Pacific Rim Christian University: $12,380 Tuition

$12,380Tuition

113Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,523Earnings

#3 in HawaiiPrivate nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24Other Protestant

About Pacific Rim Christian University

Pacific Rim Christian University serves just 113 students in Honolulu, making it one of the smallest universities in Hawaii. This Protestant institution draws heavily from Hawaii's diverse population, with Asian students comprising 26.55% of enrollment and Hispanic students making up 18.58%. The university maintains an intimate academic environment with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Two-thirds of students come from within Hawaii, creating a tight-knit community that reflects the islands' multicultural heritage.

The financial picture presents challenges that prospective students should carefully consider. Students typically pay around $22,668 annually after aid, despite the relatively low published tuition of $12,380. A remarkable 86.32% of students receive financial aid, often through Pell Grants rather than institutional scholarships. Graduates earn a median of $40,523 ten years after graduation, which creates a difficult return on investment given the net costs. The 54.74% federal loan rate suggests many students borrow to cover expenses.

Students should know that roughly 60% of the student body is female, and the university operates with limited on-campus housing for just 36 students. The 52.40% six-year graduation rate indicates that completing a degree here requires persistence, though the 85.71% retention rate shows most students who start return for their second year.

Academics & Faculty

Pacific Rim Christian University operates as a small Christian institution where students work closely with faculty in a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university emphasizes biblical studies and Christian ministry preparation within its Protestant framework. With just 113 students total, classes are intimate and professors know each student personally. The 53% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many small religious colleges face in retention and completion. Students here typically pursue degrees in theology, biblical studies, and ministry-related fields. The university's Hawaii location attracts students interested in cross-cultural ministry and Pacific Island missions work. Academic programs center on preparing graduates for church leadership and Christian service roles.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 53.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.4%
Retention Rate: 85.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,523
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Pacific Rim Christian University sits in urban Honolulu, putting students in the heart of Hawaii's largest city with year-round temperatures in the 70s and 80s. You'll need sunscreen, not snow boots. The campus houses only 36 students despite an enrollment of 113, meaning most students commute or find off-campus housing nearby. With 67% of students from Hawaii, the school draws heavily from local families seeking Christian higher education.

The intimate 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit academic environment where professors know every student by name. Campus life revolves around small group activities rather than big university traditions, given the tiny size. Students often spend weekends exploring Oahu's beaches, hiking trails, and cultural sites that surround the city campus. The diverse student body reflects Hawaii's multicultural population, with 27% Asian students and 19% Hispanic students. With 86% of students receiving financial aid, most come from working families seeking affordable Christian education in paradise.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 36 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 66°–80°F
July Avg: 74°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 169.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Pacific Rim Christian University draws students who need affordable Christian education close to home. Two-thirds of the 113 students come from Hawaii, reflecting the school's role serving local Pacific Islander and Asian communities. The 86% Pell Grant rate shows the university prioritizes accessibility for lower-income families. Women make up nearly 60% of enrollment, typical for smaller Christian colleges that emphasize service-oriented programs. The diverse student body mirrors Hawaii's multicultural population, with significant Asian and Hispanic representation alongside students from various Pacific Island backgrounds seeking faith-based higher education.

Men: 40.7%
Women: 59.3%
White: 12.4%
Black: 5.3%
Hispanic: 18.6%
Asian: 26.6%
In-State Students: 66.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 86.3%

Location

Pacific Rim Christian University sits in Honolulu, Hawaii's capital and largest city with nearly one million residents. The campus operates within one of America's most isolated major metropolitan areas, located over 2,300 miles from the nearest mainland city. Honolulu combines urban amenities with tropical island living, featuring world-famous beaches like Waikiki just minutes from downtown business districts. The university serves a diverse student body where 26.55% identify as Asian and only 66.67% come from in-state, reflecting Hawaii's multicultural population and the school's appeal to mainland students seeking an island education experience. Students considering colleges in Hawaii may also compare Pacific Rim Christian University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Honolulu, Hawaii 96819-2228

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,523

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student experience like at Pacific Rim Christian University?

Pacific Rim Christian University serves just 113 students with an intimate 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The small Christian university maintains an 85.71% retention rate, suggesting students find the close-knit community appealing despite the limited campus housing of only 36 beds.

How much does Pacific Rim Christian University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,668 annually, with 86.32% receiving financial aid. The university charges the same $12,380 tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it accessible for mainland students seeking a Christian education in Hawaii.

What are the academic programs like at Pacific Rim Christian University?

The university operates on a semester system with extremely small class sizes given its 7:1 student-faculty ratio. As a Christian institution with Protestant affiliation, the curriculum integrates faith-based perspectives across its programs, though specific program offerings are limited by the small 113-student enrollment.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Pacific Rim Christian University?

Graduates earn a median salary of $40,523 ten years after graduation, with a 100% employment rate. However, the 52.40% six-year graduation rate indicates that completing the program can be challenging for some students at this small Christian university.

Where do most Pacific Rim Christian University students come from?

The student body is 66.67% Hawaii residents, reflecting strong local connections in the islands. The university serves a diverse population with 26.55% Asian students and 18.58% Hispanic students, mirroring Hawaii's multicultural demographics more than typical mainland Christian universities.

Is Pacific Rim Christian University affordable for low-income students?

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $21,726, with 86.32% of all students receiving Pell Grants. The high percentage of Pell Grant recipients indicates the university primarily serves students from lower-income backgrounds seeking affordable Christian higher education in Hawaii.