Pacific College of Health and Science: $10,732 Tuition

$10,732Tuition

173Students

67%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$26,209Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Pacific College of Health and Science

Pacific College of Health and Science trains students who want to heal people using traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. With just 173 students, this specialized health sciences college offers an intimate learning environment in San Diego where you'll study ancient healing practices alongside modern healthcare approaches. The school focuses on graduate programs that prepare students to become licensed acupuncturists and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Students learn about herbal medicine, acupuncture techniques, and well-rounded approaches to wellness that complement Western medical treatments.

The financial picture here requires careful consideration. Students typically pay about $39,710 per year after aid, but graduates earn a median of just $26,209 ten years after graduation. Most students graduate with $12,271 in debt and make monthly loan payments of $130. Only 36.64% of students receive financial aid, which suggests many pay close to the full cost. The school operates on a trimester calendar system, allowing students to complete their programs more quickly than traditional semester schools.

This school attracts students who are passionate about alternative medicine, with women making up 78.03% of the student body. The 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you'll get personal attention from instructors who practice what they teach. About 85.9% of graduates find employment, though earnings remain relatively modest compared to other healthcare fields.

Academics & Faculty

Pacific College of Health and Science focuses entirely on alternative medicine, especially traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture programs. With only 173 students, this is one of the smallest specialized health colleges in California. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get direct attention from instructors who practice what they teach. The school operates on a trimester system, which lets you complete coursework faster than traditional semesters. About 72% of students graduate in four years, which is solid for a specialized health program where clinical training requirements can extend timelines. Most students here are preparing for careers as licensed acupuncturists or herbalists, not pursuing broad undergraduate degrees.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 12.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 72.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 67.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $26,209
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems.	Master	$23,649
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services.	Associate	$21,052

View all 13 programs →

Campus Life

Pacific College's tiny San Diego campus feels more like a specialized clinic than a traditional college. With only 173 students, this health sciences school sits in America's Finest City where you'll need sunscreen year-round, not winter coats. The 78% female student body reflects the growing interest in alternative medicine careers.

Most students commute rather than live on campus since the school focuses on practical training in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll work closely with instructors in hands-on labs and clinical settings. Weekends often involve study groups preparing for licensing exams rather than football games or parties. Many students already work in healthcare and attend part-time on the trimester system. The real "social scene" happens in treatment rooms where students practice on each other under supervision. San Diego's beaches, Balboa Park, and thriving wellness community provide plenty of weekend options, but expect to spend most of your time mastering needle techniques and memorizing acupuncture points rather than typical college activities.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Trimester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–67°F
July Avg: 64°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Pacific College draws students who want hands-on training in alternative medicine, with 78% of students being women, which reflects the gender makeup typical of acupuncture and massage therapy programs. About two-thirds of students come from California, showing the school has built a strong local reputation in San Diego's health-conscious community. The student body is quite diverse, with many students of color choosing the college for its specialized programs. Most students are career-changers or people seeking practical skills they can use immediately after graduation.

Men: 22.0%
Women: 78.0%
White: 5.2%
Black: 2.9%
Hispanic: 5.2%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 67.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 36.6%

Location

Pacific College of Health and Science sits in San Diego, California, a city of 1.4 million people known for its year-round mild climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The school operates in America's eighth-largest city, putting students minutes from beaches, Balboa Park, and a thriving healthcare community. San Diego's large population creates numerous internship and job opportunities for health science students, particularly in alternative medicine practices that are popular in Southern California. The city's focus on wellness and healthy living aligns well with the college's traditional Chinese medicine programs. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Pacific College of Health and Science with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Diego, California 92108-4407

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $26,209
Median Earnings (5 years): $21,046
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $130/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,271

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pacific College of Health and Science known for academically?

Pacific College specializes in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture programs. With just 173 students and a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, the college offers intimate instruction in alternative health sciences. The school focuses on preparing practitioners for careers in integrative medicine and well-rounded healing approaches.

How much does Pacific College of Health and Science cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $39,710 despite tuition being only $10,732. Only 4.62% of students receive institutional grants averaging $3,014. The high net costs reflect additional program fees and living expenses in San Diego's expensive market.

What are the graduation rates at Pacific College of Health and Science?

The college achieves a 72.41% four-year graduation rate and 67.30% six-year rate. These solid completion rates reflect the focused nature of health science programs. Students typically complete specialized certification requirements alongside their degree work.

What do graduates of Pacific College of Health and Science earn after graduation?

Recent graduates earn a median of $22,827 in their first year, rising to $26,209 after ten years. The 85.9% employment rate shows strong job placement in alternative medicine fields. However, graduates carry median debt of $12,271 with monthly payments around $130.

Where is Pacific College of Health and Science located and what is the campus like?

The college operates in San Diego, attracting 67.16% of students from within California. The urban setting provides access to diverse patient populations for clinical training. San Diego's wellness-focused culture aligns well with the school's alternative medicine mission.

Is Pacific College of Health and Science diverse in its student population?

Women comprise 78.03% of enrollment, reflecting gender patterns common in healthcare education. The student body is 5.20% White, 5.20% Hispanic, and 2.89% Black with small representation across ethnic groups. About 36.64% of students qualify for Pell Grants, indicating moderate economic diversity.