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's numbers point to serious financial risk. A 20% retention rate means four out of five students don't come back after the first year, and only about a third who enroll finish at all. Since federal loans stay on your balance sheet whether or not you graduate, that dropout math is the single biggest threat to your money here.
The debt figure is the one bright spot. Median debt of $18,750 is low, and if you finish that's a manageable load to pay back. But that number only counts students who took on debt, and it says nothing about the majority who leave before earning the credential that would justify borrowing at all.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so there's no way to say which majors at LAPU pay off. That absence matters. You're borrowing against outcomes the data can't confirm, at a school where most students don't reach graduation.
The net price tiers are backwards in a way worth watching. If your family earns under $30k, you'd pay about $17,980, but families in the $30k-48k band pay the most at $24,505, and the $48k-75k band pays $21,334. Lower income doesn't reliably buy you a lower price here, so run your own numbers before assuming aid scales with need.
This school makes financial sense for you only if you're confident you'll finish and you value LAPU's online, working-adult format enough to accept a one-in-three graduation rate. If you want predictable program earnings data or a school where most students stay past year one, look elsewhere.
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.