Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Stockton, California
94.9% Acceptance Rate
University of the Pacific — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
94.9%Acceptance Rate
3.58Avg GPA
1303Avg SAT
27Avg ACT
$68,173Annual Cost
$78,445Grad Salary
34.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
94.9%
Avg GPA
3.58
Avg SAT
1303
Avg ACT
27
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1160–1420
ACT Middle 50%
23–31
Need-Based Aid
34.3% receive Pell
University of the Pacific is a private, comprehensive university in California known for its focus on professional programs, undergraduate research, and personalized mentorship. Admissions are holistic and competitive, seeking students who display high intellectual potential, character, and a commitment to their chosen field of study. The university values applicants who show they can engage in rigorous inquiry and professional training within a values-centered, student-focused academic community.
Successful applicants should emphasize their participation in academic and extracurricular organizations that showcase their leadership or initiative. Because the university encourages a blend of theory and practice; particularly in areas like pharmacy, law, and business; providing evidence of projects or roles that demonstrate a student's ambition will strengthen the application significantly. A clear articulation of how the student intends to use a comprehensive liberal arts foundation to achieve their specific career aspirations is essential for a competitive application.
University of the Pacific Acceptance Rate
University of the Pacific maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 94.9%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 94.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.58 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.38 – 3.57
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.13
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
University of the Pacific Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of the Pacific is October 1 for Spring applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 71 days left — Spring
Spring
October 1
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
November 15
Decision by: January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of the Pacific GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of the Pacific is 3.58. University of the Pacific is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.78-3.98 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.28 and 3.58, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of the Pacific GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of the Pacific utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.58, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.58 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.38 – 3.57
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.18 – 3.37
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.17
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Common App Direct Admission (skips personal essay, counselor recommendations, teacher evaluations) explicitly excludes pre-dental, dental hygiene, pre-pharmacy, and all music majors except Music Industry Studies (MIS).
- Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry receives 2,700+ applicants annually for roughly 140 seats; competitive DAT scores run 22+; only the most recent DAT score is reviewed, with preference given to scores submitted by November of the cycle.
- DDS admission requires a minimum 40 hours of dental shadowing specifically with a general dentist (dental assisting experience does not count toward this requirement).
- Reapplicant status to the Dugoni School does not negatively affect a new cycle's review; the program explicitly acknowledges many competitive applicants need multiple application cycles before securing an interview.
- The Rigor Metric: At University of the Pacific, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of the Pacific
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of the Pacific's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of the Pacific 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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into University of the Pacific Without SAT or ACT?
University of the Pacific 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.
University of the Pacific Average SAT Score: 1303
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of the Pacific is 1303 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1303 — Competitive
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1303 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1420 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of the Pacific allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1160, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of the Pacific. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 655 | 580 | 730 |
| SAT Reading | 635 | 580 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1303 | 1160 | 1420 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1160 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of the Pacific and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1420 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into University of the Pacific with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of the Pacific are good but the admission staff at University of the Pacific tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of the Pacific ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of the Pacific is 27.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 27 — Competitive
This score makes University of the Pacific Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 27 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 23 | 31 |
| ACT English | 27 | 22 | 32 |
| ACT Composite | 27 | 23 | 31 |
Can I get into University of the Pacific with a 31 ACT?
A 31 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of the Pacific — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of the Pacific use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of the Pacific — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of the Pacific uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 31 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of the Pacific
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
University of the Pacific provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Confirm Whether Your Intended Major Qualifies for Common App Direct Admission Before Assuming You Can Skip the Essay - Pre-Dental, Dental Hygiene, Pre-Pharmacy, and Nearly All Music Majors Are Explicitly Excluded
Pacific's Common App Direct Admission option genuinely lets qualifying applicants skip the personal essay, counselor recommendations, and teacher evaluations - but the university's own materials explicitly list exclusions: pre-dental, dental hygiene, and pre-pharmacy majors are not eligible for Direct Admission, nor are any music majors except Music Industry Studies (MIS) specifically. If you're aiming for one of Pacific's flagship professional health-science or music pathways, don't assume the celebrated "skip the essay" option applies to you - confirm your specific intended major's eligibility status directly with admissions before building an application strategy around Direct Admission, since applying under this assumption to an excluded major means submitting an incomplete application for your actual target program.
If Dentistry Is Your Ultimate Goal, Understand Pacific's Dugoni School of Dentistry Operates One of the Largest and Most Competitive Applicant Pools in the Country - Over 2,700 Applicants for Roughly 140 Seats - and Build Your Undergraduate Trajectory Around This Reality From Day One
Pacific's own DDS admissions materials state directly that more than 2,700 individuals applied for 140 positions in a recent cycle, with competitive DAT scores this cycle running 22 and higher (scores below 20 are explicitly flagged as warranting a retake). If you're a Pacific undergraduate in a pre-dental track hoping the Dugoni School's in-house reputation gives you an automatic edge, understand this competitive reality applies broadly - the Admissions Committee reviews only your most recent DAT score (not your best historical attempt), and gives admission preference to applicants who submit final DAT scores no later than November of the application cycle. Structure your DAT testing timeline explicitly around this November preference deadline rather than treating it as a soft suggestion, since testing later in the cycle puts you at a genuine, stated disadvantage relative to on-time applicants.
If You're Weighing In-State vs. Out-of-State Options for Pre-Pharmacy, Recognize That Pacific's Direct Admission Exclusion for Pre-Pharmacy Means This Specific Pathway Requires the Full Traditional Application - Budget the Extra Time and Essay-Writing Effort Accordingly
Because pre-pharmacy is explicitly excluded from Pacific's Common App Direct Admission streamlined pathway, pre-pharmacy applicants face the full traditional application process - personal essay, counselor recommendation, teacher evaluations - that Direct Admission-eligible majors bypass entirely. Given that current pre-pharmacy students describe the eventual PharmD application process itself (a separate, later application layered on top of your undergraduate admission) as involving multiple applications, essays, and multi-stage interviews, treat your initial undergraduate pre-pharmacy application with the same seriousness as the harder professional-school application that follows years later - this is not a track where you can coast through undergraduate admission and suddenly ramp up effort only at the PharmD application stage.
Start Building Shadowing and Recommendation-Letter Relationships Years Before You Actually Apply to Dugoni - 40 Hours of Dental Shadowing With a General Dentist Specifically (Not Dental Assisting) Is a Hard Minimum, and Strong Letters Take Real Advance Planning
Pacific's DDS admissions requirements specify a minimum of 40 hours of dental shadowing completed specifically with a general dentist - critically, dental assisting experience does not count toward this shadowing requirement, though it can be separately listed elsewhere on the application under "Dental Experience." Additionally, Pacific's own FAQ explicitly recommends starting your search for letters of recommendation at least three months in advance of submission, with a specific formula: two letters from biomedical science professors (biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry) plus one character-focused letter from someone who knows you personally. If dental school is even a possibility, start logging shadowing hours with a general dentist specifically (not just any dental professional) as early as your first year of undergraduate study, since accumulating 40 quality hours takes genuine calendar time you don't want to compress into a few frantic months before applying.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes assume that reapplying to Pacific's Dugoni School of Dentistry after a prior unsuccessful cycle signals a weaker profile to the Admissions Committee - but Pacific's own FAQ explicitly states indicating reapplicant status will not negatively impact your admissions status for the new cycle, and given the program's own acknowledgment that competitive applicants may need to apply several times before securing an interview invitation given the sheer size of the applicant pool (2,700+ for ~140 seats), a strong candidate should not interpret a first-cycle rejection as a signal to abandon Pacific specifically, provided they've genuinely strengthened their DAT score, GPA, or experience hours before reapplying rather than resubmitting an unchanged application.
University of the Pacific Profile
Full Name
University of the Pacific
City
Stockton
State
California
ZIP Code
95211-0197
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a University of the Pacific Degree Worth It?
Getting into University of the Pacific 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. University of the Pacific 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 University of the Pacific is $72,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.27%.
How much does a degree from University of the Pacific Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of the Pacific is $68,173. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of the Pacific is much less than this.
34.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 42.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of the Pacific and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of the Pacific, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of the Pacific as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of the Pacific Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $78,445. An average University of the Pacific 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of the Pacific. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of the Pacific. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1301 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of the Pacific. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs at University of the Pacific
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of the Pacific Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $78,445 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $68,173 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
34.3% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of University of the Pacific is 94.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.58. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.28, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.28, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.18 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.58, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of the Pacific is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1303 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1160–1420.
The application deadline for University of the Pacific is October 1 for Spring applicants.
The scholarship priority deadline is November 15, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
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.
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.
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