University of La Verne
University of La Verne — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of La Verne at a Glance
The University of La Verne (ULV) is a private university in La Verne, California, United States. Founded in 1891, the university is composed of the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business & Public Management, the LaFetra College of Education, College of Law, College of Health and Community Well-Being, an online adult school, two military centers, and a Regional Campus Administration that oversees six regional campuses. It awards undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Many of thei…
1891
135 years old
$113M
$113.4 million (2020)
5,804
2,713 undergrad
66 acres
Identity
Is University of La Verne Worth It?
University of La Verne offers moderate value at $20,161/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $65,464, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How University of La Verne compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #10 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 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #4 | Lewis University | 63 | $17,028 | $66,099 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #10 | University of La Verne | 52 | $20,161 | $65,464 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of La Verne's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in CA.
Best Programs at University of La Verne
The highest-earning program at University of La Verne is Public Administration at $55,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $17,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Public Administration graduate from University of La Verne earns $55,500, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate earns $17,000. 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: Public Administration graduates carry $32,757 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,161/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration | $55,500 | $55,500 | $32,757 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $54,900 | $54,900 | $30,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,200 | $48,200 | $25,000 |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) | $34,900 | $34,900 | $24,125 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,100 | $31,100 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $27,700 | $27,700 | $25,000 |
| Criminology | $27,500 | $27,500 | $24,730 |
| Psychology, General | $25,500 | $25,500 | $25,125 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $23,800 | $23,800 | $25,000 |
| Sociology | $21,700 | $21,700 | $25,000 |
| Biology, General | $21,600 | $21,600 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $17,000 | $17,000 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- La Verne, CA
- Student Body
- 3,050 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,161
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $65,464
- Median Student Debt
- $23,500