Located in the central California town of Stockton, the University of the Pacific is a private university and the oldest in the state, chartered in 1851. Originally a Methodist institution, Pacific now carries no set religious affiliation.

In addition to its liberal arts-based College of the Pacific, courses are taught at the schools of Business, Health Sciences, Engineering, Law, Dentistry, and Education. The Conservatory of Music at Pacific has been running for over 135 years, offering degree courses in vocal and instrumental performance, and in music therapy and history. As well as the campus in Stockton, Pacific has locations in San Francisco, which offers courses such as an MS in Analytics, and Sacramento, which offers a doctorate in Education.

Offered within the College of the Pacific is the School of International Studies, which provides an interdisciplinary education with the aim of providing students with an engaged, globalised education. Courses carry a Study Abroad requirement, and in the past students have travelled to over sixty countries across the globe.

Athletics teams are known as the Tigers and compete in the NCAA Division I. There are seven men’s sports programmes and eleven women’s, including beach volleyball and water polo. The 22,000 seater Stagg Memorial Stadium was demolished in 2012, being replaced with a wide range of facilities such as a tennis centre with twelve courts, and field hockey and soccer pitches.

Alumni include four members of Congress, composer Yoshiaki Onishi, astronaut Jose Hernandez, rock musician Chris Isaak, and actor Dean Butler.