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 gives you a low-cost degree with a modest payoff. At about $9,400 a year, you can finish with median debt under $17,000, which is manageable. The problem is what comes after: median earnings ten years out sit around $36,000, so most degrees here buy you a stable regional job, not a high income.
Nursing is the clear win. A nursing bachelor's earns nearly $50,000, well above every other program listed and above the school-wide median. If you want your degree to pay, this is the path, and Guam's healthcare demand supports it.
The other programs are weaker. Accounting lands around $33,000, below the school median. English and business administration are worse, at roughly $24,000 and $22,000. Business administration in particular pairs low earnings with about $16,000 in debt, so you take on real debt for a degree that pays close to entry-level work. Choose these majors knowing the financial return is thin.
The main risk here is completion. Only 42% of students graduate, and 24% don't return after the first year. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome, and at this school it's a live possibility. Cost stays low only if you finish, and finish fast.
Net price rises with income: you'll pay about $8,200 under $30k but over $13,000 in the $75-110k band. Even at the top tier, the sticker stays affordable by mainland standards.
This school fits you if you're staying in Guam or the region, want low debt, and especially if you're headed into nursing. Look elsewhere if you want a business or humanities degree that translates into higher earnings, since those programs here don't clear a strong return.
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.