University of the Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business remains one of a select group of academic institutions with global accreditation in business at the highest universal standard certifying a program's quality.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International recently announced accreditation extensions for Pacific and 26 other schools. The Eberhardt School is one of the 1,021 institutions in more than 65 countries and territories that hold this designation—less than 6.2% of all business schools worldwide.

“We are delighted with the continued recognition,” said Lewis R. Gale, interim dean. “Students who enroll in our programs can be confident they are receiving a world-class business and management education from distinguished faculty teaching a rigorous, top-notch curriculum.”

The Eberhardt School first earned the group’s accreditation in 1983 and has continuously maintained its accreditation for the past 41 years. The group’s recent report had high praise for the Eberhardt School.

“Eberhardt’s commitment to first-generation college students and the university’s goal of becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution are noteworthy and provide more evidence of its societal impact,” the report stated. “There are experiential opportunities in finance including the Eberhardt Student Investment Fund (stocks), the Dreyfuss Family Fixed Income Fund (bonds) and the Dreyfuss Wall Street Fellows Program.” 

Those stocks and bonds programs give business students real-life experience in various methods of investment. The Fellows program, meanwhile, opens opportunities for careers on Wall Street.

The report also mentioned Eberhardt’s commitment to serving community nonprofits. Notable activities include work with Visit Stockton, the city’s chief tourism agency, and the Navigation Center for Stockton, a gathering place for unsheltered citizens facing hardships.

In 2024, the Eberhardt School’s undergraduate programs were ranked by Poets&Quants as No. 1 in the West among schools with fewer than 7,000 students. This is the fourth consecutive year of this achievement.

Receiving accreditation is a rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an advisor and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement.

“AACSB congratulates each institution on achieving the accreditation,” said Stephanie Bryant, the group’s executive vice president. “The commitment is a true reflection of each school’s dedication, not only to its students, alumni network and greater business community, but to society.”