Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Palm Beach Atlantic University at a Glance
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is a private nondenominational Christian university in West Palm Beach, Florida. PBA's nine colleges focus on the liberal arts with a select collection of professional studies. In 2024, PBA's undergraduate enrollment was approximately 2,600.
1968
58 years old
$117M
$117.2 million (2025)
4,147
2,603 undergrad · 709 grad
397
Identity
Is Palm Beach Atlantic University Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Palm Beach Atlantic University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,232 — 8% below average — while paying $28,354/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 57% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 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 Palm Beach Atlantic University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Palm Beach Atlantic University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in FL
Ranked #91 of 119 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 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #91 | Palm Beach Atlantic University | 25 | $28,354 | $49,232 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Palm Beach Atlantic University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in FL.
Best Programs at Palm Beach Atlantic University
The highest-earning program at Palm Beach Atlantic University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $19,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Palm Beach Atlantic University earns $53,400, while a Biology, General graduate earns $19,800. 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. $22,108 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $28,354/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 | $53,400 | $53,400 | $25,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $37,800 | $37,800 | $23,082 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,500 | $36,500 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,800 | $33,800 | $17,625 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $32,600 | $32,600 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $32,100 | $32,100 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,500 | $28,500 | $21,711 |
| Biology, General | $19,800 | $19,800 | $22,108 |
Similar Colleges in FL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Student Body
- 2,603 students
- Admission Rate
- 82%
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $28,354
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,232
- Median Student Debt
- $22,500