Your chances of getting into Pacific University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Pacific is 92.3%. Its admission rate is the 17th lowest in Oregon.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Pacific and can you get accepted?
Pacific University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 2,546 out of the 2,759 who applied were admitted.
Pacific University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.73. 15% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Pacific?
92% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Pacific University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.73 or better
- Earn A- grades in high school
- Score 1180 on the SAT
- Score 23 on the ACT
Pacific GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Pacific University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Pacific are to have around a 3.73 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.
If your high school grades are above the average 3.73 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Pacific accepts 92% of applicants.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Pacific is 3.73 on the 4.0 scale. 29% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #5 in Oregon for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Pacific is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
Pacific SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Pacific University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 8% of students submitted SAT scores and 7% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 25th Percentile | 515 |
Math 25th Percentile | 495 |
Composite 25th Percentile | 1010 |
SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 75th Percentile | 690 |
Math 75th Percentile | 660 |
Composite 75th Percentile | 1350 |
Average SAT Score | 1180
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Pacific University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Pacific is 1180 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1010-1350. Students who get into Pacific University score in the top 59 percent of all SAT test takers.. Pacific ranks #6 in the state of Oregon for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1180 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Pacific regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1010 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1010, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 840, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Pacific University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1180 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1180, you have around a 92% chance of being admitted. A 1350 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 96% chance of getting in.
Pacific ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 25th Percentile | 19 |
Math 25th Percentile | 18 |
Composite 25th Percentile | 20 |
ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 75th Percentile | 24 |
Math 75th Percentile | 25 |
Composite 75th Percentile | 26 |
Average ACT Score | 23
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Pacific?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Pacific is 23, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 20 and 26. The school ranks #9 in Oregon for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 23. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 20 and score in the score in the top 49 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 17.
7 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Pacific University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Pacific University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into Pacific for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 23 score has around 92% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 96% with a 26 ACT score.
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
Women | Men | Total | |
---|---|---|---|
Applied | 1,260 | 994 | 2,759 |
Accepted | 1,213 | 911 | 2,546 |
Acceptance Rate | 96% | 92% | 92% |
Enrolled | 213 | 180 | 393 |
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 18% | 20% | 15% |
Fall 2025 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 257 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Aug 25, 2025.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Pacific University is $40.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Pacific University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Recommendations | Required to be considered for admission |
Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
AP Credit | Yes |
Dual Credit | Yes |
Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Pacific University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.73 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1180 and ACT of 23 will almost guarantee your admission.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Pacific University often consider these colleges
George Fox University
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Oregon State University
Public 4 Year
Linfield University
Private 4 Year
Portland State University
Public 4 Year
Pacific Lutheran University
Private 4 Year
Lewis & Clark College
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University of Portland
Private 4 Year
Seattle University
Private 4 Year
University of Redlands
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University of Oregon
Public 4 Year
Whitworth University
Private 4 Year
Adelphi University
Private 4 Year
Willamette University
Private 4 Year
Seattle Pacific University
Private 4 Year
University of San Diego
Private 4 Year
Pepperdine University
Private 4 Year
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=209612 IPEDS survey data for Pacific University.
Last updated February 24, 2024