Pacific Oaks College: 39.7% Acceptance Rate

39.7%Acceptance

$33,360Tuition

346Students

$52,485Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College has built its reputation around progressive education and child development since 1958. The small Pasadena campus serves just 346 students who dive deep into human development programs. This specialized focus attracts students passionate about early childhood education and social justice approaches to learning.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Annual tuition hits $33,360, though 55% of students receive financial aid. Graduates carry a median debt load of $29,105 with monthly payments around $309. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $52,485. The loan repayment rate sits at just 49%, suggesting some graduates struggle to manage their debt despite the 95% employment rate.

The student body reflects California's diversity, with 57% Hispanic students and women comprising 89% of enrollment. The 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio means intensive mentoring and personalized attention. All students come from California, creating a tight-knit community focused on the college's progressive mission. Students here aren't chasing corporate careers but preparing for meaningful work in education and human services where passion often matters more than paychecks.

Academics & Faculty

Pacific Oaks College centers its academic mission around progressive education and human development. The school's 3:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where students work closely with professors on individualized projects. Founded in 1958 as an experimental institution, Pacific Oaks pioneered child-centered educational approaches that still define its programs today. Students focus primarily on early childhood development, psychology, and marriage and family therapy. The college's progressive philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning and social justice themes throughout its curriculum. With only 346 students total, classes remain small and discussion-based. Academic programs prepare graduates for careers in education, counseling, and community services.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3:1
Full-Time Faculty: 12.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,485
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Master	$53,017
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$47,781
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Master	$46,478
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$39,927
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Bachelor	$37,883

View all 12 programs →

Campus Life

Pacific Oaks sits on a small campus in Pasadena, about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. You'll need sunscreen more than a winter coat in this Mediterranean climate where temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees. The 346 students create an intimate academic environment with a 3:1 student-faculty ratio that means professors know your name and your learning style.

Nearly 90% of students are women, reflecting the college's focus on early childhood education and human development. The campus culture centers around progressive educational philosophy and hands-on learning experiences. Students spend weekends exploring nearby attractions like the Rose Bowl or taking advantage of LA's cultural offerings just a short drive away. With 56% of students identifying as Hispanic and strong diversity across the student body, conversations blend multiple perspectives on child development and social justice. The small enrollment means campus life feels more like a close-knit graduate program than a traditional college experience, with students often collaborating on research projects and community outreach initiatives.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1958

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 45°–68°F
July Avg: 62°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 20.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Pacific Oaks draws students passionate about progressive education and social change. Nearly nine out of ten students are women, reflecting the college's focus on early childhood development and human services fields traditionally dominated by women. The student body is majority Hispanic, serving Pasadena's diverse community with strong local ties. More than half receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making specialized education accessible to working-class families. These future teachers, counselors, and child development specialists bring lived experiences that align with Pacific Oaks' social justice mission.

Men: 10.7%
Women: 89.3%
White: 17.3%
Black: 12.4%
Hispanic: 56.7%
Asian: 2.3%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 55.0%

Location

Pacific Oaks College sits in Pasadena, California, about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus operates within the greater LA metropolitan area, giving students access to one of the nation's largest urban centers. Pasadena blends historic charm with modern amenities, known for the Rose Bowl and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. The city's Mediterranean climate and proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains create an appealing backdrop for year-round outdoor activities. All enrolled students come from within California, reflecting the college's strong regional focus. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Pacific Oaks College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pasadena, California 91103

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,485
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,732
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $39,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $309/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $29,105

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Pacific Oaks College?

Pacific Oaks College accepts 39.68% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school focuses on finding students committed to progressive education and social justice values rather than just high test scores.

How much does Pacific Oaks College cost after financial aid?

Tuition runs $33,360 annually, but 55.03% of students receive financial aid. The typical graduate carries $29,105 in debt, which reflects the school's commitment to serving diverse and often first-generation college students.

What makes Pacific Oaks College's academic program unique?

Students enjoy a remarkable 3:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for intensive mentorship in human development programs. The college pioneered progressive education approaches and remains a leader in preparing early childhood educators and social workers.

How much do Pacific Oaks College graduates earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median of $52,485 ten years after graduation, with 95.4% finding employment. These outcomes reflect careers in education and human services, fields known for meaningful work rather than high salaries.

Where do Pacific Oaks College students come from?

The entire student body of 346 comes from California, with 56.65% identifying as Hispanic and strong representation across racial groups. This reflects the college's mission to serve the diverse communities of greater Los Angeles.

Is Pacific Oaks College mainly for women?

Women make up 89.31% of the student body, compared to just 10.69% men. This gender distribution mirrors the education and human development fields where Pacific Oaks graduates typically work.