Fresno Pacific University
Fresno Pacific University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Fresno Pacific University at a Glance
Fresno Pacific University (FPU) is a private Christian university in Fresno, California, United States. It was founded as the Pacific Bible Institute in 1944 by the Pacific District Conference of U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. The university awarded its first Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. The first master's degree program was introduced in 1975.
1944
82 years old
2,731
200
42 acres
Identity
Is Fresno Pacific University Worth It?
Fresno Pacific University offers moderate value at $13,630/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $58,896, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 53% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Fresno Pacific University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #6 of 154 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 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #3 | Centre College | 66 | $20,781 | $66,240 |
| #4 | DePauw University | 61 | $22,264 | $70,527 |
| #5 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #6 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Fresno Pacific University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in CA.
Best Programs at Fresno Pacific University
The highest-earning program at Fresno Pacific University is Human Resources Management and Services at $49,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $24,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Human Resources Management and Services graduate from Fresno Pacific University earns $49,000, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $24,400. 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: Human Resources Management and Services graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $23,438 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,630/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services | $49,000 | $49,000 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,300 | $44,300 | $22,000 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $28,400 | $28,400 | $23,438 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $24,400 | $24,400 | $23,438 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Fresno, CA
- Student Body
- 1,544 students
- Admission Rate
- 64%
- Graduation Rate
- 53%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,630
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,896
- Median Student Debt
- $23,146