While many colleges across the nation are facing enrollment challenges, University of the Pacific reported its second-largest enrollment in the 174-year history of California’s first university.

There are 6,852 students enrolled across the school’s three Northern California campuses this academic year, just slightly less than last year’s all-time record. The past three years have seen Pacific’s three highest-ever enrollments.

President Christopher Callahan attributes the university’s enrollment strength to the transformative power of a Pacific education, driven by accomplished and deeply caring professors.

“The heart of the Pacific experience lies in the bonds between our talented faculty and our hard-working students and their shared commitment to meaningful and impactful learning, leading to students well prepared for rapidly changing job markets,” the president said. 

Pacific students come from 43 states and 57 countries.

Enrollment strength this year is attributable to an increase in incoming undergraduate transfer students and graduate students. The School of Health Sciences’ Master of Social Work and Benerd College’s Counseling Psychology are two of the fastest-growing programs. The School of Health Sciences’ nursing program and new degree for emergency management science also attracted new cadres of students looking to advance in health care fields.

“University of the Pacific is strong in its depth of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels,” said Vice President for Enrollment Strategy Chris Ferguson. “When national trends impact specific markets, such as fewer traditional first-year undergraduates and lower visa approvals for international students, Pacific is well positioned to attract more students into high demand programs.”

Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal ranked Pacific No. 85 among the nation’s best colleges and universities, the university’s highest national ranking. Additionally, the student experience is stronger than ever. Pacific moved up more than 60 spots over last year in The Wall Street Journal rankings for how satisfied students and recent graduates are with facilities, the community, social life and diversity.

Pacific has made major improvements in recent years to enhance campus life, student programming and facilities. Initiatives include restructuring the move-in and orientation process and expanding the annual Week of Welcome for new and returning students, completing major renovations to campus housing, and building new academic spaces, including two state-of-the-art microbiology labs.

Pacific offers 80 undergraduate programs and 50 graduate and professional programs across nine schools and colleges.

Pacific serves an increasingly diverse set of students. The U.S. Department of Education designated Pacific a Hispanic-Serving Institution last year. The university already was an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.

“Our momentum—at a time when many institutions face enrollment challenges—comes from the passion and dedication of our faculty and staff and the collaborative leadership that keeps students at the center of everything we do,” the president said.