Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,170 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,680 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,980/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,505/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,334/yr |
The Risk Factor
32.5% of students at Los Angeles Pacific University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Los Angeles Pacific University delivers weak financial returns with serious completion risks that should concern most prospective students. The 32% graduation rate means two-thirds of students never finish their degree, while the 20% retention rate indicates most students leave after just one year.
The $20,170 annual net price appears reasonable for Southern California, but becomes problematic when combined with the low completion rates. You face significant odds of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The median debt of $18,750 for graduates who do finish reflects the school's lower costs, but represents a poor investment given the completion statistics.
With less than half of students receiving financial aid, the school appears to attract students who can afford full tuition but may not be academically prepared for college-level work. This creates a high-risk environment where you could spend substantial money without graduating.
The extremely low retention rate suggests systemic issues with academic support, student engagement, or program quality that make degree completion unlikely regardless of your initial preparation. Even if you can afford the costs, the probability of successfully completing your program remains poor.
This school might only work financially if you have specific career goals that require minimal education credentials and can afford to lose the investment. For most students seeking a bachelor's degree with reasonable completion odds, community college transfer programs or state universities offer better financial returns with higher graduation rates in the Los Angeles market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles Pacific University worth the cost?
Los Angeles Pacific University's low 32.5% graduation rate raises serious concerns about return on investment. With many students not completing their degrees, the risk of debt without credential completion is significant.
How much debt do Los Angeles Pacific University graduates typically have?
Los Angeles Pacific University graduates carry a median debt of $18,750, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. However, this figure only reflects students who actually graduate, not the 67.5% who don't finish.
What programs at Los Angeles Pacific University have the best ROI?
Business and healthcare programs typically offer the strongest career prospects at Los Angeles Pacific University. The school's location in the greater Los Angeles area provides internship and job opportunities in these growing sectors.
Is the financial aid at Los Angeles Pacific University good enough to justify attendance?
With a net price of $20,170 annually, Los Angeles Pacific University costs less than many private colleges after aid. However, the extremely low graduation rate means many students pay this amount without earning a degree.