Pacific University, located in Forest Grove, Oregon, is a private university known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and professional preparation. Established in 1849, it has a rich history and offers a vibrant campus culture that encourages student involvement and community engagement. The university's motto, "Mind, Body, and Spirit," reflects its holistic approach to education, fostering not only academic excellence but also personal growth and well-being among its students.

The university boasts a diverse range of programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, with notable strengths in health professions, education, and business. Pacific University is particularly recognized for its programs in optometry, physical therapy, and pharmacy. The faculty-to-student ratio is impressive, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship, which enhances the learning experience and prepares students for successful careers. Additionally, the campus is equipped with modern facilities, including well-resourced laboratories, libraries, and recreational areas that promote a balanced student lifestyle. With a commitment to sustainability and community service, Pacific University cultivates a nurturing environment that prepares graduates to become thoughtful and engaged citizens.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Pacific University

Pacific University, a private institution, has demonstrated notable trends in several key metrics over the years. One of the most striking aspects is the continuous rise in tuition fees, which have increased significantly from $37,024 in 2014 to $54,466 for in-state undergraduate students in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 47% over the decade. Such tuition hikes are reflective of broader trends in higher education, where tuition fees have outpaced inflation and have become a critical concern for students and families alike.

Additionally, the graduation rates show a concerning fluctuation. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates peaked at around 64% in 2018 but has since dipped to approximately 58% in 2023. This decline raises questions about the institution's capacity to support student success, particularly in light of rising costs. The 150% graduation rate, which reflects longer-term completion rates, also declined from 71% in 2018 to about 64% in 2023, indicating that not only are fewer students graduating on time, but overall completion rates may also be affected.

Retention rates have shown some variability as well, with a peak retention rate of 83.65% in 2021, but dropping to 76.86% by 2023. This decline may suggest challenges in student satisfaction or support services, which can directly impact both graduation rates and enrollment trends.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shifted slightly, with female students making up approximately 60% of the undergraduate population in recent years. This gender disparity is consistent with national trends in higher education, where women are increasingly enrolling at higher rates than men.

Overall, while Pacific University has maintained a steady student body, the rising costs coupled with fluctuating graduation and retention rates highlight significant challenges that could affect its reputation and future enrollment. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the university to continue attracting and retaining students.

Analysis of Graduate Data at Pacific University in 2023

The graduation data from Pacific University in 2023 reveals significant trends in the fields of health and psychology, particularly at the doctorate level. Notably, the Optometry program stands out with 91 doctorate graduates, of which 23% were international students. This highlights the program's attractiveness to global talent, reflecting a broader trend of increasing internationalization in health-related education.

Similarly, the Pharmacy program produced 77 doctorate graduates, with only 3 international students, indicating a more localized interest. This contrast suggests that while some disciplines are drawing international attention, others may still primarily cater to domestic students.

In the realm of psychology, the Clinical Psychology program achieved 58 doctorate graduates, reinforcing the growing importance of mental health education in response to rising societal mental health challenges. However, the absence of bachelor and master's graduates in these programs could indicate a specialized pathway, where students directly pursue advanced degrees after completion of their undergraduate studies elsewhere.

Interestingly, other fields such as philosophy and economics show no graduation activity this year, which may point to declining interest or shifts in student enrollment patterns towards more career-oriented programs. Overall, these insights indicate a distinct focus on health and applied sciences at Pacific University, aligning with current job market demands and a global push towards improved healthcare education.

Analysis of Pacific University's Admission Trends

The data pertaining to Pacific University reveals significant trends in both its rankings and admission rates over the years. From 2020 onward, the university's ranking has shown a downward trajectory, dropping from 185th to 220th by 2025. This declining status may impact the university's perception among prospective students and could influence its competitiveness in attracting high-caliber applicants. When examining the admission rates, there is a noticeable increase in both male and female acceptance rates, particularly from 2020 to 2023. The male acceptance rate rose from approximately 85.4% in 2020 to about 91.6% in 2023, while the female acceptance rate increased from around 87.5% to 96.3% in the same period. This suggests that the university may be actively seeking to diversify its student body or is adapting to changing applicant pools, which is a common trend among institutions aiming to maintain enrollment numbers amid growing competition. Interestingly, the number of students enrolled has fluctuated, with a peak enrollment of 475 in 2011 and a recent figure of 393 in 2023. The number of denied applications has also decreased, indicating that more applicants are being accepted, although the total applicant pool size is not provided in the data. Overall, Pacific University faces challenges related to its declining ranking, but the increasing admission rates might suggest a strategic shift to bolster enrollment and attract a broader range of applicants. The university's future success will depend on addressing these ranking issues while maintaining inclusivity and a strong academic reputation.

Analysis of Admission Test Scores and Submission Trends at Pacific University

The data from Pacific University reveals significant trends in standardized test scores and submission rates from 2007 to 2023. Over the years, the number of students submitting SAT scores has shown a declining trend, with the percentage of applicants submitting these scores dropping from 87% in 2007 to only 8% in 2022 and 2023. This sharp decline may correlate with a growing movement towards test-optional admissions policies across many institutions, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic which affected standardized testing availability.

In terms of test scores, there appears to be a fluctuating pattern in both SAT and ACT scores. For SAT reading and math, the 25th percentile scores have largely remained stable, with slight increases over the years, indicating that while a smaller proportion of students are submitting scores, those who do tend to perform relatively well. For instance, in 2023, the 25th percentile for SAT reading reached 515, while the 75th percentile was as high as 690.

Meanwhile, ACT scores show a similar pattern, with the 25th percentile for composite scores also demonstrating an upward trend, suggesting that the quality of applicants may be improving despite fewer submissions. This could reflect a strategic shift in how students perceive the value of standardized tests in the admissions process.

In conclusion, Pacific University's evolving admissions landscape highlights the impact of broader educational trends, particularly the move towards test-optional policies. This may influence not only the demographics of applicants but also the overall academic environment within the university. As institutions adapt to these changes, ongoing analysis will be essential to understand their long-term effects on educational outcomes.

Demographic Trends at Pacific University in 2023

In 2023, Pacific University reported a diverse student body across various categories, revealing insightful trends in gender representation and ethnic diversity. The undergraduate new students composed of 393 individuals, with female representation at 54.2% and male representation at 45.8%. This suggests a healthy balance, although there is a slightly higher percentage of women entering the university.

The continuing undergraduate students numbered 1,028, with a more pronounced gender disparity—60.1% female and 39.9% male. This trend may reflect broader societal patterns where women are increasingly pursuing higher education. Similarly, the transfer students, totaling 125, also displayed a significant gender gap, with 67.2% being female, indicating that women are more likely to transfer into the institution.

At the graduate level, there were 1,920 students, characterized by a stark gender disparity: 74.3% women and only 25.7% men. This overwhelming female majority suggests that graduate programs at Pacific University are particularly attractive to women, aligning with national trends in higher education where female enrollment in graduate programs has been on the rise.

The data also hints at racial and ethnic diversity among these student categories, although detailed breakdowns for continuing and transfer students were not available. However, the presence of a variety of ethnic backgrounds within the undergraduate and graduate populations is crucial for fostering a rich learning environment.

In conclusion, Pacific University demonstrates a growing trend toward gender diversity in its student body, especially among graduate students. As educational institutions increasingly prioritize inclusivity, the statistics from Pacific University reflect ongoing shifts in demographics that could influence future policies and programs aimed at supporting a diverse student population.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Pacific University in 2023

The age demographic data of students at Pacific University in 2023 reveals a diverse and dynamic student body, reflecting trends seen across many educational institutions. The highest representation comes from the 18-19 age group, comprising 294 male and 371 female undergraduate students. This dominance highlights the university's role as a primary choice for recent high school graduates.

As students progress in age, the numbers begin to decline. For instance, the 20-21 age category shows a significant number of both undergraduates and graduates, indicating that many students continue their education directly after completing their first year. However, the stark drop in the 22-24 age group, with 79 male and 190 female undergraduates, suggests potential challenges in retention or a shift to the workforce.

Interestingly, the data indicates a growing trend of older students returning to education, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups, where both males and females make substantial contributions to the graduate student population. This could be reflective of a broader societal shift, where individuals seek to enhance their qualifications or change career paths amidst a changing job market.

Moreover, the representation of students aged 40 and above, although minimal, indicates that lifelong learning is becoming increasingly valued, particularly in an era of rapid technological advancement. This commitment to education across different life stages is commendable and aligns with the growing emphasis on continuous professional development.

Overall, Pacific University’s age distribution showcases a vibrant and inclusive academic environment, catering to a range of ages and backgrounds, which is crucial for fostering diverse perspectives and experiences within the academic community.

Analysis of International Student Trends at Pacific University

The data presented for Pacific University reveals notable trends in both undergraduate and graduate international student populations over the years. Initially, in 2004, the university had a mere 10 international undergraduates, representing only 0.83% of the total undergraduate enrollment. This percentage remained low throughout the early years, indicating limited appeal or accessibility for international students.

However, a significant turning point occurred in 2011 when the number of international undergraduates surged to 60, bringing the percentage to 3.66%. This increase suggests that Pacific University may have implemented strategies to attract more international students, such as enhancing support services, expanding recruitment efforts, or introducing new programs.

From 2018 onwards, the proportion of international undergraduates fluctuated, peaking at 2.07% in 2023. This indicates a gradual recovery after a dip during the global pandemic, which severely impacted international student mobility. Similarly, the graduate program saw a steady increase in international enrollment, starting at 0.19% in 2004 and rising to 6.30% in 2023. The spike in graduate international students, particularly reaching 121 in 2023, portrays a growing attraction to advanced studies at Pacific University.

Overall, while the university’s international student numbers have shown an upward trajectory, the percentages still reflect a need for continued efforts to enhance global engagement and inclusivity. As the landscape of higher education evolves globally, Pacific University must stay adaptable to maintain and grow its international student community.

Here are some notable schools surrounding Pacific University:

1. George Fox University - Ranked 273 in the 2025 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and a commitment to Christian values.

2. Portland State University - With a rank of 259, this comprehensive university offers a diverse range of programs and is well-regarded for its urban research initiatives and community engagement.

3. Reed College - A highly prestigious liberal arts college ranked 63rd, Reed is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on critical thinking and independent study.

4. University of Oregon - Ranked 109th, this comprehensive university is recognized for its vibrant campus life, extensive research opportunities, and notable programs in environmental sciences and journalism.

5. Whitman College - With a rank of 53, Whitman is a highly regarded liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus.

6. University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Ranked 46th, this comprehensive university is a leading research institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

These institutions provide a rich educational landscape around Pacific University, each with its unique strengths and offerings.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Pacific University

The crime statistics from Pacific University over the past decade show a notable decline in offenses, particularly when looking at the average number of incidents per 1,000 students. In 2013, the crime rate was as high as 26.75 incidents per 1,000 students, but by 2022, this figure decreased dramatically to just 4.85. This represents a significant reduction of approximately 81.9% over the span of ten years, suggesting that the university has successfully implemented measures to enhance campus safety and reduce crime.

The most common type of crime reported has been gun-related offenses. However, in the most recent years, there has been a substantial drop in such incidents, indicating a shift towards a safer campus environment. Additionally, incidents related to drug and alcohol offenses have also shown a decreasing trend, which may reflect improved awareness and preventive programs aimed at educating students about the risks associated with substance abuse.

It is crucial to highlight that the data also points to a slight uptick in crime rates in 2023, with an average of 8.32 incidents per 1,000 students. This could signal a need for renewed focus on crime prevention strategies to address any emerging threats.

Overall, the downward trend in crime at Pacific University is encouraging, and continued efforts in safety programs and community engagement could further enhance student well-being. For more information on how to calculate crime rates, you can refer to this link.