Acceptance Rate
90%
Avg. SAT
1240
75th percentile
“Oregon's oldest university trains future optometrists, pharmacists, and therapists on a wooded campus near Portland.”
Forest Grove, OR
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Pacific University traces its roots to 1849, when Congregational missionaries established Tualatin Academy in the Oregon Territory, evolving into a full university by 1850 and becoming the state's first chartered institution of higher learning. Students who thrive here often seek a tight-knit community with personal attention from professors, drawn to hands-on programs in health sciences amid a serene, forested setting. The campus sits in Forest Grove, a quiet town of about 25,000 in the foothills of the Coast Range, offering easy drives to Portland's urban energy but requiring adjustment to rural pace and frequent rain.
This small private school fosters a supportive personality focused on undergraduate teaching and professional preparation, where you'll encounter classmates pursuing pharmacy or physical therapy alongside liberal arts majors. Tradeoffs include higher tuition typical of privates around $50,000 annually and limited big-school resources, though the intimate scale means smaller classes and advisor access. Forest Grove's low-key vibe suits those escaping city hustle, but the area's high cost of living near Portland can strain budgets off-campus.
Photo Gallery
+13
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Pacific shines in health professions, with longstanding programs like the College of Optometry (opened in 1955) and doctorates in pharmacy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy that emphasize clinical training from year one. Undergraduates in these tracks join labs and simulations early, while liberal arts students benefit from seminar-style classes where professors know your name. You'll find a practical bent, with majors in education, business, and sciences feeding into those grad pathways.
Large introductory lectures are rare given the 1,800 undergrads, but competitive health programs demand solid grades for entry after freshman year. Research opportunities exist through faculty projects, especially in optics and rehab sciences, though they pale compared to research giants. The intellectual culture rewards collaboration over cutthroat competition.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,589 undergrad • 1,838 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
48%
Black / African American
2%
Hispanic / Latino
15%
Asian
15%
Other / Multi-racial
20%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Forest Grove, OR
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life revolves around residence halls like Marsh Hall and the Highlands apartments, where most freshmen live and build quick bonds through floor events and study groups. A typical week mixes classes, club meetings—think outdoor adventures or service trips—and weekend hikes at nearby Hagg Lake, with Portland's concerts a 45-minute drive away. Traditions include Boxer athletics rallies and the spring Festival of Scholars showcasing student work.
The social scene stays mellow, with coffee shops and campus events filling evenings rather than a dominant party culture, suiting introverts or focused studiers. Rainy weather limits outdoor plans some months, and Forest Grove lacks nightlife, pushing socializers toward Portland commutes. Housing fills fast for upperclassmen, so plan early.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Northwest Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$24,132
$30K – $48K
$27,399
$48K – $75K
$28,393
$75K – $110K
$34,656
$110K+
$38,758
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
79%
4 Years Graduation Rate
71%
6 Years Graduation Rate
78%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$60,583
79% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Pacific University and return in the fall. 71% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 78% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
71%
4-6 years
7%
Non-grad
22%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$50,884
Acceptance
90%
Undergrads
1,589
4-Year Grad Rate
71%
Endowment
$87M
Forest Grove, OR 97116
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