
3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95211-0197, USA


University of the Pacific holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which affirms the institution's overall academic quality and institutional effectiveness. This accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous standards for faculty qualifications, curriculum, student services, and campus resources, providing a credible educational environment for students.
The university's professional schools also maintain specialized accreditations relevant to their fields. For example, the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), guaranteeing that its pharmacy programs meet national standards essential for professional practice.
Similarly, the McGeorge School of Law has accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA), which is critical for graduates intending to pursue legal careers, as it enables eligibility to sit for the bar examination in most states.
In addition, programs within the university's health sciences and education departments hold accreditations from their respective national accrediting bodies, supporting the quality of preparation they provide to students entering these professions.
University of the Pacific maintains a selective admission process that requires applicants to meet several academic standards. Prospective students must have completed secondary school with a required minimum GPA and provide a full secondary school record. A General Educational Development (GED) credential is accepted as an alternative to a traditional high school diploma. Admission to a college program is mandatory, and applicants need to submit letters of recommendation along with evidence of certain competencies.
English language proficiency is an important consideration, with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) required for non-native speakers. Other standardized tests are recommended but not compulsory for admission. The university does not follow an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit options.
Both Advanced Placement (AP) credits and prior college credits are accepted for transfer, which can be advantageous for qualified applicants. The institution's high acceptance rate of approximately 95% indicates a generally accessible admissions process, although the academic credentials of enrolling students tend to be above average. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1250, positioning them in roughly the top 30% nationally, with a particularly strong performance in Math and Writing sections. The mean ACT score stands at 28, placing students in the top quartile.
Overall, University of the Pacific seeks applicants who demonstrate solid secondary academic performance, proficiency in English, and readiness for college-level work, supported by recommendations and validated competencies.
The University of the Pacific requires an application fee from prospective students seeking admission. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing each application. However, the university provides opportunities for applicants to have this fee waived under certain circumstances.
Fee waivers are typically offered to students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria. These waivers aim to reduce barriers for applicants who might otherwise face challenges affording the application costs. Prospective students can inquire directly with the admissions office or consult official university resources to determine if they qualify for a waiver and learn about the application process for such exceptions.
University of the Pacific provides prospective students access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through different arrangements. The university hosts an ROTC branch unit directly on its campus, allowing students to participate in military training and leadership development without needing to travel to another institution. Additionally, University of the Pacific offers opportunities for students to engage with ROTC units at cooperating host institutions, expanding options for those interested in military service and leadership preparation during their studies.
University of the Pacific permits transfer students to enroll during the fall and spring terms. Prospective transfers can apply credits earned through CLEP examinations, including both subject-specific and general tests, as well as those obtained via DANTES programs. The institution also accepts transfer credits in general and considers recommendation letters as part of the application process. Transfer applicants should be aware that credits from prior coursework are accepted, facilitating the continuation of their academic journey without unnecessary repetition.
University of the Pacific offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance students' global understanding and academic experience. These programs include faculty-led trips, exchange programs, and partnerships with international universities, providing students with flexible options to study in diverse cultural settings.
The faculty-led programs are typically short-term, often lasting a few weeks during the summer or winter sessions, allowing students to earn credits while exploring new countries under the guidance of university professors. Exchange programs enable students to spend a semester or an academic year studying at partner institutions abroad, immersing themselves in a different education system and culture.
Additionally, University of the Pacific supports participation in established global programs that integrate students into a network of international learning experiences. This variety ensures that students with varying academic goals and availability can find a program that fits their individual needs.
Median composite SAT score
1250Median composite ACT score
28Percent of students submitting ACT scores
5.23%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
21.18%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring