Pacific Union College
Pacific Union College is a private nonprofit university in Angwin, CA ranked #312 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 910 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 42.5%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 87.5% first-year retention, and 51.5% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $20,979, about $3,981 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -37.2%, roughly 122.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $52,713. That's about $9,025 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Pacific Union College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Pacific Union College graduates 51.5% of students within six years and keeps 87.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Pacific Union College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $35,214 |
| Books and Supplies | $938 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,471 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,979 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $47,244 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 33.4% of Pacific Union College students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,903 to $25,182 depending on family income. Use Pacific Union College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,495/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,182/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $52,713
- 10-Year Median Earnings $52,713
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.5%
- Employment Rate 90.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Pacific Union College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Pacific Union College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Pacific Union College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Pacific Union College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Pacific Union College graduates earn $52,713 median, the -37.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 490-605
- SAT Math 440-585
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 910
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 87.5%
- Graduation Rate 51.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Pacific Union College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Pacific Union College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 42.5%, Pacific Union College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Pacific Union College accepts 42.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 930 and 1190 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Pacific Union College undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business/Commerce, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 26.4%
- Business/Commerce, General 14.9%
- Biology, General 12.2%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 6.1%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.4%
- Social Work 4.7%
See more majors
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 4.1%
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $139,771
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $122,016
- 3. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $70,762
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $67,066
- 5. Business/Commerce, General $62,136
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $139,771—125% more than Business/Commerce, General ($62,136). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Pacific Union College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 85 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 22 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Associate's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 18 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (41 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Biology, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social Work
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Psychology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- Journalism
- International/Global Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Public Health
- Political Science and Government
- Physics
- Natural Sciences
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- History
- Design and Applied Arts
- Data Science
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Air Transportation
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Homeland Security
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Education, Other
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 910
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 36.9%
- Female Students 63.1%
- Caucasian 17.8%
- Asian 21.1%
- Hispanic 29.7%
- Black 5.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Pacific Union College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Pacific Union College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pacific Union College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Pacific Union College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Pacific Union College has a diverse student body, with 17.8% identifying as White. Women make up 63.1% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pacific Union College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Pacific Union College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Pacific Union College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -37.2% ROI. Ranked #312 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $20,979 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $52,713 median earnings. With 51.5% graduating within six years and 87.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Pacific Union College's Positioning
With a A- grade and #312 ranking, Pacific Union College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $20,979 annually, Pacific Union College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 87.5% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,685 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -37.2% ROI and $52,713 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,979+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Pacific Union College ranks #312 of 1966 institutions, with 689 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 51.5% six-year graduation rate sits 11.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 87.5% first-year retention is 10.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -37.2% return on investment is 122.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $52,713 run about 21% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,979 is roughly $1,070 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 87.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.7% employment rate within three years sits 22.5 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,979 is about $1,070 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 33.4% trails the national share by 0.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Pacific Union College, a private nonprofit university in Angwin, CA, secures a A- grade in our latest review. It appears at #312 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
87.5% of learners come back after year one while 51.5% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -37.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,979 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $47,244.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,265 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $52,713 six years after enrollment. That sits about 21% above the national median.
Roughly 90.7% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -37.2%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
42.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Pacific Union College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Angwin, CA 94508-9707
- Website www.puc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$31.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.9%