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 charges a net price near the top of what private schools ask, and the median graduate earns about $49,000 ten years out. That gap makes this a mixed bet: you can pay it off, but only if you pick the right major and finish the degree.
Nursing is the clear winner here. At close to $55,000 for graduates, it out-earns every other program on the list by more than $10,000, and West Palm Beach hospitals give you a steady local market to work in. That salary comfortably covers the roughly $25,000 in debt nursing grads carry.
The other programs are weaker. Marketing, human resources, teacher education, and international business all land under $45,000, and human resources graduates carry the heaviest debt on the list while earning about $40,000. If you major in any of these, the payoff is slow. International business shows no debt figure and the lowest earnings, so treat that path with caution.
The biggest risk is not finishing. Only 59% of students graduate and just 67% return for a second year. If you leave with debt and no degree, none of these salary numbers apply to you, and you still owe the money.
The net price tiers are strange. Families earning under $48,000 pay less, around $27,000, while families above $75,000 pay closer to $40,000. If your family income is in that higher band, you are paying full freight, and only nursing reliably justifies that cost.
This school fits you if you are set on nursing and plan to work in South Florida. If you want marketing, HR, teaching, or business, or if you are unsure you will finish, the price here is hard to defend against cheaper options.
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.