Understanding Pacific University Tuition and Fees

Earning a degree at Pacific University is an investment in your future, and understanding the costs associated with your education is a crucial first step. Pacific University's tuition is $58,348, which is more expensive than the national average. This article breaks down the various components of tuition, fees, and financial aid options at Pacific University, providing a comprehensive guide for prospective and current students.

Tuition and Fees: The Sticker Price

The sticker price represents the full cost of attendance before any financial aid or scholarships are applied. At Pacific University, the total cost is $74,844, including tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

It's important to note that the "sticker price" is not what most students actually pay. The average net price, which is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships, is $34,809 per year. Your net price is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies.

Graduate Program Tuition

Tuition costs for graduate programs vary significantly depending on the program. Here's a breakdown of the cost per unit for various programs for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026:

Accounting, MAcc: $1,703 per unit (30 total units)
Athletic Training, MS: $983 per unit (60 total units)
Audiology, AuD: $1,006 per unit (124 total units)
Behavioral Psychology, MA: $1,754 per unit (30 total units)
Biological Sciences, MS: $1,754 per unit (32 total units)
Business Administration, MBA (Online): $1,324 per unit (36 total units)
Business Analytics, MS: $1,703 per unit (31 total units)
Clinical Nutrition, MS: $1,035 per unit (59 total units)
Communication, MA: $1,754 per unit (32 total units)
Computer Science, MS (Online): $1,280 per unit (30 total units)
Computer Science, MS (In-Person): $1,703 per unit (30 total units)
Counseling Psychology, PsyD: $1,245 per unit (99-100 total units)
Cybersecurity, MS (Online): $1,280 per unit (31 total units)
Data Science, MS: $1,719 per unit (32 total units)
Education, MA - Counseling Psychology: $1,208 per unit (32-63 total units)
Education, MA - Learning, Innovation and Design: $1,208 per unit (31 total units)
Education, MA - Teaching + Credential: $1,208 per unit (32-35 total units)
Education, EdD - Counseling Psychology: $1,245 per unit (56-83 total units)
Education, EdD - Leadership & Innovation: $1,245 per unit (56 total units)
Education, EdD - Transformative Action in Education: $1,245 per unit (56 total units)
Emergency Management Science, MEMS: $1,000 per unit (30 total units)
Engineering, MS: $1,703 per unit (30 total units)
Finance, MS: $1,703 per unit (31 total units)
Health, Exercise & Sport Sciences, MA: $1,754 per unit (32 total units)
Health Science, DHSc: $1,030 per unit (27-36 total units)
Juridical Science, JSD (Continuing Students): $1,581 per unit (12 total units)
Juridical Science, JSD (New Students): view here (12 total units)
Law, MS: $1,591 per unit (26 total units)
Laws, LLM: $1,581 per unit (24 total units)
Leadership, MA - Leading for Social Justice: $1,208 per unit (32 total units)
Leadership, MA - Organizational Innovation & Change: $1,208 per unit (32 total units)
Medical Science, DMSc: $1,030 per unit (27-36 total units)
Music Education, MM: $1,703 per unit (33 total units)
Music Therapy, MA: $1,703 per unit (32-55 total units)
Nursing, Entry-Level MSN: $1,121 per unit (90 total units)
Nutrition Science, MS: $750 per unit (30 total units)
Occupational Therapy, OTD: $1,105 per unit (120 total units)
Pharmaceutical & Chemical Sciences (MS/PhD): $1,754 per unit (32-45 total units)
Physical Therapy, DPT: view here (111 total units)
Physician Assistant Studies, MPAS: view here (114 total units)
Public Administration, MPA: $1,500 per unit (36 total units)
Public Policy, MPP: $1,500 per unit (44 total units)
Regulatory Science, MS: $1,500 per unit (32 total units)
School Psychology, EdS: $1,245 per unit (48-66 total units)
Social Work, MSW (Online): $983 per unit (32-55 total units)
Social Work, MSW (In-Person): $1,035 per unit (32-55 total units)
Speech-Language Pathology, MS: $1,483 per unit (56-88 total units)

Note: Summer term tuition discounts may apply. For more information, visit the Summer Sessions Tuition page.

Read also: Internship Opportunities

It's important to note that tuition discount rates are subject to change for future academic terms. Per-unit tuition rates are estimated based on the standard unit enrollment per program per semester and may differ if enrolled in more or fewer units. The university reserves the right to modify or change admission standards, tuition, and/or fees without prior notice, effective immediately.

Campus Undergraduate Program Tuition at APU

For the Campus Undergraduate Program at Alaska Pacific University (APU), tuition is $10,175 per semester, covering 12-18 credits. Students taking over 18 credits and up to 24 are charged $565 per credit hour. Taking over 21 credits requires permission from the Provost. The Early Honors Program tuition is $8,000 per semester.

Graduate Fees

In addition to tuition, graduate students can expect to pay certain fees each term:

Wellness Center Fee: $240 (for students enrolled in 9+ units and all students in University Housing), $120 (for students enrolled in 0.5-8.5 units), $80 (for each summer session, students enrolled in 1+ units)
Activity & Rec Center Fee: $120 (for students enrolled in 9+ units), $60 (for students enrolled in 0.5-8.5 units)
ASUOP Student Activity Fee: $150 (for students enrolled in 9+ units), $75 (for students enrolled in 0.5-8.5 units)
Student Health Insurance Fee: $1,797 (New Students, All PA, MS Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Master of Social Work), $1,648 (Continuing Students). This fee can be waived with proof of applicable health insurance.
Conservatory Equipment/Service Fee: $550 (for all Conservatory students, excluding interns)
School of Engineering and Computer Science Fee: $150 (for all Engineering and Computer Science students, excluding those in off-campus Co-op programs)
Sacramento Campus Fees:
- Sacramento Student Government Fee: $50 (for students in Sacramento law programs)
- Sacramento Campus Well-being Fee: $270 (for students enrolled in 9+ units), $135 (for students enrolled in 0.5-8.5 units), $90 (for each summer session, students enrolled in 1+ units)

Additional program fees may apply depending on the specific program. Wellness Center, ASUOP, Activity and Recreation fees, and class and lab fees, are non-refundable after the last day to add. The student health insurance plan is not refundable after 30 days from the start of the term and is not refundable if a claim has been filed.

Wellness Fee at APU

Alaska Pacific University requires all students to pay a Wellness Fee. This fee supports activities focused on student wellness, which is considered essential for active learning. The resources funded by the Wellness Fee include behavioral health counseling sessions, basic primary care services, the annual wellness fair, wellness Wednesday activities, access to the Moseley Sports Center, Outdoor Programs events and services, and recreational sports classes like yoga, Pilates, and pool activities.

Read also: University of the Pacific Alumni

Financial Aid: Making Education Accessible

Pacific University is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid options. 76% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package totaling $47,574.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Grants and Scholarships: These are forms of aid that do not need to be repaid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Pacific University was $15,191.
Loans: These must be repaid, usually after graduation. The typical amount of loans a student must pay back is $28,800. Pacific University students have a median federal loan debt of $23,223, with a median monthly payment of $246 (assuming a 10-year repayment at 5.05% interest).
Work-Study: This program allows students to work part-time to earn money for college expenses.

Need-Based vs. Merit-Based Aid

Need-Based Aid: Takes a student’s financial status into account. In fall 2023, 82% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was $15,191. Need-based self-help aid, including federal loans and work-study, averaged $4,978.
Merit-Based Aid: Awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Pacific University was $29,708 (excluding athletic scholarships).

Financial Aid Dates and Deadlines

Application Due: June 30 (the last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork)
Priority Application Due: March 1 (applications received before this date receive strongest consideration)
Notification Date: March 1 (when students receive aid offers)

Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA: This form makes you eligible for financial aid through the government and through Pacific University.
Check for Additional Scholarship Applications: Many scholarships are automatically awarded based on your college application, but some require additional applications.
Review Your Financial Aid Offer: Financial aid offers are typically available in early February.

Financial Aid at APU

APU will not assess late fees on tuition and fee amounts expected to be reimbursed by the Chapter 33 and Chapter programs. APU will not block enrollment or deny eligible VA students access to student resources due to outstanding tuition/fees balances scheduled to be collected from the VA. APU will not assess any late fees on tuition for students participating in the Chapter 1606, Chapter 1607, Chapter 30, and Chapter 35. Scholarships and Grants that only cover tuition and fees will be deducted from the requested amount from the VA. Tuition and fee scholarships/grants will be applied towards the balance of the account.

Understanding Net Price

The net price is a more accurate reflection of what you'll pay for college than the sticker price. Pacific University provides a Net Price Calculator to help you estimate your individual net price based on your financial situation.

Average Net Price by Household Income

Understanding the average net price based on household income can provide further insight into the affordability of Pacific University.

Read also: Paying for SPU

Student Loan Debt

It’s important to be aware of student loan debt and its potential impact on your financial future. Ideally, your total student loan debt should be less than your anticipated starting salary after graduation.

Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class: $28,800
Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024): 72%

Payment Options and Plans at APU

Alaska Pacific University offers flexible payment options. Full payment is required by the deadlines defined in the catalog. APU maintains the right to withdraw students from classes that a student never attends.

Nelnet Campus Commerce Payment Plan

APU provides an interest-free monthly payment plan administered by Nelnet Campus Commerce (formerly Tuition Management Systems-TMS). This plan allows students to spread their account balance over multiple interest-free monthly payments, for an annual enrollment fee of $80. Semester plan options are available for students graduating in December or beginning classes in Spring or Summer semesters, for a $52 fee.

Housing and Meal Plans at APU

Alaska Pacific University’s campus housing offers students comfort and convenience with easy access to university classes and amenities at a very affordable rate. With the exception of those who have immediate family members in the Anchorage area, all freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus. All students living in university housing are required to show proof of health insurance. Housing options vary in price, size, and exclusivity. Meal plans for the Atwood complex include 19 meals per week, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on weekends, holidays, and non-class days.

Tuition Refunds at APU

By registering for classes, the student agrees to pay all account charges in full by the due dates established by the university. Alaska Pacific University will make reasonable attempts to collect past due charges. Tuition refunds are determined based on the Course Add/Drop/Withdrawal Policy or Complete Withdrawal Policy, whichever applies. Tuition refunds are based on the date the student submits a formal withdrawal notice to the Registrar’s Office. Any qualifying refund amount is then credited directly to the student account. Class withdrawal can also affect students who receive institutional financial aid and financial aid from private sources. Institutional aid is subject to being reversed in-full until the 0% refund period of enrollment. Assistantships paid in advance are subject to adjustment based on funds earned. Financial aid from private sources is subject to being reversed according to their eligibility requirements, for which it is the student’s responsibility to be in compliance.

Additional Considerations

Tuition Guarantee Plans: Tuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance payment
University Policies: The university reserves the right to change fees, modify services, or change its programs at any time and without prior notice.

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