University of the Pacific is No. 3 among all private universities in the West when measuring academic quality, cost, economic mobility, alumni earnings, safety and socioeconomic diversity, a New York Times interactive database shows.

Pacific trails only Stanford University and University of Southern California. Harvey Mudd College and Claremont McKenna College round out the Top 5.

Pacific places the most value on rating systems like the New York Times database that prioritizes student outcomes and academic quality over subjective reputational rankings and measures of students before they enter college.

“A college education is one of the most significant investments most families will make in their lifetimes, and that education remains the single biggest determinant of socioeconomic mobility and success,” said President Christopher Callahan. “Tools such as the Times database can help families weigh how the Pacific experience – which focuses on small, hands-on learning environments created by world-class faculty – sets students up for long-term success.”

The New York Times interactive rating is just one of Pacific’s latest appearances in national rankings.

In a recent study from the Wall Street Journal, which measured alumni salaries, social mobility, value and the student experience, Pacific was ranked No. 87 among the nation’s top 500 colleges and universities – the highest national ranking in university history. The Wall Street Journal also ranked Pacific No. 36 in social mobility in the same study.

Pacific also had a record enrollment for the second consecutive year in 2024, with 6,944 students across the university’s three Northern California campuses in Sacramento, San Francisco and Stockton. As the growth continues, many exciting projects are underway to continue to enhance university spaces and provide housing to more students.

Additionally, the most recent U.S. News rankings placed Pacific No. 3 in California among all private and public universities for “Best Value” in an undergraduate college education, trailing only Stanford University and Cal Tech. Nationally, Pacific is No. 44 on the list which is topped by Harvard, Princeton, MIT, Stanford and Yale.

President Callahan has outlined a 10-year strategic vision aimed at positioning the university as the nation's premier comprehensive, student-centric institution. This roadmap reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to placing students at the heart of every initiative, from academic excellence to holistic support services. The recent rise in national rankings stands as a testament to Pacific’s unwavering dedication to fostering student achievement, engagement and long-term success.

“In a state that’s home to some of the world’s most prestigious public and private universities, we take great pride in the distinct value Pacific offers,” the president said. “With small class sizes and a dedicated, exceptional faculty, our students thrive in transformative ways—and that growth is clearly reflected in the impact they make in their careers and communities.”