University of the Pacific Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Looking at a private university like Pacific can feel overwhelming, especially when the sticker price is high. The good news is that Pacific offers clear automatic merit scholarships, standout programs like Powell Scholars, and plenty of hidden gems to help families bring costs down. On this page, we’ll walk you through the real numbers, scholarship tiers, and perks—all in plain English, with links to California state aid and our full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of the Pacific
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $57,700 | $57,700 |
| Housing & Meals | $17,900 | $17,900 |
| Books, Travel, Personal | $3,760 | $3,760 |
| Total (before aid) | $79,360 | $79,360 |
Regional Discounts: Because Pacific is a private university, it is not part of WUE or other public reciprocity programs. The only WICHE participation here is for professional programs (Pharmacy, Dentistry), which does not apply to undergraduates.
- Who qualifies? No undergraduate reciprocity; all students pay the same base tuition.
- How much could you save? Savings through WUE or NEBHE don’t apply at Pacific.
- Apply or automatic? Not applicable for undergraduates—budget with the private tuition rate above.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regents Scholarship | $22,000/yr | Top academics; GPA, rigor, test scores if submitted | No | Yes — good standing (≈3.0 GPA) | *GPA ≳ 3.85–4.0, strong rigor, high test scores* |
| President’s Scholarship | $18,000/yr | Strong academics | No | Yes — good standing | *GPA ≈ 3.6–3.85* |
| Provost’s Scholarship | $14,000/yr | Solid academics | No | Yes — good standing | *GPA ≈ 3.3–3.6* |
| Pacific Scholarship | $10,000/yr | Admissible profile | No | Yes — good standing | *GPA ≈ 3.0–3.3* |
Note: Students are awarded only one academic merit scholarship — the most advantageous. GPA/test bands are estimates* based on past ranges; exact cutoffs vary by applicant pool.
Automatic Scholarship FAQs
Do I need to apply separately?
No. All first-year applicants who complete their admission application by January 15 are automatically considered.
Does Pacific superscore the ACT/SAT?
Yes. Pacific superscores both the ACT and SAT, meaning they take the highest section scores across test dates.
Can I stack multiple Pacific academic scholarships?
No. Students receive the single most advantageous automatic merit award.
What if I’m test-optional?
Test scores are not required. Students who apply test-optional are still considered for merit awards based on GPA, rigor, and overall application strength.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (competitive, university-level)
These are Pacific’s premier, university-level competitive scholarships (think “flagship scholarships”) with extra steps beyond admission. They’re limited, selective, and go to students with standout academics and impact.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powell Scholars Program | $40,000/yr (catalog 2025); elite cohort; additional research/study-abroad funds may apply | First-year applicants across majors; exceptional academics, leadership, and community impact; finalist interview | Yes — Powell application (priority by Dec 1; final by mid-Jan). Finalist interviews in winter. | Yes — continued high achievement & program participation | *Unweighted GPA ≳ 3.9, rigorous coursework, significant leadership/service; compelling interview* |
Estimates*: GPA/test guidance is based on past recipient profiles and selectivity patterns; Pacific does not publish fixed cutoffs for flagship awards.
Flagship Scholarship FAQs
How competitive are these scholarships?
Very. The Powell cohort is small (roughly ~10 awards/year historically). Strong academics are necessary, but leadership, service, and the interview carry real weight.
Can flagship awards stack with automatic merit?
Typically no. Pacific applies the single most advantageous university scholarship; flagship awards generally supersede standard automatic tiers.
Do I need test scores?
Test-optional applicants are eligible. If submitted, higher section scores help; Pacific superscores ACT/SAT for admission review.
What are the key deadlines?
Aim for Powell by Dec 1 (priority) and no later than mid-January timelines published with admission deadlines. Finalist interviews occur in late winter.
⭐ College Specialty
University of the Pacific is a private university with a long history of professional preparation. Families often know Pacific best for its accelerated health programs, but the school also offers standout options in engineering, music, and the arts. These programs open doors to graduate study and strong career pipelines, both in California and nationwide.
- Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry: One of the nation’s only 3-year DDS programs, highly ranked in the West for clinical training.
- Conservatory of Music: Established in 1878, the oldest conservatory on the West Coast, nationally respected for performance and music education.
- School of Engineering and Computer Science: Known statewide for its mandatory 7-month paid CO-OP program, which places students with Silicon Valley and California industry partners.
- McGeorge School of Law (graduate): Ranked nationally for trial advocacy and international law programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2024).
🎖️ Honors College
Pacific’s First-Year Honors Program is designed for high-achieving students who want a smaller academic community within a private university setting. Admission is selective and offers a blend of academic challenge, close faculty connections, and community-building opportunities that can make a large difference in the first year and beyond.
High school GPA of 3.5 or higher, strong college-prep coursework, leadership or service experience, and an interest in enrichment opportunities outside the classroom.
- Priority registration for classes
- Small, discussion-based honors seminars
- Living-learning community in John Ballantyne Hall
- Peer mentoring and leadership opportunities
- Access to cultural, leadership, and community service events
While the Powell Scholars Program is Pacific’s main named scholarship for top honors-level students, the university also offers specialized academic communities that enrich the honors experience. These programs do not carry separate tuition awards but are often populated by students who already receive other merit aid from the university:
- Pacific Humanities Scholars Program: A selective cohort focused on the humanities, with close faculty mentoring and accelerated pathways.
- First-Year Honors Program: An intellectual community for high-achieving freshmen that includes small seminars, cultural events, and service opportunities.
Honors Program FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students meeting the minimum 3.5 GPA are considered, but acceptance is competitive and holistic.
Does it add time to graduation?
No. Honors courses and co-curriculars are designed to integrate with your degree plan.
Are there extra scholarships?
Not directly through the Honors Program. University-level awards like the Powell Scholars Program are separate from Honors admission.
When should students apply?
Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission by the early action (Nov 15) or regular (Jan 15) deadlines.
📎 Official Links
📌 Final Thoughts
Navigating the cost of a private university like Pacific can feel intimidating, but once you know where the automatic merit tiers land, what it takes to compete for the Powell Scholars Program, and which hidden gems can help first-gen or service-oriented students, the numbers start to make sense. Add in Pacific’s accelerated pharmacy and dental pathways plus a close-knit honors community, and you can see why many families still find it a strong value. Use this guide as a starting point, and keep deadlines on your calendar so your student is positioned for every dollar available.
✅ Last updated: September 23, 2025