Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $89,816/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$55,816/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,854 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $161,637 | $260,371 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $146,893 | $85,387 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $140,448 | $116,245 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $128,737 | $233,845 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $115,824 | $136,243 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $98,403 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $97,959 | $365,728 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $91,300 | $21,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $89,658 | $23,888 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $75,706 | $137,639 |
Analysis
Loma Linda University delivers strong financial returns primarily through its health sciences programs, with most graduates earning well above the national median despite California's high cost of living. The school's median debt load remains surprisingly manageable at around $21,000 for many programs.
Dentistry graduates command the highest salaries at $161,000 annually, though you'll carry substantial debt approaching $260,000. The math still works given dentistry's earning potential, but expect a longer payoff period. Nursing programs offer the best balance of strong earnings and reasonable debt, with RN graduates earning $140,000-$147,000 while taking on $85,000-$116,000 in loans.
Pharmacy presents a more challenging picture. You'll earn $128,000 but accumulate nearly $234,000 in debt, creating a difficult repayment scenario that requires careful financial planning. Allied health programs fall into the middle ground with solid $115,000 earnings against $136,000 in debt.
Your biggest financial risk centers on program completion. Health sciences degrees demand intensive study, and dropping out leaves you with debt but no degree. The school's Seventh-day Adventist affiliation may also limit networking opportunities outside faith-based healthcare systems.
Loma Linda makes financial sense if you're committed to healthcare careers and can handle rigorous academic demands. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests either strong family financial support among the student body or limited need-based assistance. You should look elsewhere if you're unsure about healthcare as a career path or need substantial financial aid to make college affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loma Linda University worth the cost for most students?
Loma Linda University can be worth it if you're studying health sciences, particularly dentistry or nursing, which have strong earning potential. However, with graduates earning $89,816 annually after 10 years, the ROI depends heavily on your specific program and career goals.
What programs at Loma Linda University have the best return on investment?
Advanced dentistry programs offer the highest ROI at Loma Linda University, with graduates earning over $161,000 annually. Nursing and pharmacy programs also perform well, with graduates earning $128,000-$146,000, making these fields solid financial investments.
How much debt do Loma Linda University graduates typically have?
Loma Linda University graduates have a median debt of $20,854, which is relatively manageable compared to many private universities. This lower debt load helps improve the overall ROI, especially for health science programs with strong earning potential.
Does Loma Linda University provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The relatively low median debt of $20,854 suggests Loma Linda University provides meaningful financial aid to many students. However, costs can still be significant for health professional programs, so students should carefully evaluate aid packages against expected earnings in their chosen field.