University of the Pacific Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Automatic merit scholarships for admitted students
- Competitive Powell Scholars Program (full tuition + stipend)
- Need-based and specialized awards
- Testing policy and priority deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~79%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1120–1360
- Middle 50% ACT: 23–31
- Average HS GPA: 3.6 (unweighted)
Source: University of the Pacific Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Pacific at a Glance
Last verified: October 11, 2025
The University of the Pacific rewards strong academic achievement through automatic merit scholarships and a competitive honors-based program that can cover full tuition. The Powell Scholars Program—Pacific’s premier award—includes full tuition plus a $5,000 annual stipend for leadership development, undergraduate research, and study abroad.
Most admitted students receive automatic merit aid worth $10,000–$25,000 per year. Leadership, community engagement, and service are key to winning additional competitive or departmental scholarships.
FAQ
Does Pacific offer a full-tuition scholarship? Yes. The Powell Scholars Program covers full tuition plus a $5,000 annual enrichment stipend for up to four years.
Are merit scholarships automatic? Yes. All applicants are automatically considered for merit awards of $10,000–$25,000 per year at the time of admission.
Is the Powell Scholars Program separate? Yes. Students must submit a supplemental Powell Scholars application by January 15 to be considered.
What’s the average net price? About $30,975 after grants and scholarships (NCES 2024).
https://www.pacific.edu/admission/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships (University of the Pacific — Merit & Need-Based Scholarships)
https://www.pacific.edu/powell-scholars (Powell Scholars Program overview & application timeline)
https://www.pacific.edu/admission/undergraduate/apply (Undergraduate Admissions — Testing Policy and Deadlines)
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-the-pacific/admissions (College Board BigFuture — admissions & scores)
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?121257-University-of-the-Pacific (U.S. Department of Education — average net price & aid data)
https://www.niche.com/colleges/university-of-the-pacific/ (Niche 2024 admissions and aid overview)
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of the Pacific
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $58,250 | $58,250 |
| Housing & Meals (standard on-campus) | $17,900 | $17,900 |
| Total (before aid) | $76,150 | $76,150 |
Note: This table includes only direct charges paid to the University of the Pacific (tuition, required fees, standard housing, and meal plan). Indirect expenses such as books, transportation, personal costs, and health insurance are not included because they are not paid directly to the college and vary by student.
Note: This table includes only direct educational costs billed by Pacific (tuition, fees, housing, and meals). Indirect costs such as books, travel, and personal expenses vary by student and are estimated for planning purposes only.
Regional Discounts: Because Pacific is a private university, it does not participate in WUE or other public reciprocity programs. The only WICHE involvement is at the graduate level (Pharmacy, Dentistry) and 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 do not apply at Pacific.
- Apply or automatic? Not applicable for undergraduates—budget using the private tuition rate above.
https://www.pacific.edu/student-accounts/tuition-and-fees/undergraduate (University Student Accounts — Tuition & Fees 2025–26)
https://www.pacific.edu/housing/costs (Housing & Meal Plan rates 2025–26)
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?121257-University-of-the-Pacific (U.S. Department of Education — Average Net Price)
https://wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/ (WUE overview confirming private schools excluded)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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* | Jan. 15 (Regular); Nov. 15 (Early Action priority) |
| President’s Scholarship | $18,000/yr | Strong academics | No | Yes — good standing | *GPA ≈ 3.6–3.85* | Jan. 15 (Regular); Nov. 15 (Early Action priority) |
| Provost’s Scholarship | $14,000/yr | Solid academics | No | Yes — good standing | *GPA ≈ 3.3–3.6* | Jan. 15 (Regular); Nov. 15 (Early Action priority) |
| Pacific Scholarship | $10,000/yr | Admissible profile | No | Yes — good standing | *GPA ≈ 3.0–3.3* | Jan. 15 (Regular); Nov. 15 (Early Action priority) |
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. Early Action applicants (Nov. 15) receive priority consideration.
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.
University of the Pacific Scholarships – https://www.pacific.edu/admission/undergraduate/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships
University of the Pacific Academic Catalog – https://catalog.pacific.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
University of the Pacific Financial Aid – https://www.pacific.edu/financial-aid
🏆 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powell Scholars Program | $40,000/yr Elite cohort; additional research and study-abroad funds |
First-year applicants across majors; exceptional academics (GPA ≥ 3.7), leadership, and community impact; finalist interview required | Yes — separate Powell application Priority by Dec 1; final by Jan 15 |
Yes — continued high achievement & program participation | Unweighted GPA ≳ 3.9, AP/honors rigor, significant leadership/service involvement, compelling interview | Priority: Dec 1 Final: Jan 15 Interviews: late winter |
Estimates*: GPA/test guidance is based on recent recipient profiles and selectivity; Pacific does not publish fixed cutoffs for flagship awards.
Flagship Scholarship FAQs
How competitive are these scholarships?
Very. The Powell cohort is small (usually ~10 awards/year). Strong academics are necessary, but leadership, service, and the finalist interview carry substantial 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 scores help; Pacific superscores ACT/SAT for admission review.
What are the key deadlines?
Apply by Dec 1 (priority review) or Jan 15 (final deadline). Finalist interviews occur in late winter.
Powell Scholars Program – https://www.pacific.edu/academics/honors-programs/powell-scholars
University of the Pacific Scholarships – https://www.pacific.edu/admission/undergraduate/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships
Scholarship Application Info – https://www.pacific.edu/financial-aid
College Raptor Scholarship Search – https://www.collegeraptor.com/college-search/scholarships/University-of-the-Pacific
🎖️ 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
| Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Year Honors Program | No tuition award; offers enrichment benefits | First-year students with 3.5+ GPA; strong academics and engagement | Yes — submit Honors supplement after admission application | One year (first-year community) | Applicants with top grades, activities, and interest in close community | Nov. 15 (Early Action); Jan. 15 (priority/final) |
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 (priority: Jan. 15).
- 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?
Submit your admission application by Nov. 15 (Early Action) or Jan. 15 (priority/final); then, complete the supplemental Honors application. Decisions are made in late winter and spring.
First-Year Honors Program – https://www.pacific.edu/academics/honors-programs/first-year-honors-program
Pacific Humanities Scholars – https://www.pacific.edu/academics/honors-programs/humanities-scholars
Important Dates – https://www.pacific.edu/admission/undergraduate/important-dates
University of the Pacific Scholarships (2025–2026 Guide) – https://collegereadyparent.org/california/university-of-the-pacific-scholarships/
⭐ 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).