pastoral Counseling graduates face a harsh reality with $27,488 earnings against $21,012 debt. Bible/Biblical Studies and Liberal Arts programs perform even worse, with Liberal Arts graduates earning just $14,318 annually.
The university works financially only if you plan to enter ministry leadership roles that specifically require this type of degree. If your goal is general career preparation or you're uncertain about religious vocations, the financial math does not work in your favor. The low retention rate of 56% suggests many students recognize this mismatch early and transfer elsewhere.
Life Pacific could make sense if you receive substantial financial aid beyond the typical package, as less than half of students currently receive aid. Merit scholarships or denominational funding could change the equation, but the published numbers show most students pay close to full price for degrees with limited earning potential in the broader job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Life Pacific University worth the money?
Life Pacific University's graduates earn $43,299 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. With annual costs around $22,343 and typical debt of $22,395, the financial return is modest unless you're pursuing specific ministry careers.
What majors at Life Pacific University have the best job prospects?
Theology and Religious Vocations graduates earn the highest at $46,478 annually, while Liberal Arts graduates average only $14,318. The school focuses heavily on ministry training, so career outcomes depend largely on your intended field.
How much debt do Life Pacific University students graduate with?
The median debt is $22,395, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with graduate earnings of $43,299, monthly loan payments could still strain budgets for lower-paying ministry positions.
Does Life Pacific University have good graduation rates?
Only 57% of students graduate within six years, which is concerning for the cost. This means nearly half of students don't complete their degree but may still carry debt from their time enrolled.