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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans risky. You pay about $22,000 a year net and come out with median earnings around $51,562 after ten years. That's a workable return only if you finish, and a 42.6% graduation rate means most people who enroll don't. A 67.68% retention rate says roughly a third of your class is gone after the first year, and if you leave with debt and no degree, the math turns against you fast.
Nursing is the clear payoff here. It pays about $54,000 out of the gate, close to what the median Pfeiffer graduate earns a decade later. If you're coming for nursing and you finish, the price is defensible.
Business Administration is the cautionary tale. It pays about $40,312, roughly $14,000 less than nursing, while still loading you with over $21,000 in debt. You'd be paying private-college prices for a salary that struggles to justify the borrowing.
The specific risk at Pfeiffer is completion, not just cost. Median debt lands around $26,000, but that assumes you graduate. Drop out partway and you keep the loans without the degree that pays them off.
On price by income, Pfeiffer does discount for lower earners, but not steeply. If your family makes under $30,000, you still pay about $18,581, only around $8,000 less than families over $110,000 at $26,673. Low-income families don't get a dramatic break here.
Pfeiffer fits you if you're committed to nursing and confident you'll finish. If you're undecided, drawn to business, or unsure about sticking it out, the combination of a low graduation rate and a private-school price tag makes this a hard bet to justify.
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.