According to a new analysis by Money Magazine, University of the Pacific is ranked No. 2 for value among private colleges and universities in California that admit more than 20% of their applicants.

Pacific is also No. 7 for early career earnings averaging $74,210 annually among public and private California colleges and universities in the same category.

“Pacific is committed to keeping college as affordable as possible while providing an unmatched experience for our students,” said President Christopher Callahan. “Our outstanding faculty coupled with extensive opportunities for experiential learning ensure our students are prepared for successful careers after graduation.”

To be included in the rankings, colleges had to meet certain requirements, including admitting at least 20% of applicants. 

The findings compare schools’ quality, affordability and student outcomes based on 24 factors, such as graduation rates and cost of a degree. It also looks at student-to-faculty ratio—one of Pacific’s strengths.

Pacific’s small class sizes—14:1 student/faculty ratio—foster close relationships between faculty and students, many of which become lifelong bonds.

“Pacific has the benefits of a small, residential college with the many options found at large research universities,” said Vice President of Enrollment Strategy Christopher Ferguson. “Students and faculty know each other well and form lasting relationships during and after the college experience. Most of our students apply what they are learning in the classroom to the demands of the workforce by participating in research with faculty, internships and cooperative educational experiences.”

Other recent rankings have placed Pacific high in diversity and sustainability.

U.S. News and World Report ranked Pacific at No. 12 among private schools nationally in campus ethnic diversity and No. 3 among private schools in California. Studies have shown diversity on college campuses improves intellectual and cultural engagement.

The school’s food and dining program was ranked among the top 10 globally for sustainability efforts in the 2021 Sustainable Campus Index published by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. 

Pacific is California’s oldest university and offers more than 100 majors and minors with nationally recognized programs on its three campuses in Sacramento, San Francisco and Stockton.