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Pacific Oaks College

Pasadena, CA·Private nonprofit·346 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students who want small classes and close faculty access. median debt is moderately high; earnings-to-debt ratio is tight. 55% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

10%
Accept
346
Students
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
$43,100
Earnings
10 yr
$29,105
Debt

About This School

Pacific Oaks College is a private nonprofit institution located in Pasadena, California with approximately 346 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 10%. In-state tuition is $33,360 per year. Typical graduates earn $43,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Pacific Oaks College is a private college with its main campus in Pasadena, California. The college draws on Quaker principles and focuses on social justice. It offers full and part-time undergraduate and graduate courses at Pacific Oaks' California campuses as well as online. Pacific Oaks also operates a children's school that has been in operation since 1945.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: with median earnings of just $43,100 a decade after enrollment, graduates don't earn dramatically more than the debt load of $29,105 they carry out the door, leaving little financial cushion. That said, the 10% acceptance rate signals this is a genuinely selective school with a tight-knit community of 346 undergrads, which appeals to students who want close faculty relationships. Worth considering if you're passionate about the specific programs offered — particularly in human development and early education — but go in with clear eyes about the modest earning trajectory.

Founded
1958

Notable Alumni

Leah Ayres

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$33,360
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,360
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants55%
Median debt at graduation$29,105

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
N/A
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$29,105
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$29,105
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.5x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White17%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino57%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (346 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Pacific Oaks College

Pasadena, CA

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Other Schools in California

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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