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Pacific University vs Western Oregon University

Pacific University is a private university in Forest Grove, OR. Western Oregon University is a public university in Monmouth, OR. Pacific University admits about 90% of applicants and Western Oregon University about 98%, making Pacific University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,237 a year at Western Oregon University after aid, and about $35,273 at Pacific University. About 66% of students graduate at Pacific University, compared with 46% at Western Oregon University. Ten years after enrolling, Pacific University alumni earn a median of about $60,583, against $51,815 for Western Oregon University.

Pacific University

Forest Grove, OR · Private

Western Oregon University

Monmouth, OR · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Forest Grove, OR
Monmouth, OR
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,516
3,103
Acceptance rate
90%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1240
868–1108
ACT (middle 50%)
18–29
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,273
$17,237
Full cost / yr
$72,374
$25,062
In-state tuition
$56,374
$11,879
Out-of-state tuition
$56,374
$32,534
Application fee
$40
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,318
$15,575
$30k - $48k
$23,607
$14,585
$48k - $75k
$29,844
$16,151
$75k - $110k
$34,369
$17,974
Over $110k
$40,911
$20,243
Outcomes
Graduation rate
66%
46%
Freshman retention
79%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,936
$42,537
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,583
$51,815
Median debt at graduation
$23,223
$20,609
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
41%
First-generation students
29%
42%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

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 Western Oregon University harder to get into?
Pacific University is harder to get into. It admits about 90% of applicants, compared with 98% at Western Oregon 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 Western Oregon University?
Western Oregon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,237 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 Western Oregon University?
Before aid, Western Oregon University costs about $25,062 a year and Pacific University about $72,374. 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 Western Oregon University?
Western Oregon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,575 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 Western Oregon University?
Western Oregon University is the larger of the two, with about 3,103 undergraduates against 1,516 at Pacific University.
Does Pacific University or Western Oregon University have a better graduation rate?
Pacific University has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 46% at Western Oregon University.
Do graduates of Pacific University or Western Oregon University earn more?
Pacific University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,583 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,815 for Western Oregon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pacific University and Western Oregon University require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Oregon University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Pacific University and Western Oregon University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1240 at Pacific University and 868–1108 at Western Oregon University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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