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 gives you a weak financial return. Ten years out, the median graduate earns $43,299, barely above what you might make without a degree, and the two bachelor's programs with reported earnings pay far less than that. Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduates report $27,488 a year. Bible/Biblical Studies graduates report $25,967. Both sit below the national median for someone with only a high school diploma, so the degree itself does not lift your earnings much.
The debt side is the one point in your favor. Median debt runs about $22,395, roughly one year of net price, which keeps you from digging a deep hole. But you carry that debt into ministry-track jobs that pay under $28,000, and repayment on even a modest balance strains a salary that low.
The bigger risk here is completion. Only 56% of students graduate, and retention is about the same, so nearly half of you leave. If you take on debt and do not finish, you get the loan with none of the credential.
The net price tiers are odd for this school. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay the least at $18,754. But the $75,000-$110,000 bracket pays the most, more than families earning over $110,000. Middle-income families get squeezed harder than the wealthy here.
This school fits you if you are called to ministry and value the religious training for its own sake, with eyes open that the paycheck will be small. If you need a degree that pays back your investment in dollars, look elsewhere. The programs on record lead to low-paying work, and the coin-flip graduation rate makes even that outcome uncertain.
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.