University of the Pacific is one of the best in the nation for value and diversity, according to a new national ranking released today.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Pacific fourth in California—and 51st overall—for “Best Value” among colleges and universities, trailing only Stanford University, California Institute of Technology and Pepperdine University. U.S. News measures both the quality of the education and the net costs of the degree.

Pacific also ranked high on the U.S. News campus ethnic diversity scale, which shows where students are most likely to encounter undergraduates from racial and ethnic groups different than their own. Many studies show diversity on college campuses improves intellectual and cultural engagement among students and faculty. Pacific was seventh in campus ethnic diversity among California institutions (tied with UC Berkeley) and 31st nationally.

Pacific is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and has also been ranked one of the best universities in the nation for graduating minority students with graduate degrees, according to “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.” Pacific ranked second nationally for graduating Asian American students with doctoral degrees in dentistry and was in the top three nationally for graduating Asian American students with doctoral degrees in both in pharmaceutical sciences and health professions.

“Our rankings are a reflection of the incredible work being done by our faculty, students and staff to make our university a national model for both a top-quality accessible education and for diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. 

Since his arrival in 2020, a central part of Callahan's focus has been on diversity, equity and inclusion. To support in these efforts, Pacific named Mary J. Wardell-Ghirarduzzi the inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion at the university. Wardell-Ghirarduzzi works closely with students, faculty, staff and university leaders on Pacific’s campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco.

Nationally, when ranked with a group of 391 public and private institutions, Pacific placed 10th among California private universities, 19th statewide and 136th overall.

The annual U.S. News and World Report rankings are based on numerous factors, including campus life, financial aid, the first-year retention rate of students, quality of the faculty, range of academic programs and graduation rate.