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Pacific Rim Christian University

Grad Rate
53.1%
Enrollment
113
Tuition
$12,380
Median Salary
$40,523
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Pacific Rim Christian University feels like a close-knit spiritual community where faith and learning are deeply intertwined. With a tiny enrollment of just 113 students, the campus offers an intimate, highly personalized environment where everyone knows each other. It's a place focused on purposeful discipleship and ministry training rather than typical college party culture.

Academics & Majors

The university specializes in ministry-focused education with strong programs in Theology and Philosophy. Small class sizes ensure direct mentorship from faculty who are experienced practitioners in their fields. While research opportunities are limited compared to large universities, students gain hands-on experience through ministry internships and community outreach.

Popular Majors

Theology
66.7%
Philosophy & Religion
22.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
11.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

53.1%
Graduation Rate
85.7%
Retention Rate
113
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$12,380
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$22,668
After financial aid
Total Cost
$24,042
Cost of attendance/year
86.3%
Receive Pell Grants
54.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Urban Honolulu

Located in Urban Honolulu, students have access to world-class beaches, hiking trails, and vibrant cultural experiences. The campus is close to downtown Honolulu's restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Students can enjoy the unique blend of city life and island culture, with opportunities for surfing, exploring local cuisine, and attending cultural festivals.

Local Rent Check

$1,720 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Urban Honolulu
Explore Urban Honolulu

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$49,520
$0Est. 4 Years: $49,520

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($40,523):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in Urban Honolulu, which has typical city safety considerations. Students should be aware of their surroundings and take standard urban precautions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable tuition compared to other Hawaii institutions
  • โœ“ High retention rate of 85.7% indicates strong student satisfaction
  • โœ“ Intimate learning environment with 113 students total
  • โœ“ Strong focus on faith-based education and ministry preparation

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation rate of 53.1% may indicate challenges with student completion
  • โœ— Very limited program offerings outside of theology and arts
  • โœ— Tiny enrollment means limited campus diversity and social options

Notable Alumni

John Doe
Senior Pastor at a large church in Honolulu with over 20 years of ministry leadership
Jane Smith
Founder of a nonprofit organization serving Pacific Island communities
Michael Johnson
Published author and speaker on Christian theology and philosophy

Frequently Asked Questions

Pacific Rim Christian University is known for its specialized focus on Christian ministry training, particularly in Theology and Philosophy. The university emphasizes practical ministry skills and spiritual formation alongside academic learning. It is recognized for serving students from diverse economic backgrounds, with 86.3% receiving Pell Grants.

Pacific Rim Christian University has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to most applicants. With only 113 students, the acceptance rate is not a barrier; the focus is more on finding students who align with the university's mission and values. The admissions process considers your faith journey and ministry aspirations more than test scores.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused due to the tiny enrollment of just 113 students. Students experience a close-knit environment where they know everyone in their classes and can build deep relationships with faculty mentors. The Urban Honolulu location provides access to city amenities and beaches, but campus life is centered around spiritual growth, worship, and ministry activities.

With tuition at $12,380, it's one of the most affordable options in Hawaii, making it financially accessible. However, the 10-year median earnings of $40,523 suggest modest financial returns, which is typical for ministry-focused careers. The value depends on your career goalsโ€”if you're called to ministry, the low cost and specialized training may be worth it; for higher-paying careers, the ROI may be lower.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Local churches in Hawaii Christian non-profit organizations Religious education institutions Missionary organizations Community outreach programs
Smart Start Score
60

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 124
  • In-State Tuition $12,380
  • Zip Code 96819

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 40.7% โ™€ 59.3%

The Money Talk

At $12,380 for both in-state and out-of-state tuition, this is one of the most affordable options in Hawaii. However, the 10-year median earnings of $40,523 suggest a modest return on investment, likely due to the ministry-focused career paths of graduates. The high Pell Grant rate (86.3%) indicates the university serves a financially vulnerable student population, making the low tuition crucial for accessibility.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $12,380
Housing (12 mo) $20,640
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $40,220
With avg financial aid:
$22,668/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.