Become a Boxer

“I was always told I would have to choose in college, and that’s the reason I love Pacific. You get to do so many different things, and the professors are supportive of that instead of trying to encourage you to choose one thing.”

Leiana Petlewski '21 double majored in dance and applied theatre at Pacific. She was a dancer and choreographer, an actor and theatre tech, a musician. She studied abroad, completed internships locally and internationally, and served as an ambassador to other students. She also earned the title of valedictorian of her graduating class.

Pacific University is one of the top research universities on the West Coast, ranking with peers like Stanford and USC. Undergraduate students have unparalleled access to high-tech equipment, cutting-edge discoveries, and expert faculty members. Conduct, publish and present research as an undergrad across disciplines.

They are students like Rachel Araiza ’22, who received a grant as a freshman to launch her research into invasive bullfrogs in local wetlands. Araiza, who hopes to become a wildlife biologist, said early access to research opportunities put her ahead.

Almost a third of all undergraduates at Pacific University play sports as part of the Boxers Division III teams. Rylee Trendell ’19 wanted to keep playing basketball while pursuing his education. At Pacific, he got the best of both: “Pacific has more opportunity,” he said.

Like most Pacific students, Rylee earned scholarships that helped him complete his degree. We know that education is an investment, which is why we invest more than $41 million in undergraduate scholarships every year. 

Pacific graduates are well prepared both for careers and graduate school — often at Pacific’s other campuses in Oregon. Daisy Rizo ’17, MSW ’18 earned her bachelor and master’s degrees in social work at Pacific and went on to work at Providence St. Vincent Hospital. Other students pursue medical or law degrees at universities nationwide, or earn master’s and doctorate degrees in Pacific’s graduate programs in business, education, social work, writing, optometry, and healthcare.

Become a Boxer and discover your future at Pacific University.

Contact an admissions counselor, plan your campus visit, and apply today!