Students at University of the Pacific, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes among all universities nationwide.
Graduates consistently earn far more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting Pacific's exceptional ability to enhance long-term earning potential.
Azimuth ranks University of the Pacific 89th percentile nationally among all four-year institutions for overall return on investment. What distinguishes Pacific is its ability to deliver exceptional long-term earnings while maintaining meaningful access for students from diverse economic backgrounds. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants and 35% are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes we track.
Pacific graduates earn a median of $78,445 ten years after enrollment, placing the university well above typical outcomes for similar institutions. More impressive is how much graduates earn beyond expectations—about $11,754 more than similar students at comparable universities, reflecting Pacific's ability to add substantial value to student outcomes. This earnings advantage appears across income levels but is particularly pronounced for low-income students, who earn a median of $90,900 at the ten-year mark.
As a medium-sized private university in California's Central Valley, Pacific combines the personal attention of a smaller institution with the career preparation and alumni networks typically associated with larger research universities. The university's professional programs, particularly in business, computer science, and interdisciplinary studies, consistently produce graduates who command strong salaries and see rapid career advancement in California's competitive job market.
University of the Pacific's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on professional preparation and career-oriented education. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies stands out as the highest aggregate return program, combining solid enrollment of 83 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $141,586, making it a key economic driver for the university. This program's success reflects Pacific's ability to create innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches that translate directly into marketplace value.
Business Administration remains Pacific's largest program with 109 graduates, providing a solid foundation with median earnings of $52,733 that reflect the broad applicability of business skills in California's diverse economy. Computer Science, while smaller with 43 graduates, delivers strong median earnings of $62,260, positioning graduates well for California's technology sector opportunities.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, professional preparation that connects directly to career outcomes. Pacific's location in California's Central Valley provides access to both regional opportunities and the broader California economy, including the San Francisco Bay Area's high-paying sectors. The strong performance across these diverse programs—from interdisciplinary studies to traditional business and technology fields—demonstrates Pacific's ability to prepare students for success across multiple career pathways while maintaining consistently strong financial outcomes.
University of the Pacific delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $78,445, placing the university in the 89th percentile nationally for earnings performance. What makes Pacific particularly valuable is how much graduates earn beyond expectations—about $11,754 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's ability to meaningfully enhance student earning potential through its academic programs and career preparation.
Program-level outcomes show where Pacific's strength lies. The highest aggregate return comes from Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, which combines strong enrollment (83 graduates) with exceptional earnings of $141,586 ten years out, creating substantial economic value for the university. Business Administration remains Pacific's largest program with 109 graduates earning a median of $52,733, while Computer Science produces 43 graduates with median earnings of $62,260. These programs reflect Pacific's focus on professional preparation and career-oriented education that translates directly into marketplace success.
Pacific's location in California's Central Valley provides graduates access to both the San Francisco Bay Area's high-paying technology and finance sectors and the broader California economy. The university's strong alumni networks and employer relationships help explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, with many moving into roles that offer both immediate financial rewards and long-term career advancement potential.
Affordability at University of the Pacific varies significantly by family income, reflecting the realities of private university pricing. Low-income students pay a net price of about $17,716 annually, which represents substantial institutional aid that brings costs well below the sticker price. Middle-income families see net prices around $20,169, while higher-income families pay approximately $38,104 per year, closer to the full cost of attendance.
Debt levels require careful consideration, particularly for families considering Parent PLUS loans. Typical graduates leave with about $19,500 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount given Pacific's strong earnings outcomes. However, Parent PLUS borrowing averages $45,450, which represents a more substantial financial commitment for families. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, but the higher debt levels mean families need to plan carefully for repayment.
What makes Pacific's pricing sustainable for many families is the strong return on investment. With graduates earning nearly $78,445 ten years out and showing earnings beyond expectations of about $11,754, the financial outcomes often justify the higher upfront investment. The university's loan repayment data shows borrowers paying down balances faster than national averages, with strong performance across all repayment milestones, suggesting that Pacific's career preparation translates into real debt management capacity for graduates.
University Of The Pacific Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
