New York Times best-selling author Jeff Selingo highlights University of the Pacific as one of America’s new “Dream Schools” in his newly released book identifying 75 colleges and universities that are exemplars for academic excellence, accessibility, affordability, experiential learning and exceptional student outcomes.

“Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You” is based on extensive research and a survey of more than 3,000 parents. Selingo commissioned new research and analysis to identify four-year colleges with at least 1,000 undergraduates in all regions of the United States that met high standards of student-centered learning.

“When we stop equating selectivity of schools with quality, dozens of college opportunities open up,” Selingo said. “My goal with this book is to help families see beyond the myth that there are only a dozen ‘good’ schools. This list highlights institutions with strong outcomes, accessible admissions and dynamic student experiences.”

In a separate communication to Pacific President Christopher Callahan, the author said that “Pacific represents what so many families told me they want in a college today: a clearer pathway to a career."

“College is more than a degree now,” Selingo continued. “Colleges need to provide hands-on learning in classes and through internships and undergraduate research. When we were looking at institutions that provide those experiences to students, Pacific stood out because of its experiential learning and connections to major employers that mean students enter the workforce earning well above expectations."

Selingo pointed out Pacific’s dual-degree programs in dentistry, law and pharmacy, which he noted provide families an outstanding return on their investment through accelerated undergraduate coursework and professional degrees at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, McGeorge School of Law and Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy.

The Eberhart School of Business also was featured for its Eberhardt Student Investment Fund, which allows students to gain experience managing real investment portfolios.

“The Eberhardt Student Investment Fund exemplifies the power of experiential learning at Pacific,” said Dean Lewis R. Gale. “Our students actively manage a $5 million investment portfolio by conducting sector research, presenting their recommendations to their fellow students for approval and distributing earnings to support other students every year. These experiences prepare our graduates to lead with confidence in the business world before they graduate.”

The book also highlighted the university’s generous merit-based scholarships as another “standout factor.”

The Dream School analysis aligns with Pacific’s mission.

"We believe the true measure of any university lies in the success of its students,” President Callahan said. “We are pleased to be featured on the ‘Dream School’ list because it evaluates institutions on measures that we believe are the most important in a college education – academic excellence, accessibility and great student outcomes – not dated ideas of ‘elite’ schools based on traditional reputations.”