At $35,350/yr net price, Pacific University graduates earn $60,583/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,583/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,350 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $141,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,583/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,583/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,223 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,238/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,979/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,427/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,060/yr |
| $110,001+ | $40,153/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $129,325 | $216,605 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $107,906 | $148,580 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $97,452 | $205,643 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $77,087 | $177,722 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $22,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,927 | $144,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $60,623 | $256,017 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $58,673 | $50,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $53,608 | $92,127 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,852 | $39,568 |
The Risk Factor
64.8% of students at Pacific University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Pacific University delivers strong returns for health profession students but weak value for most other majors. The school's pharmacy program leads with $129,325 median earnings, though you'll carry $216,605 in debt to get there. Allied health diagnostics and optometry also pay well above the school's $60,583 overall median, making the high debt loads manageable for these career paths.
The financial picture turns concerning outside health fields. With a net price of $35,350 annually and median debt of $23,223, you need strong earning potential to justify the investment. The 64.80% graduation rate means one in three students won't finish, risking debt without a degree.
Communication disorders graduates earn $77,087 but typically carry $177,722 in debt, creating a challenging payback scenario. Dental support services offer the best debt-to-income ratio in health fields at just $22,500 in loans for $71,015 in earnings.
You should choose Pacific University if you're committed to pharmacy, optometry, or allied health careers and can handle substantial student loans. The school makes financial sense for these specific professional tracks given Oregon's healthcare job market. Look elsewhere if you're undecided on your major or interested in fields outside healthcare. Only 26.72% of students receive financial aid, limiting affordability options for many families.
The 76.28% retention rate signals that many students struggle with the academic or financial demands. If you're not certain about pursuing a health profession, cheaper alternatives will serve you better financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacific University worth the cost?
Pacific University's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Health science majors like pharmacy ($129,325 median earnings) and optometry ($97,452) justify the costs, but other programs may leave you with debt that's hard to repay given the $60,583 average graduate earnings.
What are the best paying majors at Pacific University?
Pharmacy leads Pacific University's earnings at $129,325 annually, followed by allied health professions at $107,906 and optometry at $97,452. These health-focused programs offer the strongest financial returns compared to the university's overall graduate average of $60,583.
How much debt do Pacific University graduates have?
Pacific University graduates carry a median debt of $23,223, which is manageable for high-earning health science majors but potentially burdensome for other programs. With average earnings of $60,583, debt-to-income ratios vary significantly by field of study.
Does Pacific University have good job placement after graduation?
Pacific University's 64.80% graduation rate is below average, which raises concerns about student success and job readiness. The school's strength lies specifically in health professions where professional licensing creates clearer career paths.