At $32,751/yr net price, Palm Beach Atlantic University graduates earn $49,232/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,232/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,751 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $131,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,232/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,232/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,191/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,918/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,473/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $39,730/yr |
| $110,001+ | $36,841/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $113,354 | $228,375 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,689 | $33,225 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,996 | $24,979 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $22,750 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,682 | $43,318 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $40,392 | $28,089 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,523 | $23,616 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $19,303 |
The Risk Factor
58.9% of students at Palm Beach Atlantic 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
Palm Beach Atlantic University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $32,751 annual net price produces a median salary of $49,232 after ten years, which barely justifies the investment for most students.
Pharmacy stands out as the clear financial winner with $113,354 median earnings, though you'll carry substantial debt of $228,375. Business Administration offers a more balanced return at $60,689 with manageable debt of $33,225. Nursing provides solid middle-class earnings at $54,996 with reasonable debt levels. Marketing and student counseling programs show weaker returns, with counseling particularly problematic due to high debt relative to the $42,682 salary.
Your biggest risk at PBA is the 58.9% graduation rate and 66.95% retention rate, both below average for private colleges. If you don't graduate, you'll face debt without the degree premium. The relatively low 25.1% of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, making this school financially challenging for middle-income families who don't qualify for aid but struggle with the full price.
PBA works best if you're pursuing pharmacy, business, or nursing and can afford the costs without excessive borrowing. The South Florida job market supports these fields well. Avoid PBA if you're considering lower-paying majors like education or liberal arts, where the cost-to-earnings ratio becomes problematic. Students needing significant financial aid should look elsewhere, as PBA's aid distribution suggests limited support for those who need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palm Beach Atlantic University worth the high tuition cost?
Palm Beach Atlantic University's $32,751 annual net price leads to median earnings of $49,232 after 10 years, which is below average for private universities. The pharmacy program offers strong returns at $113,354, but most other programs don't justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Palm Beach Atlantic University?
Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences graduates earn $113,354 annually, making it Palm Beach Atlantic's most valuable program. Business administration ($60,689) and nursing ($54,996) offer moderate returns, while marketing and counseling programs fall below $45,000.
How much debt do Palm Beach Atlantic University students typically graduate with?
Palm Beach Atlantic students graduate with a median debt of $22,500, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with a 59% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their degree while still owing money.
Does Palm Beach Atlantic University provide good financial aid?
Despite a high sticker price, Palm Beach Atlantic's net price of $32,751 suggests decent financial aid for many students. The low graduation rate of 59% indicates some students may struggle financially to complete their programs.