Hope International University
Fullerton, California · Private Nonprofit · 33.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 32/100 · Poor Value
Hope International University in Fullerton, California scores ROI 32 (Poor Value) -- a small Christian college with 564 undergraduates. The school's primary challenge is its cost against its outcomes: a $29,310 average net price producing median 6-year earnings of $36,600 and a 17.5-year payback period. Completion at 49.4% means barely half of enrolled students graduate. The school's stated mission is training Christian servant leaders -- its programs in Theological and Ministerial Studies and Education reflect that focus. Business Administration (37 graduates) is the only program with substantial volume and relatively decent earnings (4yr: $61,912, ROI grade C). The Fullerton location in Orange County provides proximity to a major labor market, but the admissions rate of 33% -- the most selective admission profile among the Poor Value schools in this analysis -- reflects a self-selecting, mission-aligned student body rather than academic exclusivity.
The data raises concerns about Hope International University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score32/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period17.5 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Hope International University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $38,050/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $38,050/yr |
| Average net price | $29,310/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $117,240 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,697 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $244 |
| Estimated payback period | 17.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 49.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 564 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Hope International University is $38,050/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $29,310/year, or roughly $117,240 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $27,991/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $34,049/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $244 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $49,697 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.63 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
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 | $27,991 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $31,016 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,451 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,634 |
| $110,001+ | $34,049 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay $27,991 per year -- this school charges low-income families more than $20,000 per year, which is a significant financial burden for Pell recipients. Over four years that is roughly $111,964. The 44.3% Pell rate indicates these families are enrolling in significant numbers despite the cost. Against a 49.4% completion rate, a low-income student who does not finish at Hope faces substantial debt without a degree.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 30,001-48,000 bracket pays $31,016 -- higher than the lowest bracket, which is unusual and suggests aid targeting is not optimized for lower-middle-income families. The 48,001-75,000 bracket rises to $34,451, and the 75,001-110,000 bracket drops slightly to $33,634. The middle-range costs stay flat or slightly increase -- virtually no meaningful aid differentiation across the middle income band.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $34,049 per year -- essentially the same as upper-middle-income families. Over four years that is roughly $136,196. Against median 10-year earnings of $49,697, high-income families choosing Hope International are making a values-based decision about Christian community and Southern California location, not a financial optimization.
Earnings by Major
Top 5 most popular majors at Hope International University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $61,912 | C |
| Psychology | $47,206 | C |
| Education, General | $45,971 | C+ |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $50,647 | - |
| Social Sciences, General | $58,263 | - |
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.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is Hope International's largest and most financially defensible program at 37 graduates per year. Median 1-year earnings of $40,955 and 4-year earnings of $61,912 track management and business roles in the Orange County and greater Los Angeles market. The 0.635 debt-to-earnings ratio (ROI grade C) with $26,000 median debt is on the edge. Southern California's business sector -- entertainment, real estate, financial services, and healthcare -- provides employment access for graduates who use the Fullerton location. The 4-year jump from $40,955 to $61,912 is the program's most positive signal.
Education, General
Education produces 23 graduates per year with 4-year earnings of $45,971 (1-year not reported) and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.540 (ROI grade C+) against $24,823 median debt. California teacher salaries have improved significantly in recent years, and Hope International's Fullerton location places graduates in Orange County Unified and nearby districts. The C+ ROI grade reflects sustainable -- if not exceptional -- returns for students committed to California K-12 teaching.
Psychology
Psychology is Hope International's second-largest program at 23 graduates per year with 4-year earnings of $47,206 (1-year not reported) and a 0.551 debt-to-earnings ratio (ROI grade C) against $26,000 median debt. This is better-than-expected for a psychology program at this type of institution, likely reflecting some graduate degree attainment or entry into California's social services sector where salaries are modestly higher than national psychology averages. Mission-oriented psychology students at Hope tend toward counseling and social work paths.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 60.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 64.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 63.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 64.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 33.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 420-650 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 420-570 |
| Enrollment | 564 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 44.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,734 |
Hope International admits 33% of applicants -- more selective than the institutional outcomes suggest. SAT Math 420-650, SAT Reading 420-570. The 33% admission rate likely reflects ecclesiastical endorsement, statement of faith, and mission alignment requirements rather than competitive academic screening. Students who don't meet the faith community criteria are filtered before academic review.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Hope International (ROI 32) sits above Art Center College of Design in its peer set (which has even higher costs) and is comparable to Calumet College of Saint Joseph and Parker University. Azusa Pacific University (a closer California Christian competitor) was not available for direct comparison. Hope's 33% admission rate and $29,310 net price combination is unusual for a Poor Value school -- most Poor Value schools either have near-open admission or lower net prices. The selective Christian community filter is doing enrollment work that standard academic selectivity metrics don't capture.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hope International University (this school) | 32 | $29,310 | $49,697 |
| Azusa Pacific University | 71 | $22,212 | $66,677 |
| Art Center College of Design | 56 | $48,661 | $71,958 |
| Parker University | 39 | $29,135 | $42,091 |
| Calumet College of Saint Joseph | 29 | $22,451 | $46,945 |
| Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies | 24 | $10,566 | $40,694 |
Who Thrives Here
Hope International fits strongly Christian students who want a small, ministry-oriented Southern California college and accept the financial tradeoff consciously. SAT Math 420-650, SAT Reading 420-570 -- a very wide range suggesting significant variance in incoming academic preparation. With 44.3% Pell recipients and a $29,310 net price, this school serves a high proportion of lower-income students at costs that strain household budgets. The 49.4% completion rate is a risk signal for all students, particularly those without family financial resources to weather the cost of not completing.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Hope International University. With a net cost of $29,310 per year and median graduate earnings of only $49,697 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 17.5 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 49.4% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $23,000 against $49,697 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.