Higher earnings and graduation rates, lower debt and strong opportunities for students from a variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds—especially those who are the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university—are the hallmarks of an education at Fresno Pacific University, according to a new federal “scorecard.”
“These findings confirm and affirm FPU’s strengths and what we’re doing to serve Valley students and their families,” said Stephen Varvis, Ph.D., provost/senior vice president.
The College Scorecard website was launched by the U.S. Department of Education September 12, 2015, to help potential undergraduate students and their families select a college or university. (Students seeking graduate degrees were not included.) FPU has 2,496 students in traditional and bachelor’s degree completion programs out of a total enrollment of about 3,700. All findings are for students receiving federal financial aid, which includes well over 90 percent of FPU undergraduate students.
At FPU:
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The graduation rate (based on six years) among full-time students enrolled for the first time is 57 percent, above the national average of 44 percent; 83 percent of first-year students return for their second year, above the national average of 67 percent
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Former students earn an average $39,700 annually within 10 years after enrolling, above the national average of $34,343; 61 percent earn more than the average high school graduate within six years after they begin at FPU
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The average annual net price (after financial aid) is $15,403, below the average of $16,798
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Average debt at graduation is $19,205, about 20 percent below the national average; 81 percent of former students are paying down their debt within three years of leaving school, above the national average of 67 percent; typical monthly loan payments are $213
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58 percent of students have a family income of less than $40,000 and receive income-based federal Pell grants
In addition, 41 percent of FPU undergraduate students are (according to federal categories) Hispanic, 38 percent are white, 5 percent are African American and 4 percent are Asian. The most popular majors are business, management, marketing and related support—28 percent; liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities—21 percent; education—18 percent; social sciences—8 percent; and health professions and related programs—5 percent.
“We serve the students and communities of this region through high-quality academic programs that prepare students for their future, hands-on learning experiences and ethical development in formats that are affordable and close to home,” Varvis said. “They are our future leaders in business, schools and churches. When they graduate, they are ready to go.”
College Scorecard is an alternative to a federal rating system and replaces an older website of the same name, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education. The measurements of students’ earnings six and 10 years after enrollment and the proportion repaying student loans are new features many experts contend offer a more complete picture than previous metrics, The Chronicle states. (See the full article at chronicle.com/article/White-House-Unveils-College/233073/?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en
The full College Scorecard website is at collegescorecard.ed.gov/ and the FPU page is collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?114813-Fresno-Pacific-University