Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Azusa Pacific University at a Glance
Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private evangelical research university in Azusa, California, United States. The university was founded in 1899 in Whittier, California, with classes first held on March 3, 1900, and degrees offered in 1939. The university's seminary, the Graduate School of Theology, holds to a Wesleyan-Arminian doctrinal theology. APU offers more than 100 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven regional locations across Southern …
1899
127 years old
7,120
3,795 undergrad · 3,703 grad
947
105 acres
Identity
Is Azusa Pacific University Worth It?
Azusa Pacific University offers moderate value at $22,212/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $66,677, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Azusa Pacific University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #23 of 110 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #6 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #23 | Azusa Pacific University | 47 | $22,212 | $66,677 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Azusa Pacific University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in CA.
Best Programs at Azusa Pacific University
The highest-earning program at Azusa Pacific University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $86,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Religious Education at $19,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Azusa Pacific University earns $86,700, while a Religious Education graduate earns $19,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $22,125 for Religious Education.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,212/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $86,700 | $86,700 | $25,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $56,700 | $56,700 | $24,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $47,800 | $47,800 | $23,068 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,700 | $40,700 | $23,449 |
| International Business | $39,900 | $39,900 | $24,562 |
| Marketing | $36,400 | $36,400 | $23,308 |
| Political Science and Government | $33,800 | $33,800 | $22,625 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $32,200 | $32,200 | $24,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $31,700 | $31,700 | $25,180 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $30,600 | $30,600 | $23,500 |
| Social Work | $30,500 | $30,500 | $26,000 |
| Biology, General | $27,600 | $27,600 | $27,000 |
| Sociology | $27,400 | $27,400 | $24,188 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $27,400 | $27,400 | $22,460 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $24,900 | $24,900 | $22,552 |
| Psychology, General | $24,000 | $24,000 | $22,500 |
| Music | $22,400 | $22,400 | $27,000 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $21,000 | $21,000 | $22,125 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $20,500 | $20,500 | $24,302 |
| Religious Education | $19,200 | $19,200 | $22,125 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Azusa, CA
- Student Body
- 2,759 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,212
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $66,677
- Median Student Debt
- $23,219