Our Pacific: A University of Opportunity

From our earliest days as a school for orphans in the Oregon Territory, Pacific University has been steadfastly committed to opening the doors of education and opportunity for all those who might otherwise be left behind.

We are a place of belonging for all who want to learn and grow. We recognize the potential in all of our students, and we are committed to uplifting them on their journey to living lives of purpose that uplift their communities.

We are proud to be a university that expands access and opportunity — especially for students who are the first in their families to attend college, who come from lower-income households, or who have been historically underserved by higher education.

As the higher education landscape shifts in the United States, we are focused on a vision of affordability and access, academic excellence, and career preparation, underpinned by a strong operational foundation. We will empower people, help our community thrive, and advance the university’s impact well into the future.

For Students & Families: A Clear Path To Career Success

Higher education should build confidence, not unmanageable debt. We are actively reducing barriers so every student can focus on finding their purpose and launching a career.  

• 3-Year Undergraduate Degrees: Launching accelerated pathways to help you complete your degree faster and significantly reduce your total cost of attendance.  
• 100% Career-Connected Learning: Guaranteeing every student completes at least one applied, experiential learning opportunity — such as an internship, clinical placement, faculty research project, study-away module, or immersive winter-term experience.  
• An Inclusive & Health-Promoting Campus: Embedding mental health, wellness, and belonging across campus life while establishing specialized support systems as a designated Autism-Inclusive campus.

For Donors & Alumni: Investing in Life-Changing Potential

Our history was built by supporters who believed in expanding access. Our future campaign mobilizes philanthropy to ensure no student is forced to give up on their degree due to financial need. 

• Expanding Need-Based Financial Aid: Shifting institutional aid to focus on need-based support, closing the affordability gap for first-generation, low-income, and historically underserved students.  
• Signature Capital Projects: Investing in spaces that foster cultural connection, athletic excellence, and community wellness, anchored by the Stoller Center renovation and the new Native American Longhouse.  
• A Connected Alumni Network: Unifying Advancement, Career Coaching, and Alumni Relations so you can mentor current students, guide young alumni, and extend the reach of the Pacific community.  

For Employers & Community Partners: Co-Creating Oregon’s Workforce

Pacific is deeply rooted in Washington County and the broader Pacific Northwest. We build partnerships that solve real-world industry challenges and supply top-tier talent.  

• Pacific Northwest Workforce Advisory Council: Partnering with regional leaders in healthcare, technology, education, and business to design workforce-aligned academic pathways.  
• Upskilling & Adult Education: Offering customized training, stackable certificates, and credit for prior learning (CPL) to help working adults advance their careers.  
• Pacific Ventures Seed Fund: Providing mentorship and seed funding for student and faculty startups aimed at solving urgent regional challenges.

For Faculty & Staff: A Thriving, Collaborative Workplace

Our vision is only achievable when our people are valued, supported, and empowered to lead with care and creativity.  

• Great Place to Work Commitment: Expanding professional development through a new Faculty Excellence Center and Academic Leadership Academy, paired with competitive, market-aligned total compensation.  
• Modern Systems & Clear Support: Overhauling manual processes, centralizing administrative services, and upgrading systems like Slate to make day-to-day operations smoother.  
• A Culture of Transparency: Launching dynamic internal communication channels, campus town halls, an ombuds program, and innovation microgrants to ensure every employee has a voice.