Pacific Oaks University: Student Experience And College Ratings

Pacific Oaks College is a private, non-profit higher education institution located in Pasadena, California. The college has a small student body, with an enrollment range of 1,000-1,999 students, and is known for its focus on promoting education and research among Hispanic and Latino students. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees, with popular majors including Human Development, Early Childhood Education, and Community Psychology. The acceptance rate at Pacific Oaks is around 40%, making it fairly competitive, and the college provides various facilities and services such as a library, financial aid, study abroad programs, and online courses.

Acceptance rate

Pacific Oaks College is a private college located in Pasadena, California. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 0 undergraduate students. The college has an acceptance rate of 40%, and is among the top 10% of the most difficult universities to gain admission to in the United States. Admissions are fairly competitive, with the college reporting that it takes a holistic approach to admitting students, weighing not only academic background but also the life and work experience that students can bring to the Pacific Oaks community.

The college has an enrolment of 139 students in some distance education courses, and 713 enrolled exclusively in distance education. The admission requirements include a secondary school GPA, secondary school rank, and a secondary school record. A formal demonstration of competencies is neither required nor recommended. The college also offers several scholarships and discounts to make advanced education more affordable.

Pacific Oaks College has granted 145 bachelor's degrees across 4 programs and 241 master's across 5 programs. Popular majors include Human Development, Early Childhood Education, and Community Psychology. Alumni from these programs go on to earn a starting salary of $38,900.

Student demographics

Pacific Oaks College is a private, non-profit institution with a main campus in Pasadena, California. The college has a total enrollment of 1,068 students, of which 30 are full-time and 1,038 are part-time. The student population is diverse, with 49.6% identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 20% as White, 14.1% as Black or African American, 4.68% as Two or More Races, 4.49% as Asian, 0.375% as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 0.187% as American Indian or Alaska Native. Additionally, 6.09% of students did not report their race.

The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctorate in Education degrees. The programs are organized into two schools: the School of Cultural and Family Psychology and the School of Human Development & Education. Pacific Oaks College has a selective admission policy, with an acceptance rate range of 10-19%, and it is considered one of the most difficult universities to gain admission to in the United States. The college has a strong focus on social justice and draws on Quaker principles.

Tuition fees

Pacific Oaks College is a private college located in Pasadena, California. It is a small institution with an acceptance rate of 40% and a student body that is 87.7% female. The college offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with popular majors including Human Development, Early Childhood Education, and Community Psychology.

The cost of tuition at Pacific Oaks College varies depending on the program and the student's family income. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the estimated average cost for undergraduate students was $13,688 in tuition and other expenses. This includes an estimated $1,864 for books and supplies and $4,248 in additional expenses. The total cost of attendance, including room and board, was estimated to be $32,760 per year.

For postgraduate students, the tuition and fees for the 2020-2021 academic year totalled $21,057, including graduate tuition of $20,847 and graduation fees of $210.

The cost per credit hour also varies between graduate and undergraduate degrees. For the 2019-2020 academic year, the cost per credit hour for graduate courses was $350, while for undergraduate courses, it was $105.

Pacific Oaks College also offers online programs, with the cost of a four-year graduate course, including living expenses, projected to be $163,800.

In addition to tuition and fees, students at Pacific Oaks College should also consider the cost of housing, food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. The college does not offer on-campus housing, so students will need to budget for off-campus housing, which can cost around $17,208 per year.

Financial aid is available for students, including need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants. The college also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers federal loan options.

Majors

Pacific Oaks College is a private college located in Pasadena, California. It is a small institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 0 students. The college offers a range of majors, including:

Human Development

This major focuses on the study of human growth and development across the lifespan. It covers various topics such as physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development from infancy to adulthood. Students in this major may pursue careers in fields like psychology, social work, education, and healthcare.

Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education is a popular major at Pacific Oaks College. It prepares students to work with young children from birth to age eight. The curriculum covers areas such as child development, curriculum design, teaching methods, and family engagement. Graduates often become teachers, childcare workers, or early intervention specialists.

Community Psychology

Community Psychology at Pacific Oaks College takes a unique approach by focusing on the social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence mental health and well-being. Students learn about community-based research, program development, and advocacy. This major prepares graduates to work in community-based organizations, government agencies, or pursue further studies in psychology or social work.

Elementary Education and Teaching

This major equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to teach in elementary school settings. The curriculum covers subjects such as curriculum development, teaching methods, child development, and educational technology. Graduates are prepared to obtain their teaching credential and begin their careers as elementary school teachers.

Special Education and Teaching, General

The Special Education and Teaching major at Pacific Oaks College provides students with the skills to work with individuals with a range of disabilities. The curriculum covers topics such as learning theories, instructional strategies, behaviour management, and collaboration with families. Graduates often pursue careers as special education teachers, instructional coordinators, or educational therapists.

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

Family and Consumer Sciences is a diverse field that prepares students for careers related to family dynamics, human development, and consumer issues. The curriculum may include subjects such as nutrition, personal finance, family relationships, and human development across the lifespan. Graduates may pursue careers in social work, education, or family counselling.

Student reviews

Pacific Oaks College is a private college located in Pasadena, California, with a small student body and fairly competitive admissions. The college offers a range of programs, including Human Development, Early Childhood Education, and Community Psychology. Alumni from the college tend to earn a starting salary of $38,900.

Reviews from students are mixed. Some praise the college for its dynamic and flexible learning options, respect for diverse values and experiences, and strong faculty support. They also highlight the school's focus on social justice, inclusion, and diversity. One student commended the low class enrollment, which allowed for more attention and fruitful discussions, as well as the absence of traditional tests. Another student appreciated the school's encouragement of real-life experiences and the interactive nature of the classes.

However, there are also negative reviews, with some students expressing disappointment and frustration with their experiences. One common complaint is the lack of support and unresponsiveness from staff, particularly in the registrars and financial aid offices. Several students mentioned issues with the advisory staff, who they found unhelpful in navigating degree requirements and financial matters. Others criticized the college for being a "degree mill" rather than a place of research and learning, especially at the graduate level. There are also concerns about the cost, with tuition increases and a lack of sufficient refund amounts mentioned.

Overall, while some students have had positive experiences at Pacific Oaks College, others have encountered significant challenges and feel that their time and money could have been better spent elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions