About Pacific Union College
The financial picture tells a promising story for families seeking affordable Christian education. While sticker price reaches $45,623, the average net price drops to $20,979 after aid. Lower-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $14,903 annually. Graduates earn a median $70,484 ten years after graduation, making the typical $27,500 debt load manageable with monthly payments around $292. The strong employment rate of 95.8% suggests employers value PUC graduates.
The student body reflects California's diversity, with Hispanic students comprising 30% and Asian students 21% of enrollment. Women outnumber men nearly two to one at 63%. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly, while eight varsity sports teams compete as the Pioneers. Campus housing accommodates the full student body with capacity for 1,200 students.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 95.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.5%
- Retention Rate
- 87.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,484
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $92,410 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $31,839 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
Campus Life
The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly. Students gather for chapel services and vespers as part of the Seventh-day Adventist tradition. Friday sunsets mark the beginning of Sabbath, when the campus shifts to a quieter pace with nature walks and small group gatherings. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. Weekend activities often center around outdoor adventures in nearby forests and hiking trails. Students drive to St. Helena for restaurants and shopping, or make weekend trips to San Francisco. The rural-fringe setting creates a close community where 87.50% of students return each year, though some find the small size and religious focus limiting.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,200 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1882
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 39°–53°F
- July Avg
- 54°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.9%
- Women
- 63.1%
- White
- 17.8%
- Black
- 5.9%
- Hispanic
- 29.7%
- Asian
- 21.1%
- In-State Students
- 74.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.4%
Location
- Address
- Angwin, California 94508-9707
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,484
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $68,000
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $292/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pacific Union College?
Pacific Union College accepts 48.46% of applicants, making it moderately selective. This Seventh-day Adventist liberal arts college enrolls just 910 students total, creating an intimate academic environment in California's Napa Valley.
How much does Pacific Union College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,979 after financial aid, less than the full tuition of $35,214. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides substantial support to make Christian education accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pacific Union College?
Pacific Union College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in this close-knit community. The quarter system allows for intensive, focused learning in the college's liberal arts programs.
What are the career outcomes for Pacific Union College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $70,484 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 95.8% employment rate. However, only 51.50% complete their degree within six years, reflecting the challenges some students face in this demanding academic environment.
Where is Pacific Union College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in rural Angwin, California, in the heart of Napa Valley wine country. With housing capacity for 1,200 students and 127 student-athletes competing in 8 varsity sports, campus life centers around the tight-knit Christian community.
What makes Pacific Union College's student body unique?
Women comprise 63.08% of the student body, while men make up 36.92%. The diverse community includes significant Hispanic (29.67%) and Asian (21.10%) populations, reflecting the Seventh-day Adventist Church's global mission and multicultural emphasis.
