At $9,424/yr net price, University of Guam graduates earn $35,946/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,946/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,424 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,696 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,946/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,946/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 19.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,786 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,170/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,437/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,688/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,415/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $49,625 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $23,649 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $21,850 | $16,050 |
The Risk Factor
42.1% of students at University of Guam 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
University of Guam delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice and post-graduation plans. The $9,424 annual net price keeps costs manageable, but median earnings of $35,946 ten years after graduation place this school in the lower tier nationally.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $49,625 annually. This represents solid ROI given the reasonable debt levels and strong local demand for healthcare workers. Accounting offers moderate returns at $33,281, while liberal arts programs like English struggle financially with graduates earning just $23,649.
Business administration presents concerning numbers with graduates earning only $21,850 despite carrying $16,050 in debt. This program appears to offer poor value compared to similar degrees elsewhere.
The 42% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you struggle academically or lack clear career direction, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no degree. The 76% retention rate suggests many students recognize fit issues after freshman year.
This school makes financial sense if you plan to pursue nursing or stay in Guam long-term where local connections matter more than earnings potential. The low net price helps offset weaker earning prospects for students committed to island life.
You should look elsewhere if you want strong financial returns from business or liberal arts degrees, or if you plan to compete in mainland job markets where University of Guam carries little recognition. The combination of low graduation rates and limited program strength outside healthcare makes this a risky investment for career-focused students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Guam worth the cost compared to other schools?
University of Guam offers a relatively low net price at $9,424 per year, but graduates earn just $35,946 annually after 10 years. The low graduation rate of 42% means many students leave without a degree, making the investment risky for most students.
Which University of Guam programs have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at University of Guam provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $49,625 annually. Accounting graduates earn $33,281, while English and general business programs produce much lower returns at $23,649 and $21,850 respectively.
What is the typical student debt burden at University of Guam?
University of Guam graduates carry a median debt of $16,786, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. However, with post-graduation earnings averaging under $36,000, even this modest debt load represents a significant financial burden.
Does University of Guam provide good financial aid to students?
The low net price of $9,424 suggests University of Guam offers substantial financial aid or has low base tuition costs. This makes it accessible, but the poor graduation rate and below-average earning outcomes limit its overall value proposition.