Pacific Oaks College is one of the leading universities in the USA. It is extremely competitive to gain admission to. The acceptance rate of Pacific Oaks College is 10%. This means that only 10 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because Pacific Oaks College values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Pacific Oaks College Admission Requirements
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Pacific Oaks College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Pacific Oaks College Profile
Name: Pacific Oaks College
City: Pasadena
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 91103
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like Pacific Oaks College, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Can I Get Into Pacific Oaks College Without SAT Or ACT?: Pacific Oaks College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from Pacific Oaks College Worth It?
Getting into Pacific Oaks College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Pacific Oaks College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Pacific Oaks College is USD: 60596.02 and unemployment rate is 4.91%.
How can I get a scholarship?
55.03% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 73.62 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Pacific Oaks College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Pacific Oaks College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Pacific Oaks College as your choice in the form.
How much a Pacific Oaks College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 52485. An average Pacific Oaks College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Masters Degree Programs
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Professional Certificate Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific Oaks College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $52485 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Pacific Oaks College is 10 which is extremely low. Admission is highly competitive, and only the top candidates are accepted.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Pacific Oaks College.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.