5 Reasons to Attend University in Oregon: Discover Pacific University
Snow, sand, surf, and sun, all in Oregon.
"Oregon is an inspiration. Whether you come to it, or are born to it, you become entranced by our state's beauty, the opportunity she affords, and the independent spirit of her citizens."
– Tom McCall, former Governor of Oregon
There’s something about Oregon. Whether it’s the abundance of natural beauty, world-leading culinary scene, or the rich cultural community, living in Oregon enchants people from the very moment they arrive.
It’s for this reason, and many others, that students from around the world choose to go to college and university in Oregon to kick start their career.
Let’s break down why the Oregon college experience is one of the best around.
1. Nonstop Fun Outdoors
Love to ski? How about surf? Or maybe a stroll through the lavender bloom is more your speed? No matter how you like to spend time in nature, Oregon has you covered.
From Pacific University’s campus in Forest Grove, Oregon you’re only an hour from some of the most spectacular beaches in the world and just two hours from the base of historic Mt. Hood and its famous Timberline Lodge, making day trips a breeze.
Combine that with year-round U-pick options ranging from apples to berries to sunflowers and you’ll never be bored on those perfect-weather weekends.
You can enjoy the outdoors at Pacific while freeing up space in your suitcase thanks to our Outdoor Pursuits program, which empowers adventure in the Pacific Northwest through equipment rental (everything from sleeping bags to sea kayaks) and guided trips through Oregon’s amazing natural landscape.
You can even turn your passion for the outdoors into a career with Pacific’s Outdoor Leadership degree program which includes an entire semester spent earning college credit while backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering through the unparalleled Pacific Northwest.
2. Careers Begin in Oregon
There is no shortage of career opportunities in Oregon. From global apparel icons including Nike, Columbia, and Adidas, tech giants ranging from Intel to Wacom to Nvidia, and world-leading hospitals like OHSU and Kaiser Permanente, countless organizations call the metro areas surrounding Forest Grove home.
There’s not an industry we can think of that isn’t represented in Oregon, which means that countless careers are waiting for you as you eagerly approach graduation.
The best part? These companies will come to you. Hosted in the fall and spring, Pacific’s Work and Service Fairs attract employers across the Pacific Northwest looking for talented young people who want to begin their careers.
Pair this with Pacific’s expert Career Planning Advisors and finding that perfect internship or even full-time position at some of the most innovative and influential companies in the world is right at your fingertips.
3. Oregon Attracts People from Around the World
Oregon’s international reputation means that students, staff, and faculty venture from around the world come to work and study in the Pacific Northwest.
International communities are common throughout the state and Pacific University is no different, housing dozens of ethnic, racial, and cultural enclaves on its campus, all of which are supported by our Student Multicultural Center and Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
These offices champion Pacific’s international and minority population and includes, among many others, the Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association, Indigenous Student Alliance, and Nā Haumāna O Hawai’i — an organization which champions Pacific’s large Hawaiian student population and hosts the yearly lu’au, one of the most celebrated events on campus.
Attending a college or university in Oregon means being surrounded by a diverse array of viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences.
Whether you want to join a club or alliance, or simply want to learn more about another culture, doing so is easy and never discouraged.
4. Small Town Life with Big City Access
Higher education in Oregon is more than just the cluster of colleges near Portland or the trail of schools down the I-5 corridor. Rather, some of the most innovative and inclusive university experiences lie in the small towns that dot Oregon’s countryside.
Forest Grove, where Pacific University’s main campus is located, is far from the sleepy suburb one might assume.
Nestled in the Tualatin Valley, famous for its vineyards and proximity to the Oregon Coast, Forest Grove hosts year-round events ranging from street fairs to Pickleball tournaments, all supported by locally-sourced food.
Want to catch a show? McMenamins Grand Lodge (a great place to stay for campus tours) offers live music, movies, and festivals all year long.
And because of its closeness to the Portland metro area, living in Forest Grove means it’s easy to spend afternoons at the legendary farmer’s market and evenings watching Trailblazer’s games at the MODA Center.
5. Your Rights are Safe in Oregon
Decades of forward-thinking and citizen-focused legislation has made Oregon a safe and inclusive space for its residents, including students attending colleges in Oregon.
Protections for reproductive rights, medical care for transgender persons, and nondiscrimination laws against LGBTQ communities together make Oregon a welcome and accessible state to pursue your educational aspirations.
These statewide commitments are echoed on Pacific’s campus.
The Center for Gender Equity, Center for Peace and Spirituality, and on-campus resources for undocumented and DACA students all represent ways that the community of students, faculty, and staff at Pacific champion those who are marginalized and threatened.
Pacific is also a state leader in encouraging students to use their voice and vote, being named the only Voter Friendly Campus in Oregon for the 2023-2024 term.
On Pacific’s campus, and in the state of Oregon, you are safe.
But nothing compares to being in Oregon and seeing it all in person. Take the first step towards college or university in Oregon by getting in touch with your personalized Admissions Counselor and plan your campus visit today!