Pacific University vs University of Portland

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In this article, we will compare two prominent institutions in Oregon, Pacific University and University of Portland. We will provide an overview of each school, discuss their costs and tuition, admissions process, degree offerings, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This comprehensive comparison will help prospective students make an informed decision about which institution is the best fit for them.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Pacific University Overview

Pacific University is a private university located in Forest Grove, Oregon. It was founded in 1849 and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education, as well as its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Pacific University Costs & Tuition

Tuition at Pacific University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $45,904 for full-time undergraduate students. Room and board costs are approximately $13,022, bringing the total cost of attendance to around $58,926 per year. Financial aid is available to eligible students, and about 99% of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.

Pacific University Admissions

Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 85%, making it a moderately selective institution. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1080 and 1290, while the average ACT score ranges from 21 to 28.

Pacific University Degrees Offered

Pacific University offers over 65 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs. Some popular undergraduate majors include Business, Education, Health Sciences, Psychology, and Visual and Performing Arts. Graduate programs are available in fields such as Education, Health Professions, and Social Work.

Pacific University Academics

The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, providing students with personalized attention and support from their professors. The average class size is 19 students, promoting a collaborative and engaging learning environment.

Pacific University Diversity

Pacific University’s student body is diverse, with approximately 35% of undergraduate students identifying as students of color. The university is committed to promoting an inclusive and equitable campus community, offering numerous resources and support services for diverse student populations.

Pacific University Students

There are over 3,800 students enrolled at Pacific University, with about 65% undergraduate and 35% graduate students. The university has a vibrant campus life, offering over 100 student clubs and organizations, as well as numerous opportunities for involvement in community service, research, and study abroad programs.

Pacific University Campus

The 55-acre campus of Pacific University is located in the heart of Forest Grove, a charming small town just 25 miles west of Portland. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. On-campus housing is available for students, with a variety of residence halls and apartment-style options to choose from.

Pacific University Alumni

Pacific University has a strong alumni network, with over 25,000 alumni worldwide. Graduates of Pacific University have gone on to successful careers in various fields, including education, healthcare, business, and the arts.

Pacific University Rankings

Pacific University is ranked #26 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report and is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in higher education.

Pacific University Outcomes

The average starting salary for Pacific University graduates is $44,400, and 95% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.

University of Portland Overview

The University of Portland is a private, Catholic university located in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1901, it is affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in engineering, nursing, and business.

University of Portland Costs & Tuition

Tuition at the University of Portland for the 2021-2022 academic year is $49,260 for full-time undergraduate students. Room and board costs are approximately $13,596, bringing the total cost of attendance to around $62,856 per year. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with 97% of full-time undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.

University of Portland Admissions

The University of Portland has an acceptance rate of 75%, making it a moderately selective institution. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1190 and 1350, while the average ACT score ranges from 25 to 31.

University of Portland Degrees Offered

The University of Portland offers over 40 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as several graduate and professional programs. Popular undergraduate majors include Nursing, Engineering, Business, Education, and Social Sciences. Graduate programs are available in fields such as Education, Engineering, and Nursing.

University of Portland Academics

The student-to-faculty ratio at the University of Portland is 12:1, and the average class size is 20 students. The university has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in research, internships, and study abroad experiences.

University of Portland Diversity

Approximately 31% of undergraduate students at the University of Portland identify as students of color. The university is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community and offers a variety of resources and support services for students from diverse backgrounds.

University of Portland Students

There are over 4,200 students enrolled at the University of Portland, with about 79% undergraduate and 21% graduate students. Campus life at the university is active and engaging, with over 90 student clubs and organizations, as well as numerous volunteer and service opportunities.

University of Portland Campus

The 150-acre campus of the University of Portland is situated in a residential neighborhood overlooking the Willamette River, just minutes from downtown Portland. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. On-campus housing is available for students, with a variety of residence hall and apartment-style options to choose from.

University of Portland Alumni

University of Portland alumni have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including engineering, healthcare, business, and education. The university has a strong alumni network, with over 34,000 alumni worldwide.

University of Portland Rankings

The University of Portland is ranked #6 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report and has also been recognized for its commitment to community service and sustainability.

University of Portland Outcomes

The average starting salary for University of Portland graduates is $53,800, and 94% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.

Pacific University vs University of Portland Cost Comparison

When comparing costs, the University of Portland has a higher tuition rate of $49,260, compared to Pacific University’s tuition of $45,904. However, both institutions offer significant financial aid packages to eligible students, making the net cost more comparable. Room and board costs are also similar, with the University of Portland at $13,596, and Pacific University at $13,022. Ultimately, students should consider factors such as financial aid offers, scholarships, and personal expenses when comparing the cost of attendance at each institution.

Pacific University vs University of Portland Admissions Difficulty

Both Pacific University and the University of Portland have moderate acceptance rates, with Pacific University’s rate at 85% and the University of Portland’s rate at 75%. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are slightly higher at the University of Portland, indicating a slightly more competitive admissions process. However, both institutions require similar application materials and consider a variety of factors when evaluating applicants.

Pacific University vs University of Portland Academic Difficulty

Pacific University and the University of Portland both offer rigorous academic programs in a variety of fields. The student-to-faculty ratio at both institutions is relatively low, ensuring that students receive individualized attention and support from their professors. While the specific difficulty of academic programs may vary by major, both universities emphasize experiential learning, research, and hands-on experiences, providing students with ample opportunities for intellectual growth and development.

Pacific University vs University of Portland Outcome Comparison

Both Pacific University and the University of Portland have strong outcomes for graduates in terms of employment and further education. The average starting salary for Pacific University graduates is $44,400, while the average starting salary for University of Portland graduates is $53,800. Within six months of graduation, 95% of Pacific University graduates and 94% of University of Portland graduates are employed or pursuing further education. Ultimately, both institutions provide a solid foundation for graduates as they begin their careers or continue their education.