Skip to content
Private nonprofit, 4-year

Pacific Oaks College

Pasadena, California · www.pacificoaks.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

34.4%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$32,520

$51,705 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

312

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 13 : 1

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Pacific Oaks College, located in Pasadena, California, is a distinguished institution known for its commitment to progressive education and social justice. Founded in 1945, the college emphasizes a student-centered approach to learning, fostering an environment where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. The college’s mission is rooted in the belief that education should be accessible to everyone, and it strives to prepare students for a rapidly changing world through innovative programs and a focus on experiential learning.

One of the standout features of Pacific Oaks College is its strong emphasis on early childhood education and human development. The college offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs that equip students with essential skills and knowledge for careers in social work, education, and counseling. The faculty consists of experienced professionals who are dedicated to mentoring students and providing practical insights into their fields of study. The college's commitment to service learning and community engagement further enriches the educational experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, the warm and supportive campus culture encourages collaboration and personal growth, making Pacific Oaks College a nurturing environment for aspiring professionals.

Analysis of Tuition Trends and Student Demographics

The data reveals significant fluctuations in tuition fees and student demographics at Pacific Oaks College over the years. Notably, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students saw a dramatic reduction from $21,300 in 2017 and 2018 to just $11,692 in 2021, a decrease of approximately 45%. This decrease coincided with the rise of online education and the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which likely compelled institutions to adjust fees to maintain enrollment. However, a sharp increase to $33,360 is projected for 2024, suggesting a strategic shift that may aim to enhance funding and resources amid a competitive educational landscape.

Moreover, the student population has experienced fluctuations, particularly among undergraduates, where numbers peaked at 543 in 2016 but fell to 398 by 2023. This trend may reflect broader shifts in higher education as students reassess the value of traditional college experiences versus alternative pathways, including vocational training and online learning. In contrast, graduate enrollment remained relatively stable, indicating a consistent demand for advanced degrees despite the evolving educational environment.

The gender ratio among undergraduates has also shown variation, with female students consistently outnumbering their male counterparts. In 2023, approximately 92% of the undergraduate population were women, a slight increase from 87% in 2018. This trend highlights the growing appeal of higher education for women and could signal a broader societal shift towards gender equity in educational attainment.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio fluctuated, with a notable drop to 2:1 in 2017 and 2018, suggesting a move towards smaller class sizes and more personalized education. However, it has since stabilized around 4-6:1, which may reflect adjustments in faculty resources and enrollment strategies. Overall, these data points collectively illustrate Pacific Oaks College's adaptive strategies in response to changing economic conditions and shifting demographics in higher education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
Los Angeles, about 20 mi
Nearest international airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 20 mi
Pasadena, California
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Breeda McGrath (President)
Phone
8773142380
City
Pasadena, California
Address
45 W Eureka Street, Pasadena, CA 91103

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
40.9%
Women
31.0%

In 2020: men 2.6%, women 5.4%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Pacific Oaks College

The admission data from Pacific Oaks College over the past few years reveals significant fluctuations in both the acceptance rates for male and female applicants and the overall enrollment figures. In 2019, the college exhibited a relatively high acceptance rate for males at approximately 36.36%, while the rate for females was slightly lower at around 30.54%. This trend indicates a competitive landscape for admissions, particularly for male applicants.
However, a striking decline in acceptance rates is evident in the following year, 2020, where the male acceptance rate plummeted to about 2.56%, and the female rate fell to 5.44%. These dramatic drops could be attributed to various factors, including shifts in institutional policy, increased application numbers, or changing demographics in prospective students. Notably, the data for 2021 and 2022 shows an even sharper focus on female applicants, with acceptance rates of 28.57% and 13.64%, respectively, while the college only enrolled three male students in 2021.
The most recent data from 2023 suggests a slight recovery, with male acceptance rates at 22.22% and female rates significantly higher at 42.59%. However, the overall number of enrollees remains low, with only three students admitted. This could indicate a strategic pivot by the college to enhance the quality of its incoming class rather than simply expanding numbers.
Overall, these trends raise questions about the college's admissions strategy and its responsiveness to the changing landscape of higher education, particularly in terms of gender inclusivity and student demographics. As the college continues to adapt, it will be interesting to see how these rates evolve in the coming years.

Test Scores

SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no SAT/ACT data for students admitted in 2025.

Data insights

Analysis of Admissions Data for Pacific Oaks College

The admissions data for Pacific Oaks College reveals a concerning trend over the years from 2007 to 2023, as it consistently lacks specific information regarding SAT and ACT scores, both in terms of the number of applicants submitting these scores and the actual score ranges for admitted students. This absence of data can hinder prospective students' ability to gauge their competitiveness when applying to the college, especially in an educational landscape where standardized testing has become a common metric for assessing academic readiness.

Moreover, the trend of not providing SAT or ACT scores aligns with a broader movement among many colleges and universities across the United States to adopt test-optional policies. This shift aims to promote equity and inclusivity in the admissions process, recognizing that standardized tests may not fully reflect a student's potential or capabilities. However, for institutions that still collect this data, transparency is key.

The lack of available scores could indicate either a strategic choice to focus on other aspects of the application, such as personal statements and recommendations, or perhaps a struggle to maintain consistent data collection over the years. As the educational environment continues to evolve, it is essential for colleges like Pacific Oaks to communicate their admissions criteria clearly and transparently, ensuring that prospective students understand how their applications will be evaluated in the absence of standardized test scores. This clarity can enhance the college's appeal and trustworthiness in the eyes of future applicants.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 3 in 10

64 applicants in 2025, 34.4% admitted

22 admitted 42 not admitted Yield 22.7%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's732 international (2.7%)
Master's2010 international (0.0%)
Top 5 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
41
Human Development and Family Studies, General
23
Social Work
5
Community Psychology
3
Business Administration and Management, General
1

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Teacher Education, Multiple Levels · Master's73 (0% international)
  • Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling · Master's65 (0% international)
  • Early Childhood Education and Teaching · Master's21 (0% international)
  • Human Development and Family Studies, General · Master's20 (0% international)
  • Social Work · Master's15 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's7 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Pacific Oaks College

The graduation data from Pacific Oaks College for 2023 highlights several notable trends within various academic programs. Primarily, it is evident that the institution emphasizes master’s level education, particularly in fields related to health and education. For instance, the Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling program produced 61 master’s graduates, underscoring the high demand for professionals in mental health services, which resonates with the growing societal acknowledgment of mental health issues.

Furthermore, the data indicates a complete absence of bachelor’s degree graduates across all programs, suggesting that Pacific Oaks College might be primarily focused on graduate-level education or that its undergraduate programs are not currently operational. This could also reflect a strategic positioning within the higher education landscape, as many institutions are increasingly targeting graduate education in response to the labor market's evolving demands.

Interestingly, the Community Psychology program stands out as the only area with undergraduate representation, yielding eight graduates. This may indicate a unique approach to community-oriented education, which is crucial in today’s context where social issues are at the forefront of public discourse.

In summary, the absence of undergraduate graduates and the emphasis on master’s degrees in health-related fields reflect Pacific Oaks College's commitment to addressing contemporary educational and societal needs. As the demand for specialized skills continues to rise, the college appears to be aligning its academic offerings with the current job market trends, particularly in mental health and education sectors.

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

Educationhas 135 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.$42,921-$59,925
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$42,921-$59,925
Health professionshas 65 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling.$68,438
Human science has 43 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Human Development and Family Studies, General.$51,847-$58,652
Public administrationhas 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Social Work.-
Businesshas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$60,737
Psychology has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Community Psychology.-

Students

1,068 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 11:89

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (312)

Hispanic
155 · 49.7%
White
65 · 20.8%
Black
49 · 15.7%
Unknown
19 · 6.1%
Two or more races
12 · 3.8%
Asian
7 · 2.2%
International
3 · 1.0%

Data insights

Demographic Insights of Pacific Oaks College Students in 2023

In 2023, Pacific Oaks College showcases a diverse student body, with a significant emphasis on inclusivity. The breakdown of students reveals that undergraduate freshmen comprise a very small group, with only three individuals, all of whom are female. This raises questions about the recruiting strategies employed for new students at the undergraduate level.

Undergraduate juniors represent the largest segment, totaling 325 students, where males make up 7.4% and females dominate at 92.6%. This disparity hints at a broader trend in higher education, where female enrollment often exceeds male enrollment, particularly in liberal arts and social sciences programs, which are traditionally strong at Pacific Oaks.

Transfer students account for 70 individuals, maintaining a similar gender distribution, with 8.6% being male and 91.4% female. This consistent pattern across different undergraduate levels suggests that Pacific Oaks College may have an appealing environment for female students, potentially due to its focus on progressive education and community-oriented values.

Graduate students form a significant cohort, with 670 individuals, again reflecting a gender imbalance (13.4% male and 86.6% female). This significant number of graduate students indicates a strong interest in advanced studies, possibly in fields related to social work, education, and psychology, which align with the college's mission.

The demographic data also highlight the representation of various ethnic groups within the student body. However, specific figures for these subcategories were not fully disclosed, which would have provided a more comprehensive view of the college’s commitment to diversity.

Overall, the data from Pacific Oaks College reflects ongoing trends in higher education regarding gender representation and hints at the college's role in fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Pacific Oaks College

The student age demographics at Pacific Oaks College reveal a diverse range of students, reflecting the institution's commitment to inclusive education. The data indicates a noticeable concentration of students within the 25-29 and 30-34 age brackets, with the 25-29 group comprising approximately 24% of total students, while the 30-34 group accounts for around 20%. This trend suggests that many students are likely balancing their academic pursuits with other life responsibilities, such as work or family, which is increasingly common in higher education today.

Moreover, the representation of younger students (ages 18-21) remains modest, making up only about 11% of the total student population. This could reflect a broader trend in higher education, where non-traditional students—often older—are returning to school for career advancement or personal growth. The data also highlights a significant number of female students across all age groups, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 categories, indicating strong female enrollment and participation.

Interestingly, the 40-49 age group shows a solid presence, with around 16% of total enrollment, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning. The presence of students over 65, while minimal, underscores the college's inclusive nature, supporting learners of all ages.

In conclusion, Pacific Oaks College's age demographic data reflects a diverse and inclusive student body, with a significant number of non-traditional students. This trend aligns with national patterns in higher education, where flexibility and accessibility are increasingly valued.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.0%

3 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.2%2017: 0.8%2018: 0.4%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.8%2022: 0.2%2023: 0.8%2024: 1.2%2025: 1.0%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students0.1%

1 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.1%2017: 0.3%2018: 0.2%2019: 0.2%2020: 0.1%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.1%2023: 0.1%2024: 0.1%2025: 0.1%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Pacific Oaks College

The data from Pacific Oaks College reveals intriguing trends in international student enrollment over the years. Analyzing the figures, we observe fluctuating numbers and a consistently low percentage of international students within both undergraduate and graduate programs.

In the undergraduate category, there was a notable spike in 2010, where international students accounted for 6.02% of the total. This figure stands out against a backdrop of generally low representation, with percentages often falling below 1%. The overall undergraduate population also showed significant variability, peaking at 543 in 2016 before declining to 398 by 2023.

Contrastingly, the graduate program has maintained an even lower percentage of international students, with rates hovering around 0.15% to 3.03%. This indicates that while the college attracts some international students, it remains a less popular choice for graduate studies compared to other institutions that may offer more extensive international programs or support services.

The recent global context, including ongoing challenges due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, may also play a role in these figures. Many international students have faced travel restrictions and uncertainty regarding their education, potentially impacting their enrollment choices.

Overall, the data suggests that while Pacific Oaks College has had moments of increased international student presence, the overall trend indicates a need for enhanced strategies to attract and retain international students, particularly in graduate programs. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, understanding these trends will be crucial for the college's future international recruitment efforts.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$51,705

Undergraduate tuition
$32,520
Room and board
$19,185
Graduate tuition
$22,260
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 57% from 2016 to 2025.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$24.1M

Tuition and fees
$19.5M80.8%
Investment return
$1.9M7.9%
Government grants and contracts
$1.4M5.7%
Gifts and private grants
$257K1.1%
Other
$1.1M4.5%

Expenses$20.6M

Institutional support
$7.6M36.8%
Student services
$4.9M23.6%
Instruction
$4.6M22.4%
Academic support
$3.5M17.2%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$65,528peers $68,006

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 surrounding Pacific Oaks College:

  1. California Institute of Technology (加州理工学院) - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious university is known for its strong emphasis on science and engineering.

  2. University of California-Los Angeles (加州大学洛杉矶分校) - With a rank of 15, UCLA is a major public research university offering a wide range of programs and known for its vibrant campus life.

  3. University of Southern California (南加州大学) - Ranked 28th, USC is a private research university that excels in various fields including business, cinema, and engineering.

  4. Occidental College (西方学院) - This liberal arts college holds the 35th position in rankings and is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to social justice.

  5. Harvey Mudd College (哈维穆德学院) - Ranked 16th, Harvey Mudd is a top liberal arts college focused on engineering, science, and mathematics.

  6. Claremont McKenna College (克莱尔蒙特麦克纳学院) - With a rank of 11, it is known for its emphasis on economics and government.

  7. Scripps College (斯克里普斯学院) - Another highly regarded liberal arts college, it ranks 35th and is known for its beautiful campus and strong women’s studies program.

These institutions provide a rich educational landscape in the vicinity of Pacific Oaks College, each with its own unique strengths and focus areas.

Data insights

Safety Trends at Pacific Oaks College

The data from Pacific Oaks College reveals a consistent trend of zero reported incidents related to various types of crime from 2013 to 2023. This absence of crime indicates a notably safe environment for students, which is essential for fostering a conducive learning atmosphere. The lack of arrests for gun possession, drug-related offenses, alcohol-related offenses, and domestic violence is particularly commendable.

In the context of higher education, safety is a significant concern for students and their families. Many institutions face challenges with crime rates that can impact student enrollment and overall satisfaction. Pacific Oaks College's clean record can be viewed as a positive aspect that may attract prospective students who prioritize safety in their academic journey.

It's worth noting that while the absence of crime is ideal, it is also important for institutions to remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining safety measures. Regular safety audits, educational programs regarding crime prevention, and effective communication channels for reporting suspicious activities are crucial components that can help sustain this low crime rate.

Additionally, the broader societal impacts of crime and safety in educational settings can influence public perceptions and policy. As colleges and universities across the nation grapple with issues of campus safety, Pacific Oaks College serves as a model for how a commitment to safety can yield positive results. This situation highlights the importance of continued efforts in crime prevention and maintaining a secure environment for all students. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, you can visit: Crime Rate Calculation.

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.