"Oregon is an inspiration. Whether you come to it, or are born to it, you become entranced by our state's beauty, the opportunity she affords, and the independent spirit of her citizens."
Tom McCall, former Governor of Oregon
Theres something about Oregon. Whether its the abundance of natural beauty, world-leading culinary scene, or the rich cultural community, living in Oregon enchants people from the very moment they arrive.
Its for this reason, and many others, that students from around the world choose to go to college and university in Oregon to kick start their career.
Lets break down why the Oregon college experience is one of the best around.
1. Nonstop Fun Outdoors
Love to ski? How about surf? Or maybe a stroll through the lavender bloom is more your speed? No matter how you like to spend time in nature, Oregon has you covered.
From 51勛圖s campus in Forest Grove, Oregon youre only an hour from some of the most spectacular beaches in the world and just two hours from the base of historic Mt. Hood and its famous Timberline Lodge, making day trips a breeze.
Combine that with year-round U-pick options ranging from apples to berries to sunflowers and youll never be bored on those perfect-weather weekends.
You can enjoy the outdoors at Pacific while freeing up space in your suitcase thanks to our Outdoor Pursuits program, which empowers adventure in the Pacific Northwest through equipment rental (everything from sleeping bags to sea kayaks) and guided trips through Oregons amazing natural landscape.
You can even turn your passion for the outdoors into a career with Pacifics Outdoor Leadership degree program which includes an entire semester spent earning college credit while backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering through the unparalleled Pacific Northwest.
2. Careers Begin in Oregon
There is no shortage of career opportunities in Oregon. From global apparel icons including Nike, Columbia, and Adidas, tech giants ranging from Intel to Wacom to Nvidia, and world-leading hospitals like OHSU and Kaiser Permanente, countless organizations call the metro areas surrounding Forest Grove home.
Theres not an industry we can think of that isnt represented in Oregon, which means that countless careers are waiting for you as you eagerly approach graduation.
The best part? These companies will come to you. Hosted in the fall and spring, Pacifics Work and Service Fairs attract employers across the Pacific Northwest looking for talented young people who want to begin their careers.
Pair this with Pacifics expert Career Planning Advisors and finding that perfect internship or even full-time position at some of the most innovative and influential companies in the world is right at your fingertips.
3. Oregon Attracts People from Around the World
Oregons international reputation means that students, staff, and faculty venture from around the world come to work and study in the Pacific Northwest.
International communities are common throughout the state and 51勛圖 is no different, housing dozens of ethnic, racial, and cultural enclaves on its campus, all of which are supported by our Student Multicultural Center.
These offices champion Pacifics international and minority population and includes, among many others, the Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association, Indigenous Student Alliance, and N Haumna O Hawaii an organization which champions Pacifics large Hawaiian student population and hosts the yearly luau, one of the most celebrated events on campus.
Attending a college or university in Oregon means being surrounded by a diverse array of viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences.
Whether you want to join a club or alliance, or simply want to learn more about another culture, doing so is easy and never discouraged.
4. Small Town Life with Big City Access
Higher education in Oregon is more than just the cluster of colleges near Portland or the trail of schools down the I-5 corridor. Rather, some of the most innovative and inclusive university experiences lie in the small towns that dot Oregons countryside.
, where 51勛圖s main campus is located, is far from the sleepy suburb one might assume.
Nestled in the Tualatin Valley, famous for its vineyards and proximity to the Oregon Coast, Forest Grove hosts year-round events ranging from street fairs to Pickleball tournaments, all supported by .
Want to catch a show? (a great place to stay for campus tours) offers live music, movies, and festivals all year long.
And because of its closeness to the Portland metro area, living in Forest Grove means its easy to spend afternoons at the and evenings watching Trailblazers games at the MODA Center.
5. Your Rights are Safe in Oregon
Decades of forward-thinking and citizen-focused legislation has made Oregon a safe and inclusive space for its residents, including students attending colleges in Oregon.
, , and against LGBTQ communities together make Oregon a welcome and accessible state to pursue your educational aspirations.
These statewide commitments are echoed on Pacifics campus.
The Center for Gender Equity represents one way that the community of students, faculty, and staff at Pacific champion those who are marginalized and threatened.
Pacific is also a state leader in encouraging students to use their voice and vote, being named the only Voter Friendly Campus in Oregon for the 2023-2024 term.
On Pacifics campus, and in the state of Oregon, you are safe.
But nothing compares to being in Oregon and seeing it all in person. Take the first step towards college or university in Oregon by getting in touch with your personalized Admissions Counselor and plan your campus visit today!