Can you get into Pacific University?

Forest Grove, OR · Private · 1,516 students Here’s the class that got in. See where your numbers land in it.

Add your GPA, or a test score, and the read appears here. Nothing you type leaves this page.

The admitted class · 2024

Here’s what it took to get in.

Acceptance rate

89.6%

SAT middle 50%

900–1240

median 1200

ACT middle 50%

18–29

median 23

Testing

Optional

8% submitted an SAT

Graduation rate

66%

within six years

Reported by the college

What does Pacific University actually read?

Colleges publish which parts of an application they weigh. It’s the most useful thing they say about admissions. Almost nobody reads it. Say the essay counts a lot here and class rank doesn’t count at all. That tells you where to put your work.

  • Very important

    The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.

    • Grades
    • Course rigor
    • Essay
    • Recommendations
  • Considered

    Looked at, but not decisive on its own.

    • Class rank
    • Test scores
  • Not considered

    Reported as playing no part in the decision.

    • Legacy
    • Work experience

From the federal IPEDS admissions survey, 2024. It records whether Pacific University considers each factor, but not how heavily, and it doesn’t ask about extracurriculars, character, or demonstrated interest. Where a school publishes its Common Data Set, Spike uses that instead.

Deadlines · 2026 cycle

When should you apply?

  • Early DecisionNovember 1, 2026

Pacific University fills part of its class in the early round. Admit rates there typically run higher. Early Decision is binding. It only fits a clear first choice.

Real cost · 2024 data

What do families actually pay?

The sticker price is $72,374. Almost nobody pays it. Here’s what families pay at Pacific University by income, after grants and scholarships:

  • Under $30k$23,318
  • $30k–$48k$23,607
  • $48k–$75k$29,844
  • $75k–$110k$34,369
  • Over $110k$40,911

U.S. Department of Education data: average net price a year for first-time students who got aid. Your own number depends on your family’s finances.

Common questions

What do students ask about Pacific University?

What’s Pacific University’s acceptance rate?

Pacific University admits 89.6% of applicants (latest reported cycle: 2024).

What SAT score do you need for Pacific University?

The middle 50% of admitted students score between 900 and 1240. A score above 1240 clears the 75th percentile. Below 900, the rest of your application has to do more of the work, or you can apply test-optional.

Is Pacific University test-optional?

Yes, Pacific University is currently test-optional. Send a score if it lands in or above the admitted middle 50%.

What does Pacific University look for in an application?

Pacific University says it weighs grades, course rigor, essay, recommendations most heavily. What it lists as not considered is worth knowing too. Work you put there doesn’t count here.

How much does Pacific University actually cost?

The sticker price is $72,374. The average family pays $35,273 after aid. Families earning under $30k pay about $23,318 a year on average.

What Spike does with this

Use the Pacific University read in your plan.

Spike ties your numbers to your courses, testing, essays, and activities. It does the same for the rest of your college list.

The full counselor launches in November.