Faith International University
Tacoma, Washington · Private Nonprofit
ROI Score: 33/100 · Poor Value
Faith International University is a small private Christian-mission institution in Tacoma, Washington, scoring 33 on the CampusROI scale -- Poor Value tier. The cost picture is unusual: while sticker tuition is just $8,850, the average net price is $22,662 (more than double sticker), reflecting the inclusion of room, board, and other costs of attendance for a residential mission-focused program. Four-year total cost works out to roughly $90,648. Outcomes are mixed: 10-year median earnings of $51,006 produce a 17.7% earnings premium (sub-score 35) and a 14.4-year payback period (sub-score 39). Median debt of $17,650 is relatively low. The single most concerning input is completion -- just 25%, producing a sub-score of 7. Repayment at 58.5% (sub-score 16) is also weak, with only 38.7% of borrowers reducing principal at seven years -- a worrying trajectory. Debt-to-earnings is imputed because not enough graduates have reported debt data. The honest read: like many small religious institutions, Faith International's mission is theological education and ministry preparation, not labor-market ROI; the standard ROI frame partially misframes its purpose, but the 25% completion rate and weak repayment data are concerns regardless of mission.
The data raises concerns about Faith International University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score33/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate25.0% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
Faith International University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,850/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $8,850/yr |
| Average net price | $22,662/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $90,648 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,006 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | N/A |
| Median debt at graduation | $17,650 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $187 |
| Estimated payback period | 14.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 25.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 276 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Faith International University is $8,850/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,662/year, or roughly $90,648 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $22,662/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay N/A/year.
The median graduate leaves with $17,650 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $187 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $51,006 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is N/A - (insufficient data to assess).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,662 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | N/A |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | N/A |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | N/A |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $22,662 net annually -- the only reported income bracket, suggesting the entire student body falls in this tier or that other-tier data is suppressed for privacy. Over four years that is roughly $91,000 of cost, which is steep for low-income families even with Pell aid and federal loans. Borrowing should be limited; the relatively low $17,650 median debt suggests many students rely on church-network funding or work-study to keep loan balances down.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Net price data for the $30,001-$110,000 income brackets is not reported, suggesting either too few students in those tiers to publish or aid policies that do not vary materially by income. Middle-income families considering Faith International should expect to pay close to the published $22,662 figure with limited additional aid.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Net price for the $110,001-plus bracket is unreported, suggesting negligible enrollment from this tier. The school's mission and price point are fundamentally oriented toward Pell-eligible students with church-community support.
Earnings by Major
Top 2 most popular majors at Faith International University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Religion/Religious Studies | $64,235 | B |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $49,234 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Religion/Religious Studies
Religion/Religious Studies is one of Faith International's flagship programs. Graduates earn $42,103 at one year and $64,235 at four years against $17,813 of debt -- a 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio and a B grade. With 25 graduates per year this is a meaningful cohort. The relatively strong four-year earnings figure suggests graduates either move into established ministry roles with tenure-based pay scales or progress to graduate work (M.Div., MA Theology) before settling into longer-term careers.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration graduates earn $49,234 at four years (one-year and debt data are unreported, limiting analysis). With 24 graduates per year this is roughly the same size as the religion cohort. The four-year earnings figure is reasonable for a small private business program, and at Faith International likely reflects placement in church-affiliated organizations, nonprofit operations, and small-business ownership in the Pacific Northwest evangelical community.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 48.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 58.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 45.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 38.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 276 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 46.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $3,292 |
Admission rate is not reported in current Scorecard data, which is consistent with small religious institutions that operate on a discernment-based admissions model rather than competitive selection. SAT and ACT mid-ranges are likewise unreported. The 25% completion rate is the dominant data point and suggests substantial student attrition, which may reflect the school's role as a preparatory or supplemental theological institution where many students enroll without completing a full bachelor's degree.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Faith International's CampusROI peer set includes Cornish College of the Arts (WA), Gonzaga University (WA), Albizu University-Miami, Dewey University-Hato Rey (PR), and Bryn Athyn College of the New Church (PA). Bryn Athyn is the closest mission comp -- another small Christian-affiliated school -- and posts somewhat similar weak completion and ROI metrics. Gonzaga is a much larger Catholic Jesuit university and not a clean comp. Cornish is a small private arts school. Albizu and Dewey are Puerto Rico-based with very different student populations. Within this peer set Faith International sits at the lower end on completion and repayment.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faith International University (this school) | 33 | $22,662 | $51,006 |
| Gonzaga University | 81 | $35,119 | $78,892 |
| Bryn Athyn College of the New Church | 34 | $20,586 | $40,457 |
| Dewey University-Hato Rey | 33 | $3,577 | $19,761 |
| Albizu University-Miami | 32 | $19,849 | $41,544 |
| Cornish College of the Arts | 17 | $40,062 | $33,696 |
Who Thrives Here
With just 276 students and a 46.9% Pell rate, Faith International serves a small, Pell-eligible Christian-mission population in the Pacific Northwest. The two reported programs are Religion/Religious Studies (25 graduates per year, $64,235 four-year earnings, B grade) and Business Administration (24 graduates, $49,234 four-year). The student fit is essentially mission-driven; students are attending for theological training rather than career preparation, and the financial outcomes should be interpreted with that context.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Faith International University. With a net cost of $22,662 per year and median graduate earnings of only $51,006 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 14.4 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 25.0% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $17,650 against $51,006 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.