At $20,979/yr net price, Pacific Union College graduates earn $70,484/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $36,484/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,979 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,916 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $70,484/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$36,484/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,903/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,897/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,211/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,495/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,182/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $92,410 | $29,833 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $31,839 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
The Risk Factor
51.5% of students at Pacific Union College 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 Union College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $70,484 median earnings after 10 years provide decent earning power relative to the $20,979 annual net price, but a concerning 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students never complete their degrees.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $92,410 annually against $29,833 in debt. This creates strong ROI potential for students who can handle the program's academic demands. Business graduates face a harsh reality with earnings of just $31,839, making the degree financially questionable given typical debt loads. Health and Physical Education produces the weakest returns at $25,967, creating significant financial risk for students entering this field.
The low graduation rate represents Pacific Union's biggest financial risk. With only 33% of students receiving aid, many pay close to full price without completing their programs. The 87% retention rate suggests students stay engaged initially, but something prevents degree completion for nearly half.
Pacific Union makes financial sense if you plan to study nursing and have strong academic preparation to ensure graduation. The school's Seventh-day Adventist affiliation may provide networking advantages in healthcare settings. Students considering business or education programs should explore alternatives with stronger earning outcomes. Those needing significant financial aid may find limited options here, making affordability a key concern for middle-income families who don't qualify for need-based assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacific Union College worth the cost?
Pacific Union College's nursing programs offer strong ROI with graduates earning $92,410, but other majors like business ($31,839) and physical education ($25,967) show poor returns given the $21,000 annual cost. With a 51% graduation rate, nearly half of students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Pacific Union College?
Nursing programs at Pacific Union College provide the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $92,410 annually. Business and physical education majors earn significantly less at $31,839 and $25,967 respectively, making these programs questionable investments.
How much debt do Pacific Union College graduates have?
Pacific Union College graduates carry a median debt of $27,500. For nursing majors, this debt load is manageable given their higher earnings, but business and education graduates may struggle with loan payments on their lower salaries.
What is the graduation rate at Pacific Union College?
Pacific Union College has a 51% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students who enroll don't complete their degrees. This low completion rate adds significant financial risk since students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.