Students at Warner Pacific University benefit from above-average long-term earnings while paying significantly less than typical private institutions, creating exceptional value for their educational investment.
The university's focus on personalized education and strong financial aid makes private college accessible to diverse students, including many first-generation college students.
Warner Pacific University is a small private nonprofit institution in Portland, Oregon, that combines the intimate feel of a close-knit campus with solid long-term financial outcomes for graduates. With nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants and 47% being first-generation college students, the university serves a diverse population seeking accessible private higher education. The institution demonstrates particular strength in supporting students through to completion, with strong persistence rates and meaningful career preparation.
Graduates earn a median of $55,204 ten years after enrollment, placing the university above average nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. What makes Warner Pacific distinctive is its ability to deliver these results while maintaining affordability that rivals many public institutions. Net prices for low-income students average just $15,816 annually, and middle-income families pay around $17,090, making private education accessible to students who might otherwise consider only public options.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Warner Pacific focuses on providing pathways for students who benefit from smaller, more personalized educational environments. The university's Portland location offers access to a dynamic job market in the Pacific Northwest, while its size ensures students receive individual attention throughout their academic journey.
Warner Pacific University's strength lies in its personalized approach to education rather than specific high-profile programs. As a small private institution, the university focuses on providing individualized attention and comprehensive support across its academic offerings. Students benefit from small class sizes, close faculty relationships, and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for success in their chosen fields.
The university's location in Portland provides students with access to internships and career opportunities across diverse industries, from technology and healthcare to manufacturing and professional services. This geographic advantage, combined with the university's emphasis on practical skills and real-world application, helps students build the experience and networks they need for career success.
While Warner Pacific may not have the extensive program portfolio of larger universities, its graduates demonstrate solid earning potential across fields. The university's focus on developing well-rounded professionals who can adapt to changing market conditions serves students well in today's dynamic economy. The personalized education model ensures that students receive the individual guidance and support they need to identify their strengths and pursue meaningful career paths.
Warner Pacific University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect the value of their educational investment. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $55,204, positioning the university above average nationally for earnings outcomes. The institution also demonstrates positive earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning nearly $3,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions, indicating strong value creation through the educational experience.
The university's location in Portland provides graduates access to the Pacific Northwest's diverse economy, including opportunities in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. Oregon's job market has shown consistent growth, and the state's moderate cost of living helps graduates' earnings stretch further than in many other metropolitan areas. This geographic advantage, combined with the personalized education and career preparation that comes with a smaller institution, contributes to graduates' ability to secure meaningful employment and build successful careers.
While Warner Pacific may not have the extensive alumni networks of larger universities, its graduates benefit from the close relationships formed during their studies and the individualized career guidance that smaller institutions can provide. The university's focus on practical skills and real-world preparation helps ensure that graduates are well-positioned to enter their chosen fields and advance professionally over time.
Warner Pacific University offers exceptional affordability for a private institution, making quality higher education accessible to students across income levels. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $15,816 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $17,090 per year. Even high-income families pay $25,835, which remains competitive with many public universities when considering the personalized attention and smaller class sizes that come with private education.
The university's financial aid approach helps students minimize borrowing while still accessing a private college experience. Typical graduates leave with $25,000 in federal student loan debt, a manageable level given the institution's solid earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,947, reflecting the university's success in keeping family contributions reasonable. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Warner Pacific demonstrates that its graduates are well-prepared to manage their educational investments successfully.
The combination of reasonable net prices and strong post-graduation earnings creates a sustainable financial model for students and families. The university's commitment to affordability, particularly for first-generation and Pell-eligible students, ensures that financial barriers don't prevent qualified students from accessing the benefits of a private college education in one of the country's most dynamic metropolitan areas.
Warner Pacific University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
