About Pacific University
Founded in 1849 by Congregationalist pioneers and originally named the Tualatin Academy, Pacific University is one of the oldest universities in the Western United States. Pacific University was originally founded under the United Church of Christ but no longer has a formal association with it. Today, Pacific University is a private, comprehensive university covering the studies of liberal arts, optometry, education, healthcare, and business. It is a top private research school with the mission to “think, create, and pursue justice in a global community.”
Pacific University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs from the following colleges:
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Health Professions
- College of Optometry
Several degrees are offered completely online. Pacific University online degrees are flexible yet high quality. Earn your degree and a paycheck at the same time with these online programs.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Pacific University is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
2,223Fully Online Graduate Students:
13%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$23,223Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
91%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$34,437Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesAt Pacific University, progress can feel slow when classes do not line up well. In some graduate tracks, parts of the workload may feel like extra tasks. That can add time without helping students move smoothly to the next course. For working adults, that pacing can make it harder to stay on track.
Cost is a big part of the Pacific decision. Many students weigh tuition, aid, credits, and total time to finish together. Housing and daily expenses can also shape the full cost. Pacific offers a personal learning experience, and a clear plan for cost and pace matters.
Small classes at Pacific University make it easier to get help. Students often build strong connections with professors early. Faculty and advisors are caring, involved, and easy to reach.
That daily support helps students plan classes, solve problems, and stay on track. Pacific also has room to offer more flexible deadlines and support options. That can make a real difference for students balancing school, work, family, and life changes.
Pacific’s online fit depends on schedule pressure. Many learners want more flexibility for work and family. Pace can feel heavy when classes are not well coordinated. Instructor access is the biggest plus.
Small-class culture supports direct contact with professors. That can help in online classes too. But practicum support has been uneven in some graduate tracks. For online learners, structure and pace matter a lot here.
Pacific University is at its best in small classes. Students get more time with professors, and classes often feel personal and hands-on. In science courses, students may get into research earlier than expected. Some can even join projects that other schools often reserve for graduate students.
The class experience can vary by program. In some graduate courses, assignments may feel more like busy work. A few classes can also repeat similar research-methods content. Pacific is a strong fit for students who want close professor contact and active learning. It may be less ideal for students who want a tightly linked course sequence each term.
Pacific University has clear highs and lows. Small classes are a real strength. Professor access is easier than at many larger schools. That can make classes feel personal and direct.
Consistency is the harder part. Advising capacity has faced staffing cuts. Some graduate pathways report busy work and weak coordination. Practicum support is uneven in higher-stakes moments.
Cost pressure is also real. One price warning is unusually sharp. Pacific fits best for students who value close faculty contact. It is a tougher fit for students needing highly predictable support and tightly coordinated program structure.
Pacific University has clear highs and lows. Small classes are a real strength. Professor access is easier than at many larger schools. That can make classes feel personal and direct.
Consistency is the harder part. Advising capacity has faced staffing cuts. Some graduate pathways report busy work and weak coordination. Practicum support is uneven in higher-stakes moments.
Cost pressure is also real. One price warning is unusually sharp. Pacific fits best for students who value close faculty contact. It is a tougher fit for students needing highly predictable support and tightly coordinated program structure.
Online Programs offered by Pacific University
Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific University
Is Pacific University accredited?
Yes. Pacific University is institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How many online programs does Pacific University offer?
Pacific University offers 4 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Pacific University offer?
Pacific University offers graduate-level programs, including master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate pathways.
How should students contact admissions at Pacific University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Pacific University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Pacific University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Pacific University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Pacific University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Pacific University programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.8 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.8 to 3.0.
Is Pacific University military friendly?
Pacific University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Pacific University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Pacific University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Essay/Writing Sample, and Interview. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Pacific University accept life experience credit?
Pacific University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Pacific University programs fully online or mixed?
Pacific University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
Do any Pacific University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Are any admission tests required for Pacific University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Pacific University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Pacific University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Pacific University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Pacific University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Pacific University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Pacific University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Pacific University is featured in 3 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Pacific University is located in Oregon
Oregon at a Glance:
Top Majors in Oregon:
Top Incentives in Oregon:
- Oregon Opportunity Grant: Up to $3,600 annually
- Oregon Promise: Covers most community college tuition
- OSAC Scholarships: Varies by program
Top Career Pathways in Oregon:
- Entry Level: Software Engineer ($75,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Developer ($115,000)
- Senior Level: Technical Director ($155,000+)
- Required Education: BS Computer Science
- Certifications: AWS, Azure
- Entry Level: Environmental Specialist ($55,000)
- Mid Level: Sustainability Manager ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Environmental Director ($130,000+)
- Required Education: BS Environmental Science
- Certifications: LEED, PMP
- Entry Level: Energy Coordinator ($60,000)
- Mid Level: Project Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Energy Director ($140,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: PE, PMP, LEED