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Private for-profit, 4-year

Pacifica Graduate Institute

Santa Barbara CA, California · www.pacifica.edu

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About

Pacifica Graduate Institute, located in Carpinteria, California, is renowned for its unique focus on depth psychology and the humanities. Established in 1976, the institute emphasizes the integration of psychological knowledge with the arts, mythology, and philosophy, creating a rich interdisciplinary environment. The school’s commitment to a holistic educational approach is reflected in its mission statement, which underscores the importance of fostering personal and professional growth through a deep understanding of the unconscious. This distinctive perspective attracts students who are passionate about exploring the complex relationship between psyche and culture.

The campus itself provides a serene and inspiring backdrop for education and personal exploration, nestled amidst the natural beauty of the California coastline. Pacifica offers an array of graduate programs, including degrees in Clinical Psychology, Mythological Studies, and Engaged Humanities. The faculty is composed of accomplished scholars and practitioners in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education grounded in both theory and practical application. The supportive and collaborative atmosphere encourages students to engage deeply with their studies and with one another, fostering a vibrant community dedicated to the exploration of psychological and cultural dimensions. With an emphasis on experiential learning and personal transformation, graduates of Pacifica Graduate Institute are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to their fields, whether in clinical practice, academia, or cultural leadership.

Analysis of Tuition Trends and Student Demographics

The tuition data for graduate programs at Pacifica Graduate Institute reveals a consistent upward trend over the years. Starting from $25,450 in 2014, the tuition has increased steadily, reaching $28,140 in 2024, which represents an increase of approximately 10.5% over the decade. This rise in tuition costs is a concern for many prospective students, especially considering the broader context of rising student debt in the United States. As tuition continues to climb, it may limit access to higher education for some students.

In terms of student population, the number of graduate students has shown a declining trend from 1,097 in 2013 to 851 in 2023. This significant decrease of about 22.5% over the decade raises questions about the university's attractiveness and the factors contributing to this decline. Possible reasons could include increasing tuition fees, shifts in educational priorities, or greater competition from other institutions offering similar programs.

Moreover, the gender demographics of the graduate student body indicate a predominance of female students, with women making up approximately 73% of the graduate population in 2023. This trend is consistent over the years, suggesting that the institution may have a strong appeal to women, particularly in fields related to psychology and counseling, which are traditionally female-dominated areas.

Overall, while Pacifica Graduate Institute maintains a strong female presence in its graduate programs, the rising tuition costs and decreasing enrollment numbers highlight significant challenges that the institution may need to address to ensure future growth and accessibility for all students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, near a city
Nearest major city
Oxnard, about 25 mi
Nearest international airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 70 mi
Santa Barbara CA, California
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Colin Marlaire (Interim President)
Phone
8059693626101
City
Santa Barbara CA, California
Address
801 Ladera Lane, Santa Barbara CA, CA 93108

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Master's1490 international (0.0%)
Doctoral610 international (0.0%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Counseling Psychology · Master's100 (0% international)
  • Psychology, Other · Doctoral35 (0% international)
  • Psychology, Other · Master's20 (0% international)
  • Humanities/Humanistic Studies · Master's19 (0% international)
  • Clinical Psychology · Doctoral16 (0% international)
  • Clinical Psychology · Master's10 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Numbers in Counseling Psychology and Related Fields

The data from Pacifica Graduate Institute for 2023 reveals notable trends in the graduation rates across various psychology disciplines, particularly in the field of Counseling Psychology. It is evident that while there is a substantial number of master's degrees awarded, with 78 graduates, the doctoral programs lack a similar level of engagement, as no doctoral degrees were conferred in this specialization. This disparity suggests that students may be more inclined towards obtaining a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, potentially due to the quicker entry into the workforce that a master's provides, as opposed to the extended commitment required for a doctorate.

Interestingly, the data shows that the international student representation is minimal, with only one international master's graduate in Counseling Psychology. This could reflect broader trends in the field, where international students may face challenges in pursuing advanced degrees in the U.S., such as visa limitations or financial constraints. In contrast, the other areas like Psychology (Other) and Clinical Psychology appear to have some doctoral graduates, indicating that these programs may attract a different demographic of students or have more established pathways for international candidates.

Overall, the lack of bachelor's degree graduates in these programs also raises questions about the recruitment and retention strategies employed by Pacifica Graduate Institute. It highlights a potential gap in undergraduate offerings in psychology, which could be a missed opportunity for the institution to cultivate future graduate students. Addressing these issues could enhance the diversity and depth of the student body, enriching the educational environment and better preparing graduates for the evolving demands of the psychological profession.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Psychology has 182 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Clinical Psychology.$52,700-$95,583
Counseling Psychology.$52,700-$95,583
Psychology, Other.-
Liberal arts has 28 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.-

Students

833 students in 2025

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Pacifica Graduate Institute for 2023

In 2023, Pacifica Graduate Institute reported a total of 851 graduate students, showcasing a significant gender disparity within this cohort. The data indicates that approximately 27% of the graduate students are male, while a substantial 73% are female. This disparity reflects a broader trend observed in higher education, where graduate programs often attract a larger number of female students compared to their male counterparts.

Examining the ethnic composition of the graduate student body reveals that the majority, approximately 56%, identify as White, followed by Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students. This demographic diversity can enhance the learning experience, fostering a rich exchange of perspectives and ideas, which is crucial in a field that values psychological and cultural insights.

It is important to note that the growing presence of women in graduate studies aligns with national trends, where women have increasingly outnumbered men in higher education enrollment over the past decade. This shift may reflect changing societal expectations, greater access to educational opportunities for women, and a growing recognition of the importance of diverse voices in academia.

Overall, the demographics of Pacifica Graduate Institute’s graduate students highlight both the progress made in achieving gender parity and the need for continued efforts to support diversity across all ethnic groups. As higher education institutions strive to create inclusive environments, understanding these demographic patterns will be essential in shaping future policies and programs.

Age Composition of Pacifica Graduate Institute Students

The age composition of students at Pacifica Graduate Institute for 2023 reveals interesting trends in the demographics of both undergraduate and graduate populations. Notably, there are no undergraduate male students recorded, which underscores a potential area for future recruitment efforts. The data indicates a significant presence of graduate students, particularly in the 30-34 age group, where 51 males and 118 females are enrolled, accounting for 28.4% of the total female student population.

As students transition into their 30s and 40s, the numbers remain robust, especially among females, with the 40-49 age group boasting 173 female students. This suggests that Pacifica's programs may be particularly appealing to mature students, possibly due to the institute's focus on depth of understanding and personal development in fields such as psychology and the humanities.

Interestingly, students aged 50-64 also make a noteworthy contribution, with 45 males and 117 females, indicating that lifelong learning is a valued pursuit at Pacifica. Furthermore, the presence of students over 65, although limited, highlights an inclusive environment where older adults can engage in academic growth.

Overall, the demographic data points to a strong female presence across all age groups, particularly in graduate studies, which may reflect broader trends in higher education where women have increasingly outnumbered men in various fields. This pattern not only enriches the learning environment but also contributes to a diverse educational experience for all students.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Graduate students2.2%

18 in 2025 · 3.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.1%2017: 3.1%2018: 2.8%2019: 2.9%2020: 2.3%2021: 1.4%2022: 1.1%2023: 1.8%2024: 1.7%2025: 2.2%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Trends at Pacifica Graduate Institute

The data on international students at Pacifica Graduate Institute reveals notable trends over the years, particularly in the graduate program. Since 2004, the number of international graduate students has fluctuated, with the highest representation occurring in 2016 and 2017, where the percentage reached approximately 3.09% and 3.14%, respectively. This indicates a peak interest in the institution during those years, possibly linked to the global rise in demand for psychological and counseling programs, which align with the institute's focus.

In contrast, the percentage of international students has significantly declined in recent years, dropping to a mere 1.10% in 2022 and slightly improving to 1.76% in 2023. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies, the global pandemic's impact on international education, and the overall competitiveness of educational institutions in attracting international talent.

Moreover, the undergraduate data remains absent, which limits the ability to analyze trends for that demographic. The lack of international student figures at the undergraduate level may suggest a need for Pacifica Graduate Institute to enhance its visibility and appeal to potential international undergraduates, especially given the increasing globalization of higher education.

Overall, while the graduate program has seen fluctuations in international enrollment, the current downward trend raises questions about the institution's strategies for attracting and retaining international students, particularly in a post-pandemic world where international education is becoming increasingly crucial.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$23.4M

Tuition and fees
$18.0M76.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$4.3M18.4%
Sales and services of educational activities
$719K3.1%
Investment return
$340K1.5%

Expenses$23.0M

Instruction
$7.9M34.4%
Institutional support
$7.9M34.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.6M11.4%
Student services
$2.0M8.7%
Academic support
$1.9M8.5%
Public service
$560K2.4%
Research
$67K0.3%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$83,905peers $67,788
Professor
$86,608peers $85,183
Associate professor
$66,000peers $76,269
Assistant professor
$63,750peers $67,938

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Pacifica Graduate Institute:

  1. University of California-Santa Barbara - Ranked 35th in the 2024 US News rankings, UCSB is a prestigious research university known for its strong programs in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

  2. University of California-Los Angeles - UCLA is ranked 15th and is one of the most renowned public universities in the United States, offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  3. University of Southern California - Ranked 28th, USC is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles, known for its programs in business, cinema, and engineering.

  4. California Institute of Technology - With a rank of 7, Caltech is a world-famous institution focused on science and engineering, known for its rigorous academic standards and groundbreaking research.

  5. Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 11th, this liberal arts college is known for its strengths in government, economics, and public affairs.

These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students in the region, making the area a vibrant educational hub.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Pacifica Graduate Institute

The crime statistics at Pacifica Graduate Institute over the past decade present a notably low incidence of criminal activity. From 2013 to 2023, the data indicates that the years of 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 recorded zero crimes, resulting in a crime rate of 0 per 1,000 students. This reflects a secure campus environment for students and staff alike.

In 2015, the institution reported a total of two arrests, yielding a crime rate of approximately 2.06 per 1,000 students. Similarly, 2021 recorded a single incident, translating to a crime rate of about 1.17 per 1,000 students. While these figures suggest occasional lapses in campus safety, the overall trend remains positive, with most years demonstrating a commendable absence of crime.

The types of crimes reported include gun arrests, which are critical in today's context where gun violence remains a pressing concern across educational institutions in the United States. The low frequency of such occurrences at Pacifica Graduate Institute could be attributed to effective campus safety measures and a strong community ethos.

Given the national discussions around campus safety, it is encouraging to see such low crime rates, reflecting the institute's commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment. Continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to ensure this trend persists, fostering an atmosphere where students can focus on their academic and personal growth without the shadow of crime. For more insights into crime rate calculations, you can explore this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.