Location: Pasadena, CA•In-State Tuition: $33,360•Admission Rate: 10%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,077
92nd percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$27,715
11% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.71 ManageableSample: 123 graduates

Analysis

Pacific Oaks graduates earn $7,000 more than the typical California program in this field, with first-year earnings of $39,077 placing them among the highest in the state. This is notable for a field where most graduates start in the low $30,000s—they're outearning programs at UC San Diego and several CSU campuses. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile statewide (solid but not top-tier), it punches well above its weight nationally, landing in the 92nd percentile.

The tradeoff comes with debt. At $27,715, graduates carry about $9,400 more than the California median for this degree. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 remains manageable—far better than many programs that saddle graduates with debt exceeding their first-year salary. Earnings growth of 14% over four years suggests decent career progression, though this field doesn't typically offer explosive salary growth.

For families committed to human development or family studies careers, Pacific Oaks delivers stronger earning potential than most alternatives. The higher debt is real, but graduates appear positioned to handle it given their earnings advantage. The 10% admission rate and high Pell grant enrollment (55%) suggest the school is selective yet accessible to students from various economic backgrounds, which may contribute to its strong outcomes.

Where Pacific Oaks College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Pacific Oaks CollegeOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Pacific Oaks College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Pacific Oaks College earns $39k — 92th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Pacific Oaks College$39,077$44,499+14%
California State University-East Bay$41,195$53,103+29%
University of California-San Diego$33,489$49,899+49%
Sonoma State University$33,906$49,815+47%
Point Loma Nazarene University$27,037$44,168+63%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (30 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Pacific Oaks CollegePasadena$33,360$39,077$44,499$27,7150.71
California State University-East BayHayward$7,055$41,195$53,103$18,0000.44
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$36,944$32,701$36,0000.97
California State University-Monterey BaySeaside$7,437$34,089—$12,4080.36
Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park$8,190$33,906$49,815$18,2500.54
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla$15,265$33,489$49,899$19,3420.58
National Median—$33,543—$25,0000.75

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Pacific Oaks College, approximately 55% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 123 graduates with reported earnings and 211 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.