Warner Pacific University
Warner Pacific University is a private nonprofit university in Portland, OR ranked #160 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 344 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 58.6%. Students most often pursue Health and Medical Administrative Services and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.4% first-year retention, and 82.1% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $18,818, about $1,820 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -39.3%, roughly 124.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,660. That's about $1,972 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Warner Pacific University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Warner Pacific University graduates 82.1% of students within six years and keeps 77.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Warner Pacific University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $21,010 |
| Books and Supplies | $142 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,222 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,894 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $32,975 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 46.4% of Warner Pacific University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,816 to $25,835 depending on family income. Use Warner Pacific University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,804/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,835/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,660
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,660
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 49.3%
- Employment Rate 87.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Warner Pacific University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Warner Pacific University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Warner Pacific University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Warner Pacific University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Warner Pacific University graduates earn $45,660 median, the -39.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 344
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.4%
- Graduation Rate 82.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Warner Pacific University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Warner Pacific University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 58.6%, Warner Pacific University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 58.6% acceptance rate, Warner Pacific University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Warner Pacific University undergraduates. Biology, General, Health and Physical Education/Fitness, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Biology, General 20.6%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 17.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 11.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 9.5%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.9%
- Social Work 6.3%
See more majors
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 4.8%
- Music 4.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Health and Medical Administrative Services $73,270
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $70,049
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $69,520
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $68,953
- 5. Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $43,560
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $31,903
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $67,734
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $39,287
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Health and Medical Administrative Services grads earn $73,270—130% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($31,903). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $67,734 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Warner Pacific University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 5 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (27 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Social Work
- Music
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Social Sciences, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Psychology, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Physical Sciences
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Area Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Religion/Religious Studies
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Religion/Religious Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 344
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 36.0%
- Female Students 63.9%
- Caucasian 34.0%
- Asian 13.7%
- Hispanic 32.0%
- Black 12.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 46.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Warner Pacific University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Warner Pacific University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Warner Pacific University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Warner Pacific University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Warner Pacific University has a diverse student body, with 34.0% identifying as White. Women make up 63.9% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Warner Pacific University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Warner Pacific University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Warner Pacific University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -39.3% ROI. Ranked #160 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,818 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $45,660 median earnings. With 82.1% graduating within six years and 77.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Warner Pacific University's Positioning
With a A- grade and #160 ranking, Warner Pacific University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,818 annually, Warner Pacific University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 77.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,173 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -39.3% ROI and $45,660 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,818+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Warner Pacific University ranks #160 of 1966 institutions, with 745 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 82.1% six-year graduation rate sits 19.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.4% first-year retention is 0.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -39.3% return on investment is 124.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,660 run about 5% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,818 is roughly $1,092 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.5% employment rate within three years sits 19.3 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Portland, OR, Warner Pacific University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It appears at #160 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (A-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 77.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 82.1% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -39.3% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,818 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $32,975.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,157 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 46.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $45,660 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 5% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 87.5% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -39.3%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
58.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Warner Pacific University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Portland, OR 97215
- Website www.warnerpacific.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$12.4M