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93.2%Acceptance
$55,340Tuition
3,247Students
68%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$78,445Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of the Pacific

University of the Pacific has built its reputation around professional programs and personal attention in California's Central Valley. The 3,247 students benefit from small classes with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The school is best known for its dental school and has produced notable graduates including actress Janet Leigh and NFL coach Pete Carroll. With a 93% acceptance rate, Pacific welcomes most applicants to its large city campus in Stockton.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. While the sticker price hits $73,000, the average student pays just $25,926 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $78,445 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $19,500 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average only $207. This creates one of the better return-on-investment scenarios among private universities.

Pacific's student body reflects California's diversity, with 34% Asian students and 27% Hispanic students. The school fields 17 Division I sports teams competing in the West Coast Conference. With 89% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains a distinctly Californian character. The 71% four-year graduation rate shows most students complete their degrees on time.

Academics & Faculty

University of the Pacific operates as a private research university with small classes reflected in its 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The school built its academic reputation around its Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, one of the nation's top dental programs. Students benefit from personalized attention that helps explain the strong 70% four-year graduation rate. The university emphasizes pre-professional programs, particularly in health sciences and pharmacy. With 3,247 students spread across multiple schools, Pacific offers the resources of a research institution while maintaining the intimate feel of a liberal arts college. The median earnings of $78,445 ten years after graduation reflect the career outcomes typical of professional-focused programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
49.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
70.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
67.8%
Retention Rate
88.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$78,445
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Bachelor $141,586
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $135,274
Dentistry. Doctoral $100,849
Engineering, General. Master $84,653
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $76,460
Computer Engineering. Bachelor $74,017
Engineering-Related Fields. Bachelor $69,338
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. Master $68,858
Civil Engineering. Bachelor $68,778
Law. Doctoral $62,766

View all 97 programs →

Campus Life

Pacific sits in California's Central Valley, about 80 miles east of San Francisco and 45 miles south of Sacramento. The campus houses 2,100 students, accommodating about 65% of the total enrollment of 3,247. Students enjoy year-round mild weather with hot, dry summers reaching the 90s and cool winters rarely dipping below freezing. You'll need sunscreen more than a winter coat.

The small enrollment creates an intimate atmosphere where the 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Students gather at the campus center between classes or study in the modern library. Weekend activities center around the tight-knit community, with many attending Tigers athletics games in the West Coast Conference. The school's 17 varsity sports draw 313 student-athletes who help energize campus spirit. Greek life and student organizations provide social outlets, while San Francisco and Lake Tahoe offer weekend escape options for those wanting bigger city amenities or outdoor adventures. The dental school gives the campus a professional feel, with many undergraduates pursuing pre-health tracks.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
2,100 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1851

Campus Safety (2023)

59 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 10 3 0 0
Domestic Violence 7 5 0 0
Rape 6 6 0 0
Dating Violence 4 3 0 0
Aggravated Assault 3 1 0 0
Fondling 3 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 0 0 0
Arson 1 0 0 1
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
39°–58°F
July Avg
61°–94°F
Annual Precipitation
17.3"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Pacific draws heavily from California, with 89% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the state's diversity, particularly strong in Asian American representation at 34% and Hispanic students at 27%. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families alongside more affluent students. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for a university with strong health science programs. Pacific's regional appeal stems from its respected professional schools, especially dentistry and pharmacy, which attract California students seeking specialized career training in a smaller university setting.
Men
44.6%
Women
55.4%
White
16.3%
Black
3.1%
Hispanic
26.6%
Asian
34.4%
In-State Students
89.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
34.3%

Location

University of the Pacific sits in Stockton, California, about 80 miles east of San Francisco and 45 miles south of Sacramento. The Central Valley location puts students in California's agricultural heartland, surrounded by farmland and experiencing hot, dry summers. Stockton is a mid-sized city of roughly 320,000 people, offering more urban amenities than a typical college town but less excitement than major metropolitan areas. The campus provides a contained college experience within this working-class city. Students can reach the Sierra Nevada mountains or San Francisco Bay Area within a two-hour drive. Students considering colleges in California may also compare University of the Pacific with similar schools in the region.
Address
Stockton, California 95211-0197
University of the Pacific campus
University of the Pacific campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$78,445
Median Earnings (5 years)
$76,827
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$61,000
Loan Repayment Rate
72.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of the Pacific?

University of the Pacific accepts 93.23% of applicants, making it one of the more accessible private universities in California. Students typically need around a 1272 SAT score to be competitive. The high acceptance rate reflects the university's commitment to providing opportunities for students from diverse academic backgrounds.

How much does University of the Pacific cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of the Pacific is $25,926, lower than the sticker price of $55,340. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,716 on average. About 34.30% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating substantial financial need among the student body.

What are class sizes like at University of the Pacific?

University of the Pacific maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with only 3,247 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships. The university is particularly known for its dental school and emphasis on small class environments that foster deep learning.

What do graduates of University of the Pacific earn after college?

University of the Pacific graduates earn a median of $78,445 ten years after graduation. The employment rate stands at 91.9%, well above national averages. Graduates typically leave with $19,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $207, making the investment relatively manageable.

Where is University of the Pacific located and what is campus life like?

University of the Pacific sits in Stockton, California, a large city in the Central Valley. The campus houses 2,100 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting. With 17 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division I, the Tigers maintain an active athletic culture alongside academics.

Is University of the Pacific diverse in its student population?

University of the Pacific has a diverse student body with 34.37% Asian students and 26.64% Hispanic students. Only 16.32% of students identify as white, making it a minority-majority institution. About 89% of students come from California, giving the campus a strong West Coast identity while maintaining significant ethnic diversity.