Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Fresno Pacific University

Similar health sciences bachelor's programs in California suggest first-year earnings around $40,000—solidly above the national median but trailing stronger California programs by $3,000 to $15,000. What complicates the picture here is the estimated $28,344 in debt, substantially higher than California's typical $18,786 for these programs. That 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't disastrous, but it means your child would be carrying debt equivalent to 70% of their first year's salary, making the early repayment years tighter than they might be at state alternatives.

The comparison with California State University-Fresno, literally down the road, is hard to ignore. Based on available data, CSU Fresno's health sciences graduates earn about $43,000 while this program's peer schools suggest $40,000, but the debt difference matters more—private university financing typically costs significantly more than the public system. With nearly 60% of students here receiving Pell grants, many families are managing these costs through federal aid, but that doesn't eliminate the debt burden afterward.

If your child has specific reasons to choose Fresno Pacific—faith-based mission, smaller class sizes, particular mentorship—weigh those against the extra debt. Otherwise, the nearby CSU option appears to deliver comparable or better outcomes with less financial strain. The work these degrees lead to is valuable, but starting $10,000 deeper in debt matters when you're earning $40,000.