At $6,746/yr net price, Pacific Islands University graduates earn $20,902/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,746 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,984 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $20,902/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-13,098/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,746/yr |
The Risk Factor
50.0% of students at Pacific Islands 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
Pacific Islands University offers an extremely low net price of $6,746 annually, but the median earnings of $20,902 ten years after graduation create a challenging return on investment scenario. The earnings figure places graduates well below national averages for college-educated workers, making it difficult to justify even this modest educational investment from a purely financial perspective.
The 50% graduation rate compounds the financial risk, meaning half of students who enroll never complete their degree but may still accumulate debt. However, the 100% retention rate suggests that students who return for their second year are likely to persist, which helps reduce the risk of dropping out with debt but no credential.
You should consider this school primarily if you plan to remain in Guam or the broader Pacific region, where the local job market and cost of living may make the earnings more viable than they appear on paper. The university serves a specific geographic niche where other educational options are limited.
The low percentage of students receiving financial aid (33%) suggests either that most students can afford the modest tuition or that the school has limited aid resources. Given the low sticker price, merit scholarships may be minimal, but the affordable base cost reduces the need for extensive borrowing.
This school makes financial sense if you need to stay local, have specific career goals tied to the Pacific Islands region, or cannot afford higher-cost alternatives. However, if you can relocate for education and career opportunities, other institutions will likely provide better long-term earning potential despite higher upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacific Islands University worth the cost?
Pacific Islands University has a low net price of $6,746 annually, but graduates earn just $20,902 ten years after enrollment. The low earnings relative to even the modest cost make this a risky investment for most students.
What is the return on investment for Pacific Islands University graduates?
With average earnings of $20,902 ten years post-graduation, Pacific Islands University graduates earn less than many high school graduates. The ROI is poor despite the relatively low tuition costs.
Do Pacific Islands University graduates struggle with student debt?
While the net price is low at Pacific Islands University, the combination of low graduate earnings and a 50% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Half of students don't graduate, and those who do face limited earning potential.
Which programs at Pacific Islands University offer the best career prospects?
Pacific Islands University's overall graduate earnings data suggests limited career prospects across programs. Prospective students should carefully research specific program outcomes before enrolling.