Heritage University
Heritage University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Heritage University at a Glance
Heritage University is a private university on the Yakama Indian Reservation in Toppenish, Washington, United States. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.
1907
119 years old
991
824 undergrad · 167 grad
190
23 acres
Is Heritage University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Heritage University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,416 — 8% below average — while paying $14,598/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% 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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Heritage University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Heritage University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #62 of 334 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #6 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #62 | Heritage University | 39 | $14,598 | $49,416 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Heritage University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in WA.
Best Programs at Heritage University
The highest-earning program at Heritage University is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $42,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Social Work at $35,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate from Heritage University earns $42,100, while a Social Work graduate earns $35,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduates carry $27,750 in median debt vs. $23,000 for Social Work.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,598/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $42,100 | $42,100 | $27,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,600 | $36,600 | $19,675 |
| Social Work | $35,400 | $35,400 | $23,000 |
Similar Colleges in WA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Toppenish, WA
- Student Body
- 812 students
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,598
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,416
- Median Student Debt
- $14,573