At $21,953/yr net price, Pfeiffer University graduates earn $51,562/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,562/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,953 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,812 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,562/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,562/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,163 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,581/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,569/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,842/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,089/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,673/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $70,176 | $38,655 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Master | $67,660 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 | $38,829 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,984 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,312 | $21,836 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $38,289 | $61,455 |
The Risk Factor
42.6% of students at Pfeiffer 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
Pfeiffer University delivers weak financial returns that leave most graduates struggling to justify their investment. With median earnings of just $51,562 ten years after graduation and a troubling 42% graduation rate, your chances of completing your degree and earning a decent salary are lower than at most universities.
Health and Medical Administrative Services stands out as the only program worth considering financially, generating $70,176 in median earnings despite carrying $38,655 in debt. Security Science and Technology also shows promise at $67,660 annually. Business Administration programs tell a confusing story with identical names but vastly different outcomes - one version pays $57,318 while another manages only $40,312, making program selection critical.
Nursing graduates earn a modest $53,984, which falls short of what nurses typically make elsewhere in North Carolina. Most other programs likely produce even weaker returns given the overall median earnings figure.
Your biggest risk at Pfeiffer is not graduating at all. The 68% retention rate means one in three students transfers or drops out after freshman year, often with debt but no degree. The low graduation rate compounds this problem.
Pfeiffer makes financial sense only if you plan to study health administration or security technology and feel confident about completing your degree. The $21,953 net price appears reasonable, but poor completion rates mean many students pay without receiving the credential needed to access better-paying jobs. Students seeking nursing, business, or other programs will find superior ROI at North Carolina's public universities or stronger private institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pfeiffer University worth the cost?
Pfeiffer University's ROI is mixed, with graduates earning $51,562 ten years after graduation against median debt of $26,163. The low 43% graduation rate creates significant risk that students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Pfeiffer University?
Health and Medical Administrative Services leads with $70,176 average earnings, followed by Security Science and Technology at $67,660. These programs offer the strongest return on investment compared to the school's overall graduate earnings of $51,562.
How much debt do Pfeiffer University graduates have?
Pfeiffer graduates have median debt of $26,163, which is manageable relative to the $51,562 average earnings ten years out. However, this only accounts for students who actually graduate - the 43% graduation rate means many students may leave with debt but no degree.
Does Pfeiffer University have good financial aid?
With a net price of $21,953 per year, Pfeiffer provides substantial financial aid that brings costs below many private colleges. The aid helps make the school accessible, though students should carefully consider the graduation rate risk before enrolling.