Pacific Oaks College
Pacific Oaks College is a private nonprofit university in Pasadena, CA ranked #231 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 346 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 10.0%. Students most often pursue Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods and Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 3:1 student-faculty ratio. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $47,962. That's about $4,274 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Pacific Oaks 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 Oaks College does not report a six-year graduation rate and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Pacific Oaks 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 | $33,360 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,028 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | Not reported |
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 55.0% of Pacific Oaks College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $47,962
- 10-Year Median Earnings $47,962
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $23,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 48.7%
- Employment Rate 83.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Pacific Oaks 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 Oaks College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Pacific Oaks College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Pacific Oaks College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 346
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 3:1
How to Get Into Pacific Oaks College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Pacific Oaks 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 10.0%, Pacific Oaks College is extremely 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: With a 10.0% acceptance rate, Pacific Oaks College is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Pacific Oaks College undergraduates. Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 58.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 37.2%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.3%
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology 0.0%
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. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $50,458
- 2. Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $50,248
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Master's Degree) $68,718
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $61,817
- 3. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $59,626
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $59,515
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods grads earn $50,458—0% more than Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services ($50,248). Graduate: Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services programs lead with $68,718 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Pacific Oaks 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
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 65 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 Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 346
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 10.7%
- Female Students 89.3%
- Caucasian 17.3%
- Asian 2.3%
- Hispanic 56.6%
- Black 12.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 55.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Pacific Oaks College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Pacific Oaks College's undergraduate population. Women make up 89.3% of the student body, while men represent 10.7%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pacific Oaks College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
EDsmart Insight: Pacific Oaks College has a diverse student body, with 17.3% identifying as White. Women make up 89.3% of undergraduates. 55.0% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pacific Oaks College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Our Take
Pacific Oaks College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #231 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $0 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $47,962 median earnings. With 0.0% graduating within six years and 0.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Pacific Oaks College's Positioning
With a A- grade and #231 ranking, Pacific Oaks College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $0 annually, Pacific Oaks College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 0.0% 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 $0 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $47,962 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $-10,000+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Pacific Oaks College ranks #231 of 1966 institutions, with 0 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
- Median earnings of $47,962 run about 10% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- 83.4% employment rate within three years is 15.2 points above the national 68.2%.
- 3:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- 10.0% admission rate signals a welcoming, mission-driven review process.
- #231 of 1,966 national placement reflects steady performance among comparable institutions.
Helpfulness for Students
- 3:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.4% employment rate within three years sits 15.2 points above national outcomes.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Pacific Oaks College, a private nonprofit university in Pasadena, CA, secures a A- grade in our latest review. It appears at #231 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as 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.
Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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
Review the charts above for a breakdown of tuition, aid, and typical expenses.
Aid awards vary by student profile, so completing the net price calculator is the best next step.
Graduates leave with a median of $23,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 55.0% 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 $47,962 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 10% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 83.4% of graduates are employed three years out.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
10.0% 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 Oaks 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 Pasadena, CA 91103
- Website www.pacificoaks.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$11.4M