Pacific Islands University: 68.9% Acceptance Rate

68.9%Acceptance

$7,203Tuition

55Students

50%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$20,902Earnings

#2 in GuamPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsData: 2023-24Interdenominational

About Pacific Islands University

Pacific Islands University serves as a Christian educational center for students across the Pacific region. This interdenominational university enrolls just 55 students in Guam's suburban Mangilao area. The intimate setting allows the school to focus on its mission of providing biblically-grounded education to island communities that often lack higher education access. With a 68.89% acceptance rate, the university maintains selective but accessible admissions standards.

Students pay an average net price of $6,746 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable Christian universities in the region. However, graduates earn a median of $20,902 ten years after graduation, which raises questions about return on investment. Only 33.33% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many families can manage the low $7,203 tuition without assistance. The federal loan rate sits at just 5.80%, indicating most students graduate debt-free.

The student body is predominantly female at 67.27%, with strong representation from Pacific Islander communities. Every student who enrolls returns for their second year, showing a 100% retention rate. However, only 50% graduate within six years, which is concerning for such a small, close-knit environment. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this unique island setting.

Academics & Faculty

Pacific Islands University serves as a Christian educational center for the Pacific region with specialized programs in theology, ministry, and cross-cultural studies. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in this intimate academic environment of just 55 students. Faculty work closely with students on biblical studies, missions preparation, and Pacific Islander cultural preservation. The 50% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing rigorous coursework with ministry obligations and cultural commitments back home. Students receive training in both academic theology and practical ministry skills. The university's interdenominational approach attracts students from across the Pacific Islands seeking Christian higher education rooted in their regional context.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.0%
Retention Rate: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $20,902
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

Pacific Islands University sits on a small 55-student campus where everyone knows each other by name. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors become mentors in this tight-knit Christian community. Women make up 67% of the student body, creating a collaborative atmosphere focused on service and spiritual growth.

Campus housing accommodates 44 students, though many commute from nearby Guam communities. The tropical climate means shorts and sandals year-round, with students gathering outdoors between classes under palm trees. Weekends often involve community service projects across Guam or beach outings with classmates. The 100% retention rate reflects how students form deep bonds despite the small size.

Mangilao offers a quiet suburban setting about 30 minutes from Guam's capital, Hagatña. Students experience true island life with access to pristine beaches and coral reefs. The university serves as a center for Pacific Islander students, with 74% coming from outside Guam. Chapel services and Bible study groups anchor campus life, while the interdenominational approach welcomes diverse Christian traditions from across Micronesia.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 44 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1978

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 75°–85°F
July Avg: 77°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 98.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Pacific Islands University draws students from across the Pacific region, with nearly three-quarters coming from outside Guam. The student body is predominantly women, reflecting the school's focus on education and social service programs that traditionally attract female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation college students from working families. The diverse Pacific Islander community creates a tight-knit environment where students share similar cultural backgrounds and Christian values. With only 55 total students, everyone knows each other on this small campus.

Men: 32.7%
Women: 67.3%
White: 5.5%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 1.8%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 26.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.3%

Location

Pacific Islands University sits in Mangilao, a suburban community on the island of Guam. The campus is located about 10 miles south of Hagatña, Guam's capital city. Students experience a unique Pacific island setting where tropical beaches meet volcanic landscapes. The university serves a diverse region spanning thousands of miles of ocean, with 74% of students coming from outside Guam. The island's strategic location in Micronesia creates a multicultural environment where East meets West. Students enjoy year-round temperatures in the 80s and access to some of the world's most pristine coral reefs. Students considering colleges in Guam may also compare Pacific Islands University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Mangilao, Guam 96913-5917

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $20,902

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Pacific Islands University?

Pacific Islands University accepts 68.89% of applicants, making it moderately selective. This Christian university primarily serves students from the Pacific Islands region. With only 55 total students enrolled, the admissions process focuses on finding students who fit the university's mission-driven environment.

How much does Pacific Islands University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,746 annually at Pacific Islands University. The total cost of attendance is $12,067, which includes tuition of $7,203 and room and board of $4,564. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make this Christian education accessible to low-income families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Pacific Islands University?

Pacific Islands University maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with just 55 students total. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in a Christian academic environment. The university's small size means students work closely with professors who understand the unique cultural context of the Pacific Islands region.

What are the graduation outcomes at Pacific Islands University?

Half of Pacific Islands University students graduate within six years, while the median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $20,902. The university maintains a 100% retention rate, meaning students who start here typically stay. These outcomes reflect the specialized nature of serving Pacific Islander communities where career paths may differ from mainland expectations.

Where do Pacific Islands University students live on campus?

The university houses 44 students in on-campus facilities, nearly accommodating its entire enrollment of 55. Women make up 67% of the student body while men represent 33%. The campus setting in suburban Mangilao, Guam provides a close-knit Christian community environment for Pacific Islander students.

Is Pacific Islands University diverse in terms of student background?

Pacific Islands University serves a unique demographic with 74% of students coming from out-of-state territories and islands. Only 5.45% of students are White, while the majority represent Pacific Islander ethnicities not captured in traditional racial categories. This interdenominational Christian university was founded in 1978 specifically to serve the educational needs of the Pacific Islands region.