Life Pacific University
Life Pacific University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Life Pacific University at a Glance
Life Pacific University (LPU) is a private Christian university endorsed by the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel and located in San Dimas, California. LPU serves as the denomination's flagship institution for higher education. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges - Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).
1923
103 years old
780
Identity
Is Life Pacific University Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Life Pacific University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,299 — 19% below average — while paying $20,898/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% 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.
With a 96% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $22,395 representing 52% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Life Pacific University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Life Pacific University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #25 of 66 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 | Kehilath Yakov Rabbinical Seminary | 100 | $3,822 | $36,442 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Yeshiva Gedolah Imrei Yosef D'spinka | 52 | $5,646 | $36,545 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #25 | Life Pacific University | 25 | $20,898 | $43,299 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Life Pacific University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in CA.
Best Programs at Life Pacific University
The highest-earning program at Life Pacific University is Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries at $24,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Bible/Biblical Studies at $22,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduate from Life Pacific University earns $24,100, while a Bible/Biblical Studies graduate earns $22,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduates carry $19,534 in median debt vs. $25,250 for Bible/Biblical Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,898/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $24,100 | $24,100 | $19,534 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $22,000 | $22,000 | $25,250 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- San Dimas, CA
- Student Body
- 456 students
- Admission Rate
- 96%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,898
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,299
- Median Student Debt
- $22,395