At $22,668/yr net price, Pacific Rim Christian University graduates earn $40,523/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,523/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,668 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,523/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,523/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,726/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,353/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,401/yr |
The Risk Factor
52.4% of students at Pacific Rim Christian 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 Rim Christian University delivers weak financial returns that should give you serious pause. With median earnings of just $40,523 ten years after graduation and a net price of $22,668 annually, you're looking at a degree that barely pays for itself in Hawaii's expensive job market.
The 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degree, creating substantial financial risk for families already stretching to afford private tuition. Even if you do graduate, your earnings will likely struggle to cover both student loans and Hawaii's notoriously high cost of living.
Pacific Rim's Christian focus limits your career flexibility in a state where tourism, military, and government jobs dominate. The school's small size and specialized mission mean fewer alumni connections and limited recruiting pipelines compared to larger Hawaiian institutions.
This university makes financial sense only for students with strong family financial support who prioritize the Christian educational environment over earning potential. If you need loans to attend or plan to stay in Hawaii after graduation, the math becomes challenging quickly.
With 86% of students receiving financial aid, Pacific Rim clearly recognizes affordability concerns. However, even with aid, you're paying premium private school prices for outcomes that don't justify the investment in most cases. Students prioritizing financial security should consider University of Hawaii options or mainland schools with stronger career placement records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacific Rim Christian University worth the tuition cost?
Pacific Rim Christian University graduates earn $40,523 annually ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $22,668 per year and a graduation rate of only 52%, the return on investment is poor compared to other four-year institutions.
What is the job market like for Pacific Rim Christian University graduates?
Pacific Rim Christian University graduates face limited earning potential with average salaries of $40,523 ten years post-graduation. The low graduation rate of 52% suggests many students don't complete their programs, making the investment even riskier.
How much debt do Pacific Rim Christian University students typically graduate with?
At $22,668 per year in net costs, Pacific Rim Christian University students often graduate with substantial debt relative to their earning potential. The low post-graduation salaries make loan repayment challenging for many graduates.
Are there better alternatives to Pacific Rim Christian University for the same cost?
Yes, many public universities and community colleges in Hawaii offer better value with lower costs and higher graduate earnings. Students should compare graduation rates and post-graduation salaries before choosing Pacific Rim Christian University over other options.