About Pacific University
Students pay an average net price of $35,350 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of over $70,000. Graduates earn a median of $60,583 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,223 manageable with monthly payments around $246. The investment pays off well for health science majors, who often see higher earning potential than the university average suggests.
The intimate campus culture reflects Pacific's 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personal attention that larger universities cannot match. Nearly 600 student-athletes compete in 24 varsity sports as the Boxers, creating a active campus atmosphere despite the small size. With 76% of students returning each year and a diverse student body that's 58% female, Pacific offers the close-knit community feel that many students seek while pursuing rigorous professional programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 65.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.8%
- Retention Rate
- 76.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,583
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $129,325 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $107,906 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $97,452 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $77,087 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,927 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $60,623 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $58,673 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $53,608 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,852 |
Campus Life
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and with 593 athletes competing across 24 varsity sports, the Boxers create plenty of campus energy despite being Division III. Students often head to Portland for concerts and nightlife, but campus traditions and the strong health sciences programs keep most busy during the week. The Northwest Conference competition brings students together for games, while study groups for the demanding optometry and pharmacy programs form the backbone of weekend social life.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,048 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1849
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–45°F
- July Avg
- 54°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 89.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 9.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.2%
- Women
- 57.8%
- White
- 44.0%
- Black
- 2.4%
- Hispanic
- 19.1%
- Asian
- 13.5%
- In-State Students
- 42.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.7%
Location
- Address
- Forest Grove, Oregon 97116
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,583
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,447
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 77.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,223
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pacific University?
Pacific University accepts 92.28% of applicants, making it highly accessible to most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010 and 1350 on the SAT, with an average of 1180. This Oregon institution focuses on health sciences education rather than academic exclusivity.
How much does Pacific University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Pacific University is $35,350 after aid, lower than the $70,574 total cost of attendance. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $22,238 annually. Graduates leave with a median debt of $23,223, which is manageable given the strong health sciences career outcomes.
What is Pacific University known for academically?
Pacific University is well-known for its health sciences programs, particularly optometry, pharmacy, and physical therapy. The school maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in these demanding professional programs. With 1,556 students, it offers the intimate environment crucial for hands-on healthcare training.
What are the career outcomes for Pacific University graduates?
Pacific University graduates earn a median salary of $60,583 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong earning potential of health sciences careers. The employment rate stands at 95.5%, well above national averages. The loan repayment rate of 76.98% with monthly payments of $246 demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their educational investment.
Where is Pacific University located and what is campus life like?
Pacific University sits in Forest Grove, Oregon, a large suburban setting about 25 miles west of Portland. The campus houses 1,048 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $15,058 annually. Students can participate in 24 varsity sports as the Boxers, competing in NCAA Division III with 593 total athletes.
How diverse is the student body at Pacific University?
Pacific University's student body is 43.96% white, 19.09% Hispanic, and 13.50% Asian, creating a diverse learning environment. Women comprise 57.84% of the 1,556 enrolled students. About 42% of students come from Oregon, while the majority travel from other states to pursue the university's specialized health sciences programs.
