Heritage University
Tuition per year
$20,928
$38,796 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
815
Student-faculty ratio 9:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
23.4%
4-year; 6-year rate 42.1%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Heritage University, located in Toppenish, Washington, is a dynamic institution dedicated to providing quality education with a strong emphasis on serving diverse communities. Established in 1981, the university is well-known for its commitment to social justice and inclusion, making it a welcoming environment for students from various backgrounds. Its mission is to empower students through education and foster lifelong learning, aligning with its core values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. The university motto, “To serve, to lead, to succeed,” encapsulates its focus on preparing graduates for meaningful contributions to society.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields such as business, education, and health sciences. Heritage University is recognized for its supportive faculty and personalized approach to education, ensuring that students receive the guidance they need to thrive academically. Moreover, the campus culture is vibrant with various student organizations and activities that promote engagement and community involvement. The university also emphasizes experiential learning, providing opportunities for internships and community service, which significantly enhances graduates' employability. With a strong focus on holistic development, Heritage University not only prepares students academically but also nurtures their personal growth, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in their future careers.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Heritage University
Heritage University presents a compelling case for analysis, particularly when examining the trends in tuition fees, student retention rates, graduation rates, and the gender ratio among students. Over the years, tuition fees have seen a notable increase. For instance, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has risen from $17,744 in 2014 to $19,920 in 2024, which translates to an increase of approximately 12.3% over the decade. This upward trend in tuition fees can be a significant concern for prospective students and their families, especially in the context of rising student debt across the nation.
The student retention rate has shown some fluctuations, peaking at approximately 84.4% in 2021 before dipping to around 74.1% in 2023. Retention rates are critical as they reflect student satisfaction and the overall educational experience. A decrease in retention could indicate challenges in student engagement or support services, which warrants further investigation by the university.
Graduation rates have gradually improved, with the timely graduation rate increasing from 1.02% in 2013 to 22.5% in 2023. This significant improvement suggests that the university is enhancing its academic support and resources for students, which is crucial for fostering student success. The 150% graduation rate also reflects a positive trend, climbing from 16.3% to 41.7% over the same period.
Finally, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently comprising around 75% of the undergraduate population. This gender imbalance is common in many higher education institutions and may influence campus culture and dynamics.
In conclusion, while Heritage University has made strides in improving graduation rates, the rising tuition fees and fluctuating retention rates are areas that require ongoing attention to ensure a supportive and accessible educational environment for all students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Portland, about 120 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about 120 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Christopher Gilmer (President)
- Phone
- 8882726190
- City
- Toppenish, Washington
- Address
- 3240 Fort Rd, Toppenish, WA 98948
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Elementary Education and Teaching · Master's11 (0% international)
- Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Master's3 (0% international)
- Education, Other · Master's2 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Heritage University
The graduation data from Heritage University for 2023 reveals some intriguing trends in various academic disciplines. Notably, the highest number of graduates was seen in the field of Public Administration, with 54 students earning their bachelor's degree. This suggests a continued demand for professionals in governance and public service, reflecting the growing complexities of societal needs and administrative challenges.
Education remains a significant focus, with various programs yielding graduates at different levels. For instance, the Elementary Education and Teaching program produced a notable number of master's graduates, emphasizing the importance of advanced training for educators in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. Conversely, there were no bachelor’s degree graduates from many educational programs, highlighting a potential gap in undergraduate enrollment that may warrant attention.
In the health-related fields, Registered Nursing emerged with 17 bachelor’s degree graduates, indicating a steady pipeline of future healthcare professionals. This is particularly critical given the ongoing global healthcare challenges and the increasing demand for skilled nurses.
Interestingly, the data shows a lack of international students graduating in most disciplines, which may suggest barriers to entry or retention for international candidates. This could be an area for the university to explore, especially considering the benefits that diverse perspectives bring to academic environments.
Overall, the data presents a mixed picture of graduation trends, with strong performance in public administration and health fields, while posing questions regarding enrollment in education programs and international student representation. Moving forward, Heritage University could focus on strategies to enhance recruitment and retention in these areas to better serve its community and meet workforce demands.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | - | |||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $50,663-$70,329 | |||
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | $50,663-$70,329 | |||
| Education, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | $42,200 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | $84,119 | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $94,132 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $49,242 | |||
| Accounting. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | - | |||
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
Students
937 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 23:77 · Freshman retention 56.8%
- Continuing undergraduates 442
- First-year undergraduates 221
- Graduate students 122
- Transfers and others 152
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (815)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Heritage University in 2023
The student demographics at Heritage University for the year 2023 reveal significant insights into gender distribution and diversity among different student categories. Among the first-year undergraduate students, there are 152 individuals, with a notable 72.4% identifying as female, compared to 27.6% male. This trend continues within the undergraduate continuing students, where 74.4% are female and 25.6% male, comprising a larger group of 527 students. The gender imbalance particularly favors female students, suggesting that Heritage University may be attracting a higher proportion of women in its undergraduate programs.
Transfer students also reflect this gender trend, with only 17.9% being male. The graduate student population, though smaller at 57 individuals, shows a similar pattern with 73.7% female. This consistent female majority across all categories raises questions about the factors influencing this demographic trend, potentially including the support services and academic programs offered that may appeal more to female students.
In terms of racial diversity, it is essential to consider the breakdown of subgroups, although detailed data for some categories remains unavailable. The presence of various ethnic groups, such as White, Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students, indicates a multifaceted student body. However, further data would be beneficial to understand the representation of these groups fully.
The balance of genders and diverse representation within the student population could reflect broader societal trends in higher education, where female enrollment has been steadily increasing. Such a demographic composition can foster a rich and inclusive academic environment that benefits all students.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Heritage University (2023)
The age distribution data for students at Heritage University reveals interesting trends regarding the demographic makeup of the student body in 2023. The largest proportion of students falls within the 18-19 and 20-21 age brackets, with a significant number of undergraduates, particularly female students, in these categories. This indicates that Heritage University is attracting a youthful cohort, likely comprising recent high school graduates seeking higher education.
Notably, the data shows a marked decrease in the number of students as age increases, particularly from the 22-24 age group to those aged 25-29 and above. This decline could reflect a common trend in higher education, where younger students dominate the population, while older students may be balancing education with work or family commitments.
Interestingly, the gender distribution also reveals that female undergraduates significantly outnumber their male counterparts in almost all age categories. For instance, in the 18-19 age group, there are more than twice as many female undergraduates than male undergraduates. This trend may indicate a growing trend of female enrollment in higher education, aligning with national statistics that highlight women's increasing participation in colleges and universities.
The presence of graduate students, though smaller in number, adds diversity to the age composition. The age groups 30-34 and 40-49 show that mid-career professionals are also pursuing further education, which suggests that lifelong learning is becoming a norm.
Overall, the data reflects the dynamic nature of the student body at Heritage University, highlighting both the young demographic and the growing participation of women in higher education, while also acknowledging the presence of older, returning students.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
3 in 2025 · 2.0% in 2016
1 in 2025 · 0.5% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Heritage University
The data reveals some notable trends regarding international student enrollment at Heritage University over the years. Initially, in 2004, the university had a very small number of international undergraduate students, with just one recorded. However, by 2016, there was a significant increase, with 17 international undergraduates, marking a substantial rise in diversity within the student body.
Interestingly, the international student percentage in the undergraduate population peaked at 2.04% in 2016. However, this upward trend did not sustain, as we see the percentage decline sharply in subsequent years, dropping to just 0.13% in 2023. This decline in the international student population could be indicative of broader trends in higher education, including potential barriers to entry such as visa regulations, travel restrictions due to the pandemic, or a shift in the university's recruitment strategy.
For graduate programs, the data shows a more stable yet limited representation of international students, with percentages fluctuating between 19% to 40% in earlier years. However, data for recent years remains unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding the current situation for graduate international enrollment.
This trend highlights the importance of universities adapting their strategies to attract and support international students, as these individuals contribute significantly to the cultural and academic richness of the university. As global educational landscapes evolve, it will be crucial for institutions like Heritage University to address the challenges and opportunities presented by international enrollment.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$38,796
- Undergraduate tuition
- $20,928
- Room and board
- $17,868
- Graduate tuition
- $10,620
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 9% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 83%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$32.5M
Expenses$26.3M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Whitman CollegeWalla Walla · 100.9 mi
Liberal Arts #78
-
University of Puget SoundTacoma · 116.1 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
Reed CollegePortland · 123.9 mi
Liberal Arts #60
-
Seattle UniversitySeattle · 124.5 mi
U.S. News #179
-
Portland State UniversityPortland · 125.2 mi
U.S. News #236
-
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle · 126.2 mi
U.S. News #49
-
Lewis & Clark CollegePortland · 126.6 mi
Liberal Arts #97
-
Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle · 127.9 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Pacific UniversityForest Grove · 143.1 mi
U.S. News #236
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Heritage University:
-
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Ranked 40th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Whitman College - A liberal arts college ranked 46th, Whitman is recognized for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus in Walla Walla, Washington.
-
Reed College - With a ranking of 67, Reed College is known for its unique curriculum and emphasis on independent study, making it a great choice for self-motivated students.
-
University of Puget Sound - Ranked 89th, this liberal arts college offers a diverse range of programs and a strong sense of community.
-
Seattle University - A comprehensive university ranked 163rd, Seattle University provides a strong Jesuit education and is known for its commitment to social justice.
-
Gonzaga University - With a rank of 93, Gonzaga is a private university that combines a strong liberal arts education with professional programs, all within a vibrant campus atmosphere.
These institutions offer a variety of educational opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Heritage University
The crime statistics at Heritage University over the past decade reveal significant fluctuations in the rates of various offenses. Starting with a notably low crime rate in 2013, the university saw a gradual increase until 2017, where an alarming spike to 6.23 incidents per 1,000 students was recorded. This sharp rise raises concerns about campus safety and the effectiveness of measures in place to prevent crimes such as gun-related arrests and drug offenses.
In 2018 and the following years, the numbers returned to more manageable levels, with 2021 and 2023 witnessing no reported crimes at all. This suggests that the university may have implemented effective strategies to enhance campus security and mitigate risks, although the sudden increase in 2017 should not be overlooked. It is crucial for institutions to continuously assess their safety protocols and engage with their community to address any underlying issues that may lead to such spikes.
Moreover, the data indicates that incidents of domestic violence and drug-related arrests, while present, remain relatively low compared to other types of offenses. This may reflect a broader trend in society where awareness and prevention efforts are gradually yielding positive results.
Overall, the crime data at Heritage University illustrates the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining a safe educational environment. Continuous engagement with students and staff to foster a culture of safety is essential, especially in light of the fluctuating crime rates observed in recent years. For further understanding of crime rate calculations, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.