Human Resources Management and Services at University of the Pacific

California's HR programs show a wide performance gap, with top programs producing first-year earnings above $65,000 while others cluster around the state median of $48,786—where comparable programs suggest University of the Pacific's graduates likely fall. The $28,125 in median debt is above both the state ($25,067) and national ($26,625) medians for this major, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 that would require graduates to dedicate roughly seven months of pre-tax income to loan repayment.

The practical concern here is that Pacific's cost structure appears misaligned with the earning power this degree typically provides. While HR bachelor's programs nationwide produce median earnings around $50,000, Pacific students are borrowing more than average to reach outcomes that peer programs suggest will be firmly middle-of-the-pack. The school's 95% admission rate and strong academic profile (average SAT of 1303) indicate selectivity isn't the issue—it's the financial return on a degree that commands relatively modest starting salaries regardless of where it's earned.

For parents, the question is whether Pacific's private university experience justifies paying a premium over California State alternatives that produce similar or better HR outcomes with lower debt loads. Unless your family has specific reasons to choose this institution—location, campus culture, or existing financial aid—the estimated earnings picture suggests looking at CSU options where the debt-to-earnings equation is more favorable.