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Pacific Oaks College vs Pitzer College

Pacific Oaks College is highly selective with a 10.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Pitzer College (16.7%). Graduates of Pitzer College earn $17,027 more per year at the 10-year mark ($69,512 vs $52,485). Students at Pitzer College graduate with less debt ($16,750 vs $29,105).

Admissions & Outcomes

Pacific Oaks College has a higher yield rate (66.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.

Pacific Oaks College

Pasadena, CA

Pitzer College

Claremont, CA

Acceptance Rate
10.0%
16.7%
Applicants (2023)
30
3,464
Median SAT
N/A
N/A
Yield Rate
66.7%
47.7%
6-Year Graduation Rate
N/A
83.3%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$52,485
$69,512
Median Earnings (6yr)
$47,962
$51,784
Median Debt
$29,105
$16,750
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$11,482
$55,734
Room & Board
N/A
$18,530

Net Price by Family Income

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income.

Family Income
Pacific Oaks College
Pitzer College
$0 – $30k
N/A
$14,535
$30k – $48k
N/A
$7,769
$48k – $75k
N/A
$20,846
$75k – $110k
N/A
N/A
$110k+
N/A
$46,793

Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.

Financial Aid

Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Pacific Oaks College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (55%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Metric
Pacific Oaks College
Pitzer College
Students Receiving Grants
64%
39%
Average Grant Amount
$4,912
$44,940
Pell Grant Recipients
55%
10%
Institutional Grant Rate
N/A
36%
Avg Institutional Grant
N/A
$45,002

Highest-Earning Majors

Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.

Pacific Oaks College

  • 1 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
    $39,927
  • 2 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
    $37,883

Most Popular Majors

The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.

Pacific Oaks College

  • 1 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
  • 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • 3 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • 4 Social Work

Pitzer College

  • 1 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • 2 Political Science and Government
  • 3 Human Resources Management and Services
  • 4 Economics
  • 5 Research and Experimental Psychology

Campus & Student Body

Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.

Metric
Pacific Oaks College
Pitzer College
Total Enrollment
1,051
1,204
Retention Rate
N/A
94%
Women
87%
60%
International Students
N/A
9%
Asian
4%
12%
Hispanic/Latino
48%
13%
Black
13%
4%
White
22%
48%

For International Students

Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.

Pacific Oaks College

  • International studentsN/A
  • Tuition (international)$11,482
  • School typePublic

Pitzer College

  • International students9%
  • Tuition (international)$55,734
  • Est. total cost/year$74,408
  • School typePublic

What international students should know

  • International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
  • Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
  • F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
  • Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harder to get into Pacific Oaks College or Pitzer College?

Pacific Oaks College is more selective with a 10.0% acceptance rate, compared to 16.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.

Which school has higher earnings: Pacific Oaks College or Pitzer College?

Pitzer College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $69,512 compared to $52,485. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.

Which school has more international students: Pacific Oaks College or Pitzer College?

Pitzer College has a larger international student population at 9% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.

What are the highest-paying majors at Pacific Oaks College and Pitzer College?

At Pacific Oaks College, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduates earn a median of $39,927 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.

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