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 gives you solid financial footing with real caveats. A $78,445 median salary ten years out against $19,500 in median debt means most graduates carry a manageable loan load relative to what they earn. The 88.56% retention rate and 67.80% graduation rate matter here: you are likely to finish, and finishing is where the payoff comes.
Engineering is where the money is at Pacific. Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Computer Science all clear $62,000 within a decade, feeding directly into California's tech and infrastructure job markets. But watch the debt. Civil Engineering graduates carry $27,000 in median debt against a $68,778 salary, while Computer Engineering earners hit $74,000 with lower reported debt. The engineering degrees pay off, but the borrowing varies enough that the same salary can leave you in very different places.
The standout earnings figure, $141,586 for Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, is small-cohort data and shouldn't be read as a reliable outcome for a general degree. Treat it with skepticism.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $17,400 a year, well below the sticker. Cross $75,000 and the price jumps to $26,422. above $110,000 you pay $38,104, roughly double the lowest tier. Pacific is a strong deal if your family income is under $48,000 and you enroll in engineering. If you're a high-income family paying near full price for a non-engineering major, the math gets harder to justify, and you should compare against cheaper in-state options.
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.