At $25,926/yr net price, University of the Pacific graduates earn $78,445/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $44,445/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,926 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,704 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,445/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$44,445/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,716/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,411/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,169/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,422/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,104/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $141,586 | $15,500 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $135,274 | $227,653 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $100,849 | $349,063 |
| 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 | $102,839 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,778 | $27,000 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $62,766 | $147,082 |
The Risk Factor
67.8% of students at University of the Pacific graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of the Pacific offers mixed financial returns, with stark differences between its professional programs and liberal arts offerings. Your earning potential depends heavily on your major choice at this Stockton-based private university.
The pharmacy and dental programs deliver strong long-term returns despite massive debt loads. Pharmacy graduates earn $135,274 annually but carry $227,653 in debt, while dental graduates make $100,849 with $349,063 in debt. These programs justify their costs through high earning potential in California's expensive healthcare market.
Engineering provides the best balance of earnings and manageable debt at Pacific, with graduates earning $84,653 without the crushing debt burdens of the health sciences. Business administration offers moderate returns at $76,460, typical for mid-tier private universities.
The standout financial winner is the interdisciplinary studies program, where graduates earn $141,586 with only $15,500 in debt. This likely reflects successful career changers or students who leveraged Pacific's location between San Francisco and Sacramento job markets.
Pacific works financially if you can commit to pharmacy, dentistry, or engineering, or if you receive substantial merit aid to reduce the $25,926 net price. The 67.8% graduation rate creates risk for students who might not finish, making debt without a degree a real concern.
You should look elsewhere if you want liberal arts programs with strong ROI or if you need extensive need-based aid, since only 34.3% of students receive financial assistance. The school's location in Stockton limits some career opportunities compared to Bay Area institutions, though proximity to major California markets helps graduates in professional fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of the Pacific worth the cost?
University of the Pacific's ROI depends heavily on your major. While the net price of $25,926 annually is reasonable, graduates earn $78,445 after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional. Health programs like pharmacy and dentistry show strong returns, but general business and engineering graduates may find better value elsewhere.
What are the highest paying majors at University of the Pacific?
Pharmacy graduates from University of the Pacific earn around $135,274 annually, while dentistry graduates make about $100,849. Multi/interdisciplinary studies leads at $141,586, though this represents a small program. Engineering and business graduates earn significantly less at $84,653 and $76,460 respectively.
How much debt do University of the Pacific students typically graduate with?
University of the Pacific graduates typically carry $19,500 in debt, which is below the national average. This manageable debt load, combined with the school's health science programs, can make it worthwhile for pharmacy and dental students.
Does University of the Pacific have good job placement after graduation?
University of the Pacific has a 67.8% graduation rate, which is concerning for the price point. The high acceptance rate of 93% suggests less selective admissions, and career outcomes vary dramatically by program, with health sciences performing much better than general business or engineering.