At $18,191/yr net price, North Park University graduates earn $59,572/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,572/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,191 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,764 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,572/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,572/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,309/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,518/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,712/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,776/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,154/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,701 | $26,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $66,915 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,826 | $26,793 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,303 | $31,800 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,584 | $24,811 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,153 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,424 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
The Risk Factor
56.0% of students at North Park 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
North Park University delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing programs offering strong value while other majors struggle to justify the investment. The $18,191 annual net price creates manageable debt loads, but graduation rates of just 56% mean nearly half of students leave without a degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually while carrying typical debt of $26,500. This program alone makes North Park worth considering if you're committed to healthcare. Educational administration also pays well at $66,915, though this requires graduate study. Business and management programs produce weaker returns, with graduates earning $57,000-$58,000 against debt loads reaching $31,800.
The biggest risk at North Park is the low graduation rate combined with a concerning 68% retention rate. You face real odds of dropping out and carrying debt without a degree. The school works best for students with clear career focus in nursing or education who can handle the academic challenges.
Financial aid reaches 43% of students, suggesting merit opportunities exist but aren't universal. Your strategy should center on securing aid upfront and choosing high-return programs. Avoid North Park for liberal arts majors or if you're uncertain about your career direction. The combination of moderate costs and weak graduation rates makes this school risky for exploratory students who might be better served at community college or state universities with stronger completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Park University worth the cost?
North Park University offers mixed value with graduates earning $59,572 after 10 years against $25,500 in median debt. The nursing programs provide strong returns at over $100,000 annually, but other programs may not justify the investment given the modest overall earnings.
What are the best paying majors at North Park University?
Nursing programs at North Park University lead earnings with graduates making over $100,000 annually. Educational Administration follows at $66,915, while business programs typically result in lower returns around $58,000.
How much debt do North Park University graduates have?
North Park University graduates carry a median debt of $25,500, which is manageable for nursing graduates but represents a higher burden for those in lower-paying programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio varies significantly by major choice.
What is the graduation rate at North Park University?
North Park University has a 56% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their degree. This below-average completion rate adds risk to the investment, especially for programs with modest earning potential.