University of the Pacific has once again been named one of America’s best colleges by Money magazine.

In a study of the nation’s top 745 colleges and universities, only 7% had a higher rating than Pacific, which earned 4.5 out of five stars. Stanford University, Cal Tech, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College and Pomona College were the only private schools in California with higher rankings.

Colleges and universities were rated based on their quality of education, affordability and student outcomes, which Money highlighted as one of Pacific’s strengths.

Pacific graduates have early-career earnings of nearly $81,000 annually, the third highest of schools in the West Coast Conference.

“The value of a Pacific education is in the small, immersive learning environments and powerful connections forged between our talented students and inspiring faculty,” said President Christopher Callahan. “Our professors are squarely focused every day on the success of our students, and that results in graduates who have the deep knowledge, practical experiences and critical thinking skills to succeed in their chosen professions and in life.”

The report also found Pacific’s estimated average cost after financial aid is $29,800—the lowest of all schools in the WCC—with the average price for low-income students coming in at $18,400. Ninety-eight percent of students receive need-based grants.

Student debt at graduation—$19,500—is equal to or lower than all but one school in the conference.

Pacific had a record-setting enrollment for the 2023-24 academic year with more than 6,750 students across its three campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco.

Earlier this year the university was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution, marking a critically important milestone for the university. The federal designation allows Pacific to compete for special grants to better support Latino students.

Pacific is the highest ranked private university in the nation with HSI designation based on rankings from U.S. News & World Report and is one of fewer than 20 private colleges in the nation designated both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.

California’s first and oldest university has nine schools and colleges with more than 80 undergraduate programs and more than 40 graduate programs.