Founded in 1849, Pacific University is a diverse learning community offering a unique combination of nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the arts and sciences, education, business, optometry and the health professions.
With four locations in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Pacific melds the close, nurturing learning environment of a small liberal arts college with the rigorous scholarship of a premier institution.
At Pacific, students build deep personal relationships with friends, mentors, faculty members, and academic and career counselors.
About one in four of our students — from first-years to future doctors — are the first in their families to attend college.
Pacific is also a federally-designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving institution.
We're proud to be a place where diverse opinions and alternative views are embraced. A place where you can thrive — challenged by extraordinary academics and a rich liberal arts tradition, supported by community, and surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest.
From student-teaching in our on-site elementary school to bringing new products to market in the Berglund Center and Boxer Makerspace, Pacific students have rare opportunities to bring their ideas to life.
Within months of earning a media arts degree from Pacific University, Deanté Grinner ’20 was named a Rising Star by the Oregon Media Production Association. Between film classes and local internships, he launched his videography and film career even before graduation.
Pacific is the No. 1 private research institution in the Pacific Northwest and among the top on the West Coast, ranking alongside Stanford and USC. Undergraduate students have unparalleled access to high-tech equipment, cutting-edge discoveries, and expert faculty members. Conduct, publish and present research as an undergrad across disciplines.
Aspen Shirley '21 is conducting research with Pacific University Psychology Professor Heidi Island to study behavior differences between wild and captive North American river otters.
“I never thought I’d be given this opportunity, so I’m just incredibly grateful.”
Pacific prepares you to live and work with purpose. Boxer alumni around the globe embody our mission to "to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world." When you graduate from Pacific University, you join a mighty community that is changing the world through education, science, healthcare, art and more.
“I think we can end homelessness in Forest Grove and Cornelius, or at least make the biggest dent in it."
Cardwell and Goulding are not just looking for ways to shelter people in western Washington County, Ore. — they’re looking for longer-term solutions to one of the region’s most enduring problems.
Pacific University in Oregon is ranked a Top National University (U.S. News & World Report), one of America’s Top Colleges (Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education), and the #1 Private Research Institute in the Pacific Northwest (National Science Foundation).
"The small campus, the close knit staff, and student cohort were exactly what I needed."
— Stacy Carpenter, MAT '16
Explore Academic Programs
With 60+ majors and minors, there are many routes to meaningful study. Browse our degree programs and find what resonates with you.
Visit Campus
Tour one of our four campuses and meet with an admissions counselor. See for yourself what life at Pacific looks like.
Become a Boxer
Get started by applying today! Whether you are pursuing undergraduate or graduate study, our Admissions office is here to help guide you through the process.
