About Pacific Oaks College
Pacific Oaks College is a nonprofit, accredited higher education institution offering bachelor’s completion, master’s, and certificate programs in human development, counseling, education, early childhood education, and teacher credentialing. The school offers classes at its main campus in Pasadena and at a number of convenient instructional sites throughout California, as well as online.
It was founded more than 60 years ago, in 1945, by a small group of Quaker families. Pacific Oaks College has remained dedicated to the fundamental Quaker principles of inclusion, social justice, and the valuing of every human being. Three basic concepts underlie the educational philosophy at Pacific Oaks: that every individual has a fundamental worth, that growth is a dynamic and life-long process, and that every individual has a unique identity and human potential.
The school offers most of its Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs online as well. Pacific Oaks College online degree programs are typically offered in seven-week sessions, and coursework meets the same levels of quality and rigor as on-ground, face-to-face programs. It is important to note that some of the online degrees are only offered to California residents.
Accreditation & Licensing
Pacific Oaks College is accredited by:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 558 ; Graduate: 959Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 29% ; Graduate: 67%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$52,485Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$29,105Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
67%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$6,415Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Pacific Oaks College
All Programs
Business
Education
Pacific Oaks College uses a clear, writing-focused pace. In some classes, students complete papers instead of tests. Weekly progress comes from steady reading, drafting, and class discussion. This format works well for learners who do their best through writing.
Cost is an important part of planning at Pacific Oaks. Some students feel the school is expensive, while others report smooth administrative support. At times, registration or financial aid issues can slow a student’s timeline. A strong plan for cost, credits, and timing can help students stay on track to finish.
At Pacific Oaks College, support feels strongest in class. Professors are often engaged, respectful, and easy to talk with. Students are treated like people, not numbers. That daily contact gives many courses a personal feel, especially in discussion-heavy classes.
Outside the classroom, office support can be less steady. Some students move through forms and approvals with only small issues. Others run into delays, including long waits on IRB steps and slow replies from staff. In short, teaching support is a clear strength, while administrative follow-through can vary by office and process.
Online classes at Pacific Oaks vary by course setup. Some are “pre-made,” with professors “randomly assigned.” Some online assignments were “out dated” with limited guidance. Other online experiences call it “a great online program.”
The core format is discussion and writing. One account notes a “good balance between instruction and participation” online. In some classes, there are no tests, only papers. This pace fits learners who like regular reading, posting, and written work.
Pacific Oaks College has a clear way of teaching. Classes are built on discussion and group work. Professors work closely with students, and class sizes are often small, around 10 to 15 students.
Courses are often challenging, interesting, and interactive. Students take part in class each week, not just at exam time. Many classes focus more on papers than tests, so writing is a big part of the work.
This approach fits learners who want close contact with instructors, steady writing practice, and teaching tied to the school’s mission.
Pacific Oaks College has a clear teaching focus. Classes are often discussion-based and collaborative. Many professors know students by name. Some classes are small, with about 10 to 15 students.
In several courses, students are graded through papers instead of tests. Online learning can vary by course, but strong faculty support is a real strength. Many students find their classes engaging and well supported. The school is a good match for learners who want writing-centered work, thoughtful discussion, and close contact with instructors.
Cost is an important part of the decision here. Some students feel the price is high. Others feel the learning experience is worth it. Pacific Oaks can be a strong fit for students who value mission-driven teaching and personal academic support.
Pacific Oaks College has a clear teaching focus. Classes are often discussion-based and collaborative. Many professors know students by name. Some classes are small, with about 10 to 15 students.
In several courses, students are graded through papers instead of tests. Online learning can vary by course, but strong faculty support is a real strength. Many students find their classes engaging and well supported. The school is a good match for learners who want writing-centered work, thoughtful discussion, and close contact with instructors.
Cost is an important part of the decision here. Some students feel the price is high. Others feel the learning experience is worth it. Pacific Oaks can be a strong fit for students who value mission-driven teaching and personal academic support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific Oaks College
Is Pacific Oaks College accredited?
Yes. Pacific Oaks College is institutionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
How many online programs does Pacific Oaks College offer?
Pacific Oaks College offers 9 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Pacific Oaks College offer?
Pacific Oaks College offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Pacific Oaks College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Pacific Oaks College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Pacific Oaks College falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Pacific Oaks College?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Pacific Oaks College first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Pacific Oaks College programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Is Pacific Oaks College military friendly?
Pacific Oaks College shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Pacific Oaks College through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Pacific Oaks College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Statement of Purpose/Intent, Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, and Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Pacific Oaks College accept life experience credit?
Pacific Oaks College does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Pacific Oaks College programs fully online or mixed?
Pacific Oaks College programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Pacific Oaks College offer?
Pacific Oaks College has online program options in areas such as Psychology & Human Services, Education, and Business; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Pacific Oaks College?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Pacific Oaks College programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Pacific Oaks College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Pacific Oaks College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Pacific Oaks College programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Pacific Oaks College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Pacific Oaks College is featured in 6 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Pacific Oaks College is located in California
California at a Glance:
Top Majors in California:
Top Incentives in California:
- Cal Grant Program: Up to $12,570 annually
- Middle Class Scholarship: Up to 40% of tuition and fees
- Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Full tuition coverage
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