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University of the Pacific — ROI, Cost & Payback

Private nonprofit · Stockton, CA · 3,204 students

The verdict

University of the Pacific charges a net price of $25,447/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $101,788. Graduates earn a median $78,445 ten years after entry, $30,085/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 3.4 years — a 20-year net return of $499,912, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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University of the Pacific's 3.4-year payback ranks #221 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 83% of them, and #50 of 334 in California.

Better ROI than 83% of US colleges#221 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$25,447
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$78,445
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
3.4 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
71%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
University of the Pacific: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$25,447/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$101,788our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$78,445Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$30,085/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$19,500Scorecard, 2026
Payback3.4 yrsour math
20-year net return$499,912our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

University of the Pacific: frequently asked questions

Is University of the Pacific worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. University of the Pacific charges $25,447/yr after aid ($101,788 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $78,445 ten years out — $30,085/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 3.4 years and returns $499,912 net over 20 years, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast.
How long does a University of the Pacific degree take to pay off?
About 3.4 years. We divide the $101,788 four-year net cost by the $30,085/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does University of the Pacific cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $25,447/yr — about $101,788 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does University of the Pacific compare to other California colleges?
It ranks #50 of 334 California colleges we track by payback. Its $78,445 median earnings beat the national median of $43,552, and its $25,447 net price is above the national median of $16,906.