Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,485/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,485/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,105 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Master | $53,017 | $51,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,781 | $55,102 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $46,478 | $91,562 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,927 | $34,375 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $37,883 | $25,125 |
Analysis
Pacific Oaks College is a hard financial bet for the two undergraduate programs listed. Your bachelor's in Teacher Education pays about $39,900 a year, and your bachelor's in Human Development pays under $38,000. Both sit well below the school's $52,485 median, which means the graduate programs are carrying that overall number. If you come here for an undergraduate degree, plan around the low-$40s, not the mid-$50s.
Teacher Education is the weaker deal of the two. You take on the most debt here,over $34,000,for the lowest bachelor-level earnings on the list. Human Development pays about the same but leaves you roughly $9,000 less in the hole, so if you're choosing between the two on money alone, Human Development wins.
The core risk is that both fields tie you to child development, family services, and teaching work in California, where entry salaries stay flat and don't scale much with experience early on. Borrowing $34,000 against a $40,000 salary means your loan payment eats a real share of every paycheck for years.
This school fits you if you already know you want to work in early childhood, teaching, or family services and you're motivated by the work itself, with debt kept low or covered by aid. If you need a degree to pay off fast in raw dollars, look elsewhere,these numbers won't get you there.
On net price, more than half of you qualify for Pell, so lower-income families likely pay less than the sticker figure. But Pell doesn't erase the debt load, and if your family income puts you above aid thresholds, the combination of private-school cost and sub-$40,000 starting pay is the part to scrutinize before you enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacific Oaks College worth the cost?
Pacific Oaks College graduates earn $52,485 annually after 10 years with median debt of $29,105, making it a borderline financial decision. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable, but earnings are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying majors at Pacific Oaks College?
Human Development and Family Studies leads at $53,017 annually, followed by some Teacher Education programs at $47,781. Other education tracks pay significantly less, with some earning under $40,000 annually.
How much debt do Pacific Oaks College students graduate with?
The median debt is $29,105, which is manageable given the typical graduate earnings of $52,485. Students should expect monthly loan payments around $300-350 for standard repayment plans.
Does Pacific Oaks College have good financial aid?
With moderate debt levels relative to earnings, Pacific Oaks likely provides decent financial aid packages. However, prospective students should compare net costs carefully since education-focused programs typically offer lower starting salaries.