About

See what students say:

Academics

Pacific University is a rapidly growing liberal arts college “nestled in an extremely small and quiet town” in Oregon. Facilities are generally “new and up-to-date.” Classes are small. “The science programs are top notch” and “a very good optometry program also draws students.” Some arts and humanities programs are “lacking,” though. “It is frustrating being involved in a major that isn’t a science major,” admits a sophomore. “The adjunct professors seem to be a little more lost” but the “approachable, flexible” full-time faculty is “the number one strength of Pacific, hands down.” “I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with my professors,” reflects a biology major. “For the students who are committed and really want to learn, professors will bend over backwards to help them.” Some students tell us the administrators are “very student oriented.” Others gripe that getting into classes can be a challenge and call the administration “Pacific graduates who couldn’t get jobs elsewhere.”

Student Body

The “laidback,” mostly “upper middle-class” students here tend to come “from Oregon and the surrounding states,” or from Hawaii. Some caution that “The two groups do not mix well at all.” In the cafeteria, “the left side is full of Hawaiian students and the right side is for the white students.” This unique divide notwithstanding, “Pacific is made up of a wide range of personality types.” “Everyone’s odd in an interesting way.” “There are some jocks.” There are “hippie-like students.” There is the contingent that is “studious and extremely busy” and “there are the slackers.” “There are people who don’t party at all and there are those who go to parties every weekend.” “You’ll never feel like a freak or an outcast,” promises a first-year student. “It doesn’t matter what your beliefs and opinions are; you are accepted as you are.” Politically, this campus tilts left, though students with “the chutzpah to attempt activism” contend that their peers “are very apathetic.” Students without self-professed chutzpah say they don’t see much point in “ineffective protests.”

Campus Life

The food at Pacific gets a lot of complaints. “Some dishes are done very well. Others look like something you’d plaster a wall with.” Also, though some of the athletic programs are pretty good, “school spirit is a little bit lacking” as well. Otherwise, students here rave about their “comfy and beautiful environment.” For fun, “there’s a lot of just hanging out.” The Hawaiian Club throws “an amazing luau each year” and “there generally is a party every weekend,” but “most social gatherings are small.” Forest Grove’s location “makes it hard to find things to do off campus,” says one student, “but forces me to find things to do within my residence halls with my friends—that can lead to some crazy nights with board games. Every once and awhile there’s a party, but it's usually busted.” “Portland is close, though, and so is the beach.” “Hiking, kayaking, climbing,” “snowboarding on Mount Hood,” and outdoor activities galore are within easy reach. “It’s best to bring a car,” advises a sophomore.

Read More 

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Martha Tunall
Visit and Tour Coordinator

Address
Office of Admissions
2043 College Way
Forest Grove, OR 97116

Phone
503-352-2218

Email
admissions@pacificu.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Pacific Athletic Center
Pacific Library (New Library)
Marsh Hall
Old College Hall
New Bookstore/Vera's Cafe

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Mount Hood
Pioneer Square-Portland
Rose Garden-Portland
Oregon Coast
Shopping at 185th Ave.

Campus Tours

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
year-round

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Contact Email Address for Visit
admissions@pacificu.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Limitations
Monday through Thursday only, HS Seniors

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Shuttle service from Portland International Airport. MAX light rail from Portland International Airport.

Driving Instructions to Campus
For map please log onto http://www.pacificu.edu/welcome/directions.html Forest Grove is located approximately 45 minutes west of Portland. From the north, travel via Interstate 5 and exit onto Highway 26. From the south, take 217 to connect to Highway 26 (west toward Banks). From Highway 26, exit left onto Highway 6, which will lead you to Highway 47 south. Go about six miles. As you enter Forest Grove turn right onto Sunset Drive. The first building you will see is a residence hall; follow the curve to the right (University Avenue) and the next left is College Way. The Admissions Office is the third house on the right. You may park on the street or in the back of our building in the visitors' spaces. From the Airport Take 205 South to 84 West to Interstate 5 (briefly) to 26 West.

Local Accommodations
McMenamin's Grand Lodge Best Western University Inn
[+] More

Admissions

Applicants: 3,004
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Average HS GPA: 3.62






Academics








Careers



Tuition & Aid






Student Body



Campus Life













Articles & Advice