Pacific University
About
Nestled in the scenic Pacific Northwest, Pacific University is highly regarded for its premier graduate programs in optometry and health professions, alongside robust undergraduate offerings in the natural sciences, education, and business. The student experience is characterized by a close-knit, collaborative, and service-oriented campus culture where undergraduates benefit from direct faculty mentorship and an active outdoor lifestyle. Distinctively, the university stands out for its "Four-Year Graduation Guarantee"—promising to cover additional tuition costs if a student doesn't graduate on time—and its deep historical ties to Hawaii, which culminate annually in the largest student-run Lu’au on the U.S. mainland.
Wikipedia:Pacific University is a private university in Forest Grove, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1849 as the Tualatin Academy, the original Forest Grove campus is 23 miles (37 km) west of Portland. The school maintains one other campus, in Hillsboro, and an office in Portland, and has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students. The university has Oregon's only optometry school, and offers doctorates in 14 programs. Pacific competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Northwest Conference, with its teams known as the Boxers.
Location
Cost
Admissions
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Essay Requirements
Pacific University accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Student Body
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if Pacific University is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.