John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences

JPU offers AS, BS, and MS degrees primarily in health sciences (like radiologic technology) and applied fields, with a mix of 100% online and hybrid programs. The curriculum emphasizes career-ready skills, though student reviews are polarized: some praise the 'knowledgeable and supportive' instructors, while others criticize the university as 'overpriced' and slow to respond to student needs. The university partners with community colleges like Brookdale to create transfer pathways, positioning itself as a pragmatic option for career advancement.

Life at JPU is minimalist and career-focused, with a hybrid model requiring both online and occasional on-site instruction. There’s little evidence of traditional campus culture—no dorms, athletics, or visible student organizations. The university’s Instagram showcases accreditation announcements rather than student activities, suggesting a lean administrative approach. Services appear limited to academic support, with no mention of extracurriculars or wellness resources.

Graduates report a median earnings of $36,427 one year post-graduation—below the national average for bachelor’s holders but potentially competitive for associate-degree fields like radiologic technology (though program-specific placement rates are only available by request). The university promotes 'faster pathways' to careers, but concrete data on graduation rates or long-term outcomes is scarce. Alumni earnings suggest JPU serves as a stepping stone to entry-level health professions rather than high-paying roles.

Undergraduate tuition runs $19,520 annually, with scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 (averaging $6,404 in total aid per student). The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests costs can be offset significantly by aid, though the university’s small size may limit funding availability. Notably, JPU markets itself as a 'lower tuition' alternative—a relative claim given its vocational focus and lack of traditional campus amenities.

JPU’s niche is its no-frills, career-first approach: no standardized tests, flexible online/hybrid formats, and direct ties to health professions. Its rapid growth (325% more applicants in one year) reflects demand for accessible pathways into healthcare fields—but the trade-offs are clear. Students sacrifice traditional college experiences for pragmatism, and outcomes, while decent for quick entry into the workforce, don’t suggest transformative mobility. Ideal for self-directed learners seeking credentials fast, but not for those wanting a holistic undergraduate experience.