Students at Azusa Pacific University achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $4,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
The university ranks in the top fifth nationally for both overall earnings and outcomes for low-income students, demonstrating strong value across diverse student populations.
Azusa Pacific University delivers strong long-term financial outcomes within a faith-based educational environment. Located in Southern California, this medium-sized private nonprofit institution consistently produces graduates who earn significantly more than expected compared with similar students at other universities. APU ranks in the top 17% nationally for overall earnings performance, with graduates achieving a median income of $66,677 ten years after enrollment.
What distinguishes APU is its ability to combine Christian liberal arts education with practical career preparation. The university serves a diverse student body, with about 35% receiving Pell Grants and 38% being first-generation college students, yet maintains strong graduation rates and earnings outcomes across programs. As a designated "Mobility Engine," APU successfully converts access into upward economic mobility for students from various backgrounds.
The university's program mix emphasizes health sciences, business, and psychology, with nursing programs delivering particularly strong returns. APU's location in the greater Los Angeles area provides graduates access to diverse employment opportunities while the institution's Christian mission attracts students seeking to integrate faith with professional development.
Azusa Pacific University's program portfolio demonstrates clear pathways to career success, with nursing programs leading both in scale and financial outcomes. The Adult Health Nursing program graduates 597 students annually with median earnings of $89,570, making it the university's economic engine and reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals in Southern California. This program combines APU's commitment to service with excellent career prospects in a growing field.
Psychology remains the most popular major with 134 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $26,558, typical for this foundational field that often leads to graduate study or diverse career paths. Business programs show solid middle-ground performance, with Accounting Technology graduates earning around $60,771, demonstrating the university's ability to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers in professional services.
The university's program mix reflects its mission-driven approach to education, emphasizing fields that combine service orientation with strong career prospects. Nursing, business, and psychology programs together represent the core of APU's academic identity, providing students with both the technical skills and ethical foundation needed for meaningful careers. The concentration in health sciences particularly aligns with regional employment opportunities and the university's commitment to preparing graduates for service-oriented professions.
Azusa Pacific University graduates achieve strong long-term earnings that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $66,677, placing the university in the top 17% nationally for earnings performance. More importantly, APU graduates earn about $4,057 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value beyond what would be predicted based on student characteristics alone.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing programs, which represent the largest and most successful program by aggregate return. Adult Health Nursing graduates, numbering 597 students, achieve median earnings of $89,570 ten years out, creating substantial economic value. Psychology remains the most popular major with 134 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $26,558. Business-related programs like Accounting Technology show solid middle-ground performance with graduates earning around $60,771.
APU's diverse program portfolio creates varied pathways to financial success. While nursing and business programs drive the strongest earnings outcomes, the university's comprehensive approach ensures that graduates across disciplines benefit from strong employer relationships and career services. The combination of practical skills training, internship opportunities, and the university's regional network in Southern California helps explain why APU graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations.
Azusa Pacific University's private school pricing reflects its comprehensive educational model while remaining more accessible than many comparable private institutions. Low-income students pay about $17,839 annually after aid, middle-income families see costs around $20,848, and higher-income families pay approximately $23,832. These net prices position APU in the middle range nationally for private universities, making it a viable option for families seeking private education value.
The university's financial aid approach helps make private education attainable for diverse income levels. With about 35% of students receiving Pell Grants, APU demonstrates commitment to serving students from various economic backgrounds. The relatively modest gap between net prices across income bands suggests the university provides meaningful aid to lower-income families while maintaining predictable costs for middle and upper-middle-income households.
Debt levels at APU are manageable relative to the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. With median federal student loan debt of $23,219 and typical Parent PLUS borrowing of $24,221, most families take on reasonable debt loads that align well with the strong post-graduation earning potential. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by solid career outcomes and financial literacy resources.
Azusa Pacific University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
