About Linfield University
Linfield University has built its reputation around close faculty relationships and hands-on learning in Oregon's wine country. The liberal arts college enrolls 1,642 students in McMinnville, a small town surrounded by Yamhill Valley vineyards. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that makes professors accessible for research projects and career mentoring. The school's Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term where students pursue internships or travel abroad.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $27,341 after aid, well below the $49,530 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $78,638 ten years after graduation, making the typical $25,000 debt load reasonable with monthly payments around $265. The 79.91% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni can handle their debt obligations.
Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 63.82%. The school fields 23 varsity sports teams with 478 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III. Nearly all graduates find work, with a 98% employment rate. The 78.89% retention rate indicates most freshmen stick around, though the 65.20% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to finish their degrees.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $27,341 after aid, well below the $49,530 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $78,638 ten years after graduation, making the typical $25,000 debt load reasonable with monthly payments around $265. The 79.91% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni can handle their debt obligations.
Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 63.82%. The school fields 23 varsity sports teams with 478 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III. Nearly all graduates find work, with a 98% employment rate. The 78.89% retention rate indicates most freshmen stick around, though the 65.20% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Linfield operates as a liberal arts college where students explore broad intellectual foundations before focusing on their major. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know students by name and provide personalized mentoring. About 68% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the close academic support system. The college runs on a distinctive Four-One-Four calendar that includes a January term for intensive study abroad, internships, or specialized courses. Linfield has built a strong reputation for its nursing program, which feeds graduates into Oregon's healthcare system. The business and education programs also attract students seeking practical career preparation. Small class sizes mean students can't hide in the back row.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 67.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.2%
- Retention Rate
- 78.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $78,638
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $83,349 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,019 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,650 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,478 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $44,468 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $44,170 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,441 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $34,856 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
Campus Life
McMinnville sits 40 miles southwest of Portland, surrounded by Oregon's wine country and the Coast Range foothills. You'll need a rain jacket more than a winter coat, as the Pacific Northwest delivers mild, wet winters and dry summers. About 67% of students live on campus in a community of just 1,642 total enrollment, creating an intimate atmosphere where your 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.
The Four-One-Four calendar system gives you a month-long January term for intensive study or travel abroad. Women make up 64% of the student body, and the campus draws heavily from Oregon with 61% in-state students. Weekend life revolves around the 23 varsity sports teams, with 478 student-athletes competing as Division III Wildcats. Students often venture into McMinnville's downtown or take day trips to Portland's food scene and coast beaches an hour west. The small-town setting means campus events and athletic games become major social centers, while the surrounding Yamhill Valley offers hiking trails and numerous wineries within walking or short driving distance.
The Four-One-Four calendar system gives you a month-long January term for intensive study or travel abroad. Women make up 64% of the student body, and the campus draws heavily from Oregon with 61% in-state students. Weekend life revolves around the 23 varsity sports teams, with 478 student-athletes competing as Division III Wildcats. Students often venture into McMinnville's downtown or take day trips to Portland's food scene and coast beaches an hour west. The small-town setting means campus events and athletic games become major social centers, while the surrounding Yamhill Valley offers hiking trails and numerous wineries within walking or short driving distance.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,098 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1858
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–47°F
- July Avg
- 50°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 81.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- -776.6"
Student Demographics
Linfield draws students who value small-class learning, with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio creating an intimate academic environment. The student body is 64% women, reflecting the university's strong programs in nursing, education, and liberal arts that traditionally attract more female students. About 61% come from Oregon, showing Linfield's solid reputation within the state while still drawing students from across the region. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school successfully serves middle-class families alongside more affluent students. This mix creates a close-knit community where students from different backgrounds learn together in McMinnville's college-town setting.
- Men
- 36.2%
- Women
- 63.8%
- White
- 60.4%
- Black
- 1.6%
- Hispanic
- 21.7%
- Asian
- 5.8%
- In-State Students
- 60.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.3%
Location
McMinnville sits in Oregon's Willamette Valley, about 40 miles southwest of Portland. The town of 35,000 residents serves as the heart of Oregon's wine country, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Students at this liberal arts college find themselves in a classic small college town where the university forms a central part of the community fabric. The 1,642 enrolled students make up a significant portion of the local population. McMinnville offers a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining easy access to Portland's cultural attractions and job market. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students flexibility to explore internships in the nearby metropolitan area. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Linfield University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- McMinnville, Oregon 97128-6894
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $78,638
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $83,072
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $52,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Linfield University?
Linfield University accepts 88.69% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This liberal arts college in Oregon's wine country attracts students seeking a close-knit academic community.
How much does Linfield University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Linfield University is $27,341, well below the sticker price of $49,530 for tuition. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $24,625 on average.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Linfield University?
Linfield University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. This private college emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
How much do Linfield University graduates earn?
Linfield University graduates earn a median salary of $78,638 ten years after graduation. The college's strong alumni network and career services help achieve a 98% employment rate for recent graduates.
Where is Linfield University located and what is campus life like?
Linfield University sits in McMinnville, Oregon, a small town surrounded by vineyards and farmland. With 1,642 students and housing for 1,098, the campus maintains an intimate feel where 478 students compete in 23 Division III sports.
Does Linfield University follow a traditional semester system?
Linfield University operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system, with two four-month terms and a one-month January term. This schedule allows students to pursue intensive courses, internships, or study abroad during the short winter session.
