Pacific Oaks College
Pacific Oaks College has an acceptance rate of 34.4%, annual tuition of $16,780, and an overall rank of #810 (Grade B). The 8-year graduation rate is 59.7%, and median earnings are $56,448 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Pacific Oaks College is a private nonprofit university in Pasadena, CA. Students most often pursue Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Academically, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
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 reports an 8-year award rate of 59.7% 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
Est. annual aid gap: Not reported Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $16,780 |
| Books and Supplies | $936 |
| 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 56.1% of Pacific Oaks College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $56,448
- 10-Year Median Earnings $53,848
- Average Years to Graduate 4.0 years
- Average Student Debt $32,844
- Debt-to-Earnings ~58.2%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 48.7%
- Employment Rate 89.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Pacific Oaks College graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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 312
- Full-Time Students 0.3%
- Part-Time Students 99.7%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
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 34.4%, Pacific Oaks 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 Oaks College accepts 34.4% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
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 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology draw the most students.
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 54.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 32.3%
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology 8.1%
- Social Work 5.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 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. Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $57,942
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $51,271
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Master's Degree) $69,062
- 2. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $68,113
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $68,079
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services grads earn $57,942—13% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($51,271). Graduate: Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services programs lead with $69,062 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 61 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 312
- Full-Time Students 0.3%
- Part-Time Students 99.7%
- Male Students 10.6%
- Female Students 89.4%
- Caucasian 20.8%
- Asian 2.2%
- Hispanic 49.7%
- Black 15.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 56.1%
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 89.4% of the student body, while men represent 10.6%.
EDsmart Insight: Pacific Oaks College has a diverse student body, with 20.8% identifying as White. Women make up 89.4% of undergraduates. 56.1% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Our Take
Pacific Oaks College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #810 overall, 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 $56,448 median earnings. With 0.0% graduating within 150% of normal time 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 B grade and #810 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 $56,448 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 #810 of 1955 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 $56,448 run about 8% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- 89.5% employment rate within three years is 21.3 points above the national 68.2%.
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- 34.4% admission rate signals a welcoming, mission-driven review process.
- #810 of 1,955 national placement reflects steady performance among comparable institutions.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 89.5% employment rate within three years sits 21.3 points above national outcomes.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- 62.8% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
- 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 B grade in our latest review. It appears at #810 in EDsmart's rankings Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
The eight-year award rate hovers around 59.7%. 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 $32,844 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 56.1% 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 $56,448 five years after graduation. This is roughly 8% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 89.5% 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
34.4% 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Pacific Oaks College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/pacific-oaks-college/
MLA (9th): “Pacific Oaks College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/pacific-oaks-college/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Pacific Oaks College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/pacific-oaks-college/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pacific Oaks College's acceptance rate?
Pacific Oaks College's acceptance rate is 34.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Pacific Oaks College cost?
At Pacific Oaks College, tuition and fees are $16,780 per year. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Pacific Oaks College's ranking?
Pacific Oaks College ranks #810 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Pacific Oaks College's graduation rate?
At Pacific Oaks College, the the federal 8-year award rate is 59.7%.
What are Pacific Oaks College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Pacific Oaks College report median earnings of $56,448 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Pacific Oaks College's student population?
Pacific Oaks College enrolls about 312 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 45 W Eureka Street, 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$11.1M