At $25,300/yr net price, William Jessup University graduates earn $56,257/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,257/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,300 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $101,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,257/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,257/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,700 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,837/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,404/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,555/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,613/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,800/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,801 | $21,240 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $19,562 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $36,398 | $20,784 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $31,314 | |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
The Risk Factor
60.7% of students at William Jessup University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
William Jessup University delivers below-average financial returns for a private college investment. With median earnings of $56,257 ten years after graduation and a net price of $25,300 annually, you face a challenging payback period that extends well beyond what stronger regional competitors offer.
The earnings data reveals concerning patterns across William Jessup's program offerings. Business Administration graduates earn just $39,801 annually while carrying $21,240 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that signals financial strain. Education majors fare slightly worse at $38,289, though their debt load runs lower at $19,562. Psychology graduates earn $36,398 with $20,784 in debt, while Bible studies and political science majors fall into the low-$30,000 range.
The 60.7% graduation rate compounds these financial risks. Nearly four in ten students leave without a degree but often with debt, making William Jessup a particularly risky choice if you struggle academically or lack strong support systems. The 68.83% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that the school may not deliver expected value.
William Jessup works financially if you plan to enter ministry, nonprofit work, or education where mission alignment matters more than salary maximization. The school also makes sense if you qualify for substantial merit aid that brings your net cost well below the median.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong career services, strong alumni networks in business, or programs that command higher starting salaries. The low percentage receiving aid (34.3%) suggests limited financial assistance for middle-income families, making affordability challenging without significant family resources or outside scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is William Jessup University worth the cost?
William Jessup University graduates earn $56,257 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for the $25,300 annual net price. With a 61% graduation rate and median debt of $23,700, the return on investment is modest compared to other California schools.
What are the highest paying majors at William Jessup University?
Business Administration graduates from William Jessup earn around $39,801 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Education and Psychology majors earn in the mid-to-high $30,000s, while Biblical Studies graduates average $33,993.
How much debt do William Jessup University graduates have?
William Jessup graduates carry a median debt of $23,700, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with starting salaries often in the $30,000-40,000 range for popular majors, loan payments may strain budgets.
Does William Jessup University provide good financial aid?
William Jessup's net price of $25,300 suggests decent financial aid for a private Christian university. The relatively low median debt of $23,700 indicates the school works to keep borrowing reasonable for most students.