Fresno Pacific combines accessible admission with exceptional value-added performance. The university ranks in the 94th percentile for earnings beyond expectations while serving 58.7% Pell-eligible students, demonstrating how institutional effectiveness translates educational access into economic advancement for diverse student populations.
Strong value-added earnings despite moderate absolute earnings levels
Well above average performance in cost management and financial aid effectiveness
Above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
Modestly below average due to the combination of lower absolute earnings with high access levels
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisFresno Pacific delivers exceptional value-added performance while maintaining affordability for diverse student populations. The university generates $19,818 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 94th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
This top-tier performance means graduates earn substantially more than predicted based on their incoming characteristics and program mix. Median earnings reach $58,896 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 69th percentile nationally.
Students seeking strong value-added outcomes at a private Christian university with extensive accessibility. Well-suited for first-generation (46.6%) and Pell-eligible students (58.7%) who want manageable costs alongside earnings that substantially exceed expectations based on student demographics.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Fresno Pacific University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/fresno-pacific-university/analysis.
Top-tier earnings beyond expectations
Fresno Pacific University ranks #343 nationally in Azimuth's analysis with affordability performance at the 75th percentile nationally. Located in Fresno, California, this small private nonprofit university maintains moderate selectivity with a 57.5% acceptance rate while delivering strong earnings uplift for graduates.
Fresno Pacific enrolls 58.7% Pell-eligible students and 46.6% first-generation students, well above typical private college access levels. Graduates earn $19,818 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 94th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
This top-tier performance indicates the university adds substantial value to student outcomes. Median earnings reach $58,896 ten years after enrollment, accompanied by manageable debt levels at $23,146.
As an Opportunity Builder institution, Fresno Pacific demonstrates how accessible admission combined with strong student support can produce earnings outcomes that exceed demographic expectations.
Fresno Pacific admits 57.5% of applicants, meaning approximately 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places the university in the moderately selective category, more accessible than highly competitive institutions but maintaining academic standards for incoming students. The peer median admission rate of 75.6% indicates Fresno Pacific is moderately more selective than typical small private colleges, though still within the accessible range for well-prepared students.
This selectivity level means qualified applicants have reasonable admission chances, particularly those who demonstrate fit with the university's Christian mission and academic programs. Students should approach Fresno Pacific as a realistic option rather than a reach school, especially those with solid academic preparation. The admission rate suggests the university balances access with academic standards, making it appropriate for students seeking a supportive private college environment without the uncertainty of highly competitive admission processes. For students building college lists, Fresno Pacific represents a solid match school that combines accessibility with strong post-graduation outcomes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Fresno Pacific's published cost of attendance reaches $42,673 per year, including $35,558 in tuition, $10,148 for room and board, and $1,080 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $14,317 after financial aid, representing $28,356 in financial aid savings. This substantial aid reduction brings actual costs well below published prices for most families.
The average net price of $14,317 falls $7,495 below the peer median of $21,812, indicating above-average affordability compared to similar private colleges. This strong affordability performance, ranking at the 75th percentile nationally, reflects the university's commitment to making private education accessible. The significant gap between sticker price and actual cost demonstrates comprehensive financial aid programming that supports diverse student populations. Families should focus on net price rather than published costs when evaluating affordability, as most students receive substantial aid packages.
Fresno Pacific graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early careers. Median earnings increase from $51,422 six years after enrollment to $55,335 at eight years and $58,896 at ten years, representing 14.5% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts of 1,123 graduates at six years, 1,322 at eight years, and 1,403 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures.
The university's standout performance lies in earnings beyond expectations, generating $19,818 more than predicted for similar students nationally. This places Fresno Pacific in the 94th percentile for value-added earnings, indicating exceptional institutional effectiveness in supporting student success. Low-income graduates earn $40,600, demonstrating the university's ability to produce meaningful economic outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Approximately 28.5% of graduates continue to graduate study, reflecting diverse post-graduation pathways between workforce entry and advanced education.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
10 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
112 graduates
Clinical Research Coordinator.
5 graduates
Psychology, General.
30 graduates
Forensic Social Work.
79 graduates
Fresno Pacific offers four bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive ranking analysis. Business Administration and Management ranks #86 nationally and #20 in California, graduating 112 students with median earnings of $62,736 and a value score of 74.9, making it the university's flagship program by both enrollment and earnings.
Adult Development and Aging ranks #33 nationally and #7 in California, graduating 84 students with median earnings of $39,127 and a strong value score of 66.3. Forensic Social Work ranks #80 nationally and #12 in California, producing 79 graduates with median earnings of $40,458. Psychology, General rounds out the program portfolio, ranking #169 nationally and #30 in California, graduating 30 students with median earnings of $44,582. All four programs achieve flagship status within the university's academic portfolio.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
California State University-Fresno Higher acceptance rate (38.9 percentage points higher) and located 6 miles away; similar graduate earnings | CA | 96% | $61,244 | Compare |
California State University-Stanislaus Higher acceptance rate (39.9 percentage points higher) and located 83 miles away; similar graduate earnings | CA | 97% | $63,188 | Compare |
Thomas Aquinas College Higher acceptance rate (21.2 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 79% | $55,619 | Compare |
Soka University Of America Higher acceptance rate (12 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 70% | $55,017 | Compare |
California State University-Fresno Same state (6 miles away) with nearly identical earnings | CA | 96% | $61,244 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Institute Of Technology Similar quality tier (#340 ranked) | NY | 78% | $70,080 | #340 | Compare |
Aurora University Similar quality tier (#337 ranked) | IL | 85% | $58,709 | #337 | Compare |
Middlebury College Similar quality tier (#345 ranked) | VT | 10% | $76,310 | #345 | Compare |
College Of The Ozarks Similar quality tier (#347 ranked) | MO | 15% | $41,592 | #347 | Compare |
Lafayette College Similar quality tier (#349 ranked) | PA | 31% | $91,410 | #349 | Compare |