University of the Pacific logo

University of the Pacific

Stockton, CA Private ยท Urban Est. 1851 www.pacific.edu
Accept Rate
94.86%
Grad Rate
70.5%
Enrollment
3,247
Avg SAT
1303
Tuition
$55,340
Median Salary
$78,445
Overall Grade
C+
B
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

University of the Pacific offers a close-knit, community-focused atmosphere on a beautiful, tree-lined campus where students feel genuinely seen and supported by faculty. The vibe is collaborative rather than cutthroat, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and personal connections that make the large university feel intimate.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

94.86%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 130375th Pctl
11601420
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2875th Pctl
2331
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your interest in Pacific's signature 'Pacific Advantage' program, which guarantees admission to a professional school for qualified undergraduates, in your application essay. Since the acceptance rate is high, focus on demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits or virtual interviews, and ensure your application showcases a well-rounded profile beyond just grades.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1303
40080012001600
School range: 1160โ€“1420

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Pacific is renowned for its professional schools, including prestigious programs in pharmacy, dental, and law, offering students direct pathways to high-demand careers. The university emphasizes experiential learning through small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentorship, and robust undergraduate research opportunities across STEM and liberal arts disciplines.

Popular Majors

Biology & Biomedical
17.6%
Business & Marketing
13.9%
Multidisciplinary Studies
11.5%
Engineering
8.8%
Computer Science
7.5%
Health Professions
7.1%
Psychology
5.9%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
5.6%
Communications
4.9%
Visual & Performing Arts
4.4%
Education
3.7%
Social Sciences
3.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

70.5%
Graduation Rate
88.6%
Retention Rate
3,247
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$55,340
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,926
After financial aid
Total Cost
$68,173
Cost of attendance/year
34.3%
Receive Pell Grants
42.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Stockton

Student life in Stockton is vibrant, with easy access to the Delta Waterfront for boating and outdoor activities, as well as a growing arts and music scene. On campus, students enjoy a mix of Division I athletics, Greek life, and over 150 student organizations, with weekend trips to the Bay Area or Sacramento for additional entertainment options.

Local Rent Check

$1,245 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Stockton
Explore Stockton

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$221,360
$0Est. 4 Years: $221,360

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($78,445):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a safe, enclosed neighborhood with its own public safety department and well-lit pathways. While Stockton has areas with higher crime rates, the university itself is a secure enclave, and students are advised to use campus shuttle services and remain aware of their surroundings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Direct pathways to top-ranked graduate programs in health and law fields
  • โœ“ High retention rate of 88.6% indicates strong student satisfaction and community
  • โœ“ Average SAT scores of 1303 suggest a capable and driven student body
  • โœ“ Strong 10-year median earnings of $78,445 demonstrate solid post-graduation outcomes

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost of $55,340 requires careful financial planning and aid packages
  • โœ— Location in Stockton may be perceived as less glamorous than coastal California cities
  • โœ— Graduation rate of 70.5% leaves room for improvement in student completion

Notable Alumni

John Elway
Hall of Fame NFL quarterback and former General Manager of the Denver Broncos, known for his Super Bowl victories.
Dawn Oliver
Chief Operating Officer at Google, leading global operations for the tech giant.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1993-2020), a landmark figure in law and civil rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

University of the Pacific is best known for its elite professional schools, particularly in pharmacy, dental, and law, as well as its strong programs in biology, engineering, and health professions. It holds the distinction of being California's first chartered university and emphasizes a hands-on, experiential learning approach across all disciplines.

No, University of the Pacific has a high acceptance rate of 94.86%, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants. However, admitted students typically have a solid academic profile, with an average SAT score of 1303 and a strong high school GPA, especially for competitive programs like engineering and health sciences.

Campus life is intimate and engaged, with a small enrollment of 3,247 students fostering a tight-knit community. Students enjoy a mix of Division I athletics, active Greek life, and numerous clubs, along with events hosted on its scenic 175-acre campus in Stockton, while also taking advantage of proximity to the Bay Area for weekend adventures.

Yes, for many students, the investment pays off with a strong 10-year median earnings of $78,445 and high-value programs in lucrative fields like health professions and engineering. With an average net price of $25,926 after aid, it offers a competitive ROI compared to other private universities, especially for those leveraging Pell Grants (34.3% of students).

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Kaiser Permanente Sutter Health Amazon Stanford Health Care Blue Shield of California
Smart Start Score
79

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1851
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,487
  • In-State Tuition $55,340
  • Zip Code 95211

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.6% โ™€ 55.4%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $25,926, Pacific is significantly more affordable than its sticker price suggests, especially for students receiving financial aid. The 10-year median earnings of $78,445 indicate a strong return on investment, particularly for graduates entering high-paying fields like health professions and engineering.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $55,340
Housing (12 mo) $14,940
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $77,480
With avg financial aid:
$25,926/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.