Pacific University
Pacific University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Pacific University at a Glance
Pacific University is a private university in Forest Grove, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1849 as the Tualatin Academy, the original Forest Grove campus is 23 miles (37 km) west of Portland. The school maintains one other campus, in Hillsboro, and an office in Portland, and has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students. The university has Oregon's only optometry school, and offers doctorates in 14 programs. Pacific competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Northwest Conference, with its t…
1849
177 years old
$71M
$71.4 million (2020)
3,479
1,613 undergrad · 1,866 grad
298
Identity
Is Pacific University Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Pacific University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $60,583 — 13% above average — while paying $35,273/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 66% graduation rate means roughly 34% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Pacific University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Pacific University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #93 of 145 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Baptist Health Sciences University | 75 | $11,212 | $72,529 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #6 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #93 | Pacific University | 28 | $35,273 | $60,583 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Pacific University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in OR.
Best Programs at Pacific University
The highest-earning program at Pacific University is Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at $69,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $26,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduate from Pacific University earns $69,900, while a Biology, General graduate earns $26,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates carry $24,376 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $35,273/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $69,900 | $69,900 | $24,376 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,100 | $36,100 | $26,000 |
| Public Health | $29,400 | $29,400 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,200 | $27,200 | $26,954 |
| Biology, General | $26,200 | $26,200 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in OR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Forest Grove, OR
- Student Body
- 1,516 students
- Admission Rate
- 90%
- Graduation Rate
- 66%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $35,273
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $60,583
- Median Student Debt
- $23,223