At Pacific University, our connection to the military community runs deep. For over 75 years, we’ve been honored to welcome veterans, active-duty service members, and military families into our classrooms, faculty, and campus life. We know that transitioning from military life to higher education comes with unique opportunities and challenges. From navigating admissions and benefits to crossing that stage, our dedicated Pacific community is here to help support you.
Military and Veteran Support Services
Office of Student Support
Military and veteran students often navigate unique challenges as they transition into academic life. You do not have to handle these alone. The Office of Student Support is dedicated to connecting you with the personalized services, resources, and guidance you need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Contact the Office of Student Support
If you are concerned about a fellow student, please tell us by submitting a Care Referral Form. When concerns are reported, the Care Team, managed by the Student Support Office, will assess the situation, offer support, and provide referrals to the breadth of resources on-campus.
Student Counseling Center
Pacific’s Student Counseling Center (SCC) is committed to improving students’ well-being by co-creating nurturing spaces for students to heal, grow, and develop belonging by providing a range of services including consultations, mental health promotion and more.
SCC 24/7 support & crisis line: 503-352-2999
External Support Services
- VA Healthcare (How to apply for VA health care)
- Washington County Crisis Line | 503-291-9111
- Crisis Text Line | Text “Connect” to 741741
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 1-800-273-8255
- Trevor Lifeline | 1-866-488-7386
Campus Public Safety: 503-352-2230
On duty 24-hours, Campus Public Safety provides escort services, emergency response, and more.
Veterans Lounge
Located on the Clark third floor, the military and veteran student lounge offers a dedicated "home away from home" on campus where military-connected students can relax, study, and recharge between classes. Designed to foster camaraderie among peers, the space features comfortable seating, quiet study workstations, a microwave, and convenient access to campus resources.
Veteran Education Benefits
Chapter 33 GI Bill® Benefits
Senate Bill 3503 gives the Department of Veterans Affairs temporary authority to maintain full GI Bill® benefits and housing allowances for student veterans whose classes convert to online or distance learning. Supported by congressional leadership and advocacy groups like AACOM, this law ensures students face no interruption or reduction in their educational funding due to emergency school closures or online transitions. (GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government website.)
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program (formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment or Chapter 31) is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit designed to help service-disabled veterans and active-duty service members transition into suitable civilian careers.
Rather than serving purely as an education benefit, VR&E is an employment-first program focused on overcoming obstacles caused by service-connected disabilities.
What It Covers: Full tuition, fees, books, supplies, a monthly subsistence allowance, and personalized career counseling or job placement assistance.
Support Tracks: Provides five customized tracks ranging from re-employment with a former employer, job search assistance, self-employment, and higher education/skills training, to independent living services for severe disabilities.
General Eligibility:
- Active-duty service members expecting an honorable discharge with a VA memorandum rating of 20% or higher.
- Veterans with an other-than-dishonorable discharge and a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher with a demonstrated employment handicap.
How It Works: Eligible candidates work directly with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to build an individualized rehabilitation and employment plan tailored to their abilities and goals.
Email veterans@pacificu.edu or fill out the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program Form to notify our staff and we will contact you to make arrangements (if limited by OPSEC, please provide as much information as possible).
Yellow Ribbon Program
For numerous years, Pacific University has proudly been named as one of the Most Military Supportive Colleges in the Pacific Region by MilitarySupportiveColleges.com.
As a recognized leader in veteran support, Pacific University has been recognized for its commitment to the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers an unlimited Yellow Ribbon Program to help cover private, out-of-state, or graduate tuition costs that exceed the standard Post-9/11 GI Bill cap. Unlike schools that limit participant spots, Pacific fully funds 100% of eligible students, ensuring seamless access to the benefits you’ve earned.
Learn More
Am I Eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program?
Learn about the Fry Scholarship
Learn about transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
Pacific University, Yellow Ribbon Program details
Financial Aid
The Pacific University Office of Financial Aid is here to help you advance your education, and can help you work with a number of other federal programs designed to match veterans with education and careers. We have individual financial aid counselors assigned to each incoming student. Visit them in Marsh Hall, give them a call at 503-352-2857 or email them at financialaid@pacificu.edu
92% of recent bachelor’s degree alumni from Pacific are either employed, in graduate school, or in the military or volunteer placements. With a legacy rooted in service, Boxers are the backbone of our community. We recognize the potential in each member of our community. We always have — and always will — uplift those who uphold others.
