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
The financial picture at Pacific Islands University is weak on the earnings side. Ten years after enrolling, median earnings sit at $20,902 a year. That figure is below what many high school graduates earn, and it means the payoff for a degree here does not show up in the paychecks the data tracks.
The cost side is where this school looks better. At under $7,000 a year, the net price keeps your total borrowing low, and that matters when earnings are this thin. A cheap degree that pays little is a different risk than an expensive one that pays little. Your downside here is limited by the small bill, not by strong salaries.
The data lists no bachelor-level program salaries, so there is no way to say which majors here pay off and which don't. If a specific field is your goal, ask the school directly for graduate earnings by program before you commit.
The main risk is straightforward. Even with low costs, earnings near $20,900 leave little room to repay loans, cover rent, or build savings. Half of students who start here graduate, so a coin-flip completion rate is layered on top of the low earnings. If you borrow and don't finish, you carry debt with no degree.
This school is a reasonable financial fit if you live in Guam or the surrounding islands, want to keep costs minimal, and have reasons beyond salary for choosing it. The net price holds at $6,746 even for families earning under $30,000, so a low income does not raise your bill. If your main goal is a strong salary return, the earnings data says look elsewhere.
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.