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

A $27,000 debt load for first-year earnings around $35,000 creates a challenging financial picture, particularly when Oregon's other health services programs suggest stronger outcomes. Based on similar bachelor's programs nationally, Warner Pacific's graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77—manageable on paper, but the state comparison raises questions. Portland State's health sciences graduates earn about $37,700 in their first year while carrying a median debt of just under $20,000, making their financial trajectory considerably easier.

The nearly $7,000 higher estimated debt here matters when you're starting at $35,000 annually. That translates to roughly 9-10 months of gross income to cover the full debt load, compared to about six months for typical Oregon graduates in this field. For a school serving a population where 46% receive Pell grants, this gap between debt and earnings could strain families who already have limited financial cushion.

Without school-specific outcomes data, you're making this decision based on what comparable programs produce nationally. If your child is set on Warner Pacific for reasons beyond the numbers—location, campus culture, or specific faculty—understand that the estimated financial position is workable but tighter than state peers suggest it needs to be. If finances are driving the decision, exploring Oregon's other options would likely yield a better starting position.