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 a strong financial return, and it comes down to one thing: nursing. With median debt at $22,469 and median earnings of $70,064 ten years out, you clear your debt and then some in a single year of work. That's a healthy debt-to-earnings gap for a private for-profit school, where the math often runs the other way.
The bachelor's in Registered Nursing pushes past $100,000, roughly $30,000 above the school-wide median. That gap tells you where the money is. Nursing is the reason to enroll here. If you're coming for a different field, the school's own data gives you nothing to lean on, so treat any non-nursing path as an open question you need to answer before you sign a loan.
The 75.90% graduation rate lowers your biggest financial risk, which is paying for years you don't finish. Southern California's demand for licensed nurses backs up the earnings figure, since these are regional hospital and clinic wages, not a national average.
On price, the tiers are close to flat. If your family earns under $30,000, you'll actually pay the most at $23,543, while the $30,000-$48,000 band pays about $3,700 less. That inversion matters: the lowest-income families here don't get the steepest discount, so budget for close to full net price regardless of income.
This school fits you if you want to become a nurse and you're confident you'll finish. The nursing outcome justifies the cost. Look elsewhere if you're undecided or drawn to a major the school doesn't report earnings for, since you'd be paying for-profit prices on an unproven return.
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.