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Pacific University vs Reed College

Pacific University is a private university in Forest Grove, OR, and Reed College is a private college in Portland, OR. Reed College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 25% of applicants against 90% at Pacific University. Reed College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $33,013 a year against $35,273 at Pacific University. About 74% of students graduate at Reed College, compared with 66% at Pacific University. Ten years after enrolling, Reed College alumni earn a median of about $62,927, against $60,583 for Pacific University.

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Pacific University

Forest Grove, OR · Private

Reed College

Portland, OR · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Forest Grove, OR
Portland, OR
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,516
1,320
Acceptance rate
90%
25%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1240
1290–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
18–29
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,273
$33,013
Full cost / yr
$72,374
$86,376
In-state tuition
$56,374
$69,350
Out-of-state tuition
$56,374
$69,350
Application fee
$40
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,318
$12,674
$30k - $48k
$23,607
$12,514
$48k - $75k
$29,844
$14,513
$75k - $110k
$34,369
$23,421
Over $110k
$40,911
$46,711
Outcomes
Graduation rate
66%
74%
Freshman retention
79%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,936
$38,607
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,583
$62,927
Median debt at graduation
$23,223
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
15%
First-generation students
29%
Not reported
International students
1%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Pacific University or Reed College harder to get into?
Reed College is harder to get into. It admits about 25% of applicants, compared with 90% at Pacific University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Pacific University or Reed College?
Reed College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $33,013 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $35,273 at Pacific University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Pacific University and Reed College?
Before aid, Pacific University costs about $72,374 a year and Reed College about $86,376. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Pacific University or Reed College?
Reed College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,674 there, against about $23,318 at Pacific University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pacific University or Reed College?
Pacific University is the larger of the two, with about 1,516 undergraduates against 1,320 at Reed College.
Does Pacific University or Reed College have a better graduation rate?
Reed College has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 66% at Pacific University.
Do graduates of Pacific University or Reed College earn more?
Reed College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,927 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,583 for Pacific University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pacific University and Reed College require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Reed College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Pacific University and Reed College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1240 at Pacific University and 1290–1520 at Reed College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school