At $21,941/yr net price, Pacific College graduates earn $70,064/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $36,064/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,941 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,764 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $70,064/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$36,064/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,469 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,543/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,789/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,438/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. | Bachelor | $101,406 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $42,495 |
The Risk Factor
75.9% of students at Pacific College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Pacific College delivers strong financial returns through its nursing programs, with registered nurses earning over $100,000 annually within ten years of graduation. Your debt load remains manageable at $22,469 median, making this one of the more affordable paths into high-paying healthcare careers in Southern California.
The registered nursing program stands out as the clear winner financially, producing graduates who earn $101,406 annually. This creates a debt-to-income ratio that works in your favor, especially given Orange County's strong healthcare job market. The practical nursing program pays significantly less at $42,495, though even this lower-tier option covers your debt payments comfortably.
Your main financial risk comes from the 24% of students who don't graduate. As a for-profit institution, Pacific College faces regulatory scrutiny that could affect program accreditation. The school's narrow focus on healthcare also means limited backup options if you change your mind about nursing.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing and want to enter the workforce quickly without massive debt. The combination of reasonable costs, strong local job demand, and solid starting salaries creates a favorable return. However, look elsewhere if you're unsure about healthcare or want broader academic options.
Half of students receive financial aid, suggesting merit opportunities exist. The relatively low net price indicates the school may offer competitive aid packages to attract qualified nursing candidates in a competitive California market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacific College worth the cost for nursing programs?
Pacific College's nursing programs show strong ROI, with registered nursing graduates earning a median of $101,406 annually. At $21,941 per year in net costs and median debt of $22,469, the investment typically pays off within 2-3 years for RN graduates.
What is Pacific College's job placement rate after graduation?
Pacific College has a 75.90% graduation rate, which is above average for similar institutions. The school focuses heavily on nursing and healthcare programs where job demand remains high, though specific placement rates vary by program.
How much debt do Pacific College graduates typically have?
Pacific College graduates have a median debt of $22,469, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. This debt level is reasonable for nursing graduates who can expect starting salaries around $70,000-$100,000 depending on their specialty.
Are Pacific College programs outside of nursing worth the investment?
Pacific College primarily focuses on nursing and healthcare programs, with limited offerings in other fields. Students considering non-nursing programs should carefully research career outcomes, as the school's strength and ROI data center heavily on healthcare education.