Pacific vs Whittier College Introduction
Choosing the right college is a crucial decision for students and their families. In this comparison, we’ll examine Pacific University and Whittier College – two reputable institutions in the United States. We’ll explore their costs, admissions, academics, and other aspects to help you make an informed choice.
Pacific Overview
Pacific University is a private institution located in Forest Grove, Oregon, with additional campuses in Hillsboro, Eugene, and Woodburn. Founded in 1849, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, covering liberal arts and sciences, education, business, optometry, and health professions. With a small class size and a strong emphasis on experiential learning, Pacific University aims to provide a personalized, hands-on education for its students.
Pacific Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Pacific University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $47,574 for full-time undergraduate students. Additional fees, room, and board bring the total estimated cost of attendance to $62,804 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with over 90% of students receiving some form of assistance, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Pacific Admissions
Admission to Pacific University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 84%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay. Additional factors, such as extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation, are also considered. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.66, while the middle 50% of SAT and ACT scores range from 1080-1310 and 21-29, respectively.
Pacific Degrees Offered
Pacific University offers over 74 undergraduate majors, with popular programs in business administration, exercise science, psychology, and education. In addition to bachelor’s degrees, the university also offers graduate programs in areas like education, health professions, and optometry. Students can choose from various interdisciplinary and pre-professional programs to tailor their education according to their interests and career goals.
Pacific Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, Pacific University provides a personalized learning experience for its students. Professors are dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging academic environment, leading to a freshman retention rate of 79%. Pacific also offers numerous research, internship, and study abroad opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Pacific Diversity
Pacific University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion among its students, faculty, and staff. Around 40% of the undergraduate student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority, with international students representing over 20 countries. The university offers various clubs and organizations that celebrate different cultures and identities, as well as resources and support services for underrepresented students.
Pacific Students
Pacific University enrolls around 3,500 students, with about 1,900 undergraduates and 1,600 graduate students. The campus community is tight-knit, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events that foster a sense of belonging and engagement. Athletics play a significant role in student life, with 24 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference.
Pacific Campus
The main campus of Pacific University is located in Forest Grove, a small, safe town just 25 miles from Portland. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces. Students can also take advantage of the nearby metropolitan area for internships, cultural experiences, and entertainment.
Pacific Alumni
Pacific University has a strong alumni network, with over 26,000 graduates working in various fields across the globe. Notable alumni include Emmy Award-winning journalist Ann Curry, former Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh, and Olympic gold medalist swimmer Duke Kahanamoku.
Pacific Rankings
Pacific University is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2021 edition, the university was ranked #22 in Regional Universities West and #19 in Best Value Schools.
Pacific Outcomes
Graduates of Pacific University enjoy a strong track record of success, with 94% of undergraduate alumni employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation. The university also boasts a 97% acceptance rate for students applying to health profession programs and a 100% pass rate for optometry board exams.
Whittier College Overview
Whittier College is a private liberal arts institution located in Whittier, California. Established in 1887, the college offers undergraduate and graduate programs in over 30 majors, including business administration, psychology, sociology, and biology. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary and experiential learning, Whittier College is dedicated to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and global perspectives among its students.
Whittier College Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition at Whittier College is $49,726 for full-time undergraduate students. Additional fees, room, and board bring the total estimated cost of attendance to $66,012 per year. Approximately 99% of students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Whittier College Admissions
Admission to Whittier College is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 76%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay. Letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities are also considered. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.62, while the middle 50% of SAT and ACT scores range from 1000-1250 and 19-25, respectively.
Whittier College Degrees Offered
Whittier College offers over 30 undergraduate majors, as well as graduate programs in education and business. Students can also participate in interdisciplinary programs, self-designed majors, and pre-professional tracks to customize their education. The college is especially known for its Whittier Scholars Program, which allows students to create their own major and course of study.
Whittier College Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Whittier College offers a personalized and engaging learning environment. The college is committed to providing hands-on experiences, including research, internships, and study abroad opportunities. The freshman retention rate at Whittier is 82%, indicating a high level of student satisfaction with the academic experience.
Whittier College Diversity
Whittier College is a diverse and inclusive campus, with approximately 63% of the undergraduate student body identifying as a racial or ethnic minority. Students represent over 25 countries, and the college is dedicated to fostering an environment where all students feel welcome and supported. Resources, support services, and cultural clubs and organizations are available to help students of all backgrounds succeed.
Whittier College Students
Whittier College has a total enrollment of around 1,700 students, with approximately 1,600 undergraduates and 100 graduate students. The college offers a vibrant campus life, with over 90 clubs and organizations and an active Greek system. Whittier also has 21 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division III Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Whittier College Campus
The 74-acre campus of Whittier College is located in beautiful Southern California, just 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Students can enjoy a picturesque campus setting while taking advantage of the cultural, entertainment, and internship opportunities available in the nearby metropolitan area.
Whittier College Alumni
Whittier College boasts a strong alumni network, with over 17,000 graduates working in various fields around the world. Notable alumni include former U.S. President Richard Nixon, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Sharon Olds, and Emmy Award-winning actress Andrea Barber.
Whittier College Rankings
In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings, Whittier College was ranked #112 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #103 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Whittier College Outcomes
Whittier College graduates have a strong record of success, with 90% of alumni employed or attending graduate school within one year of graduation. The college also has a high acceptance rate for students applying to medical and law schools.
Pacific vs Whittier College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Pacific University and Whittier College, it’s essential to consider the total cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Pacific’s total estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year is $62,804, while Whittier College’s is $66,012. Financial aid is available at both institutions, with over 90% of students at Pacific and 99% of students at Whittier receiving some form of assistance.
Pacific vs Whittier College Admissions Difficulty
Both Pacific University and Whittier College have moderately selective admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 84% and 76%, respectively. The average high school GPA of admitted students at Pacific is 3.66, while at Whittier, it’s 3.62. The middle 50% of SAT scores for Pacific range from 1080-1310, and for Whittier, they range from 1000-1250. For the ACT, the middle 50% of scores at Pacific range from 21-29, and at Whittier, they range from 19-25. Overall, Pacific University appears to have slightly more competitive admissions criteria than Whittier College.
Pacific vs Whittier College Academic Difficulty
When comparing the academic rigor of Pacific University and Whittier College, it’s essential to consider factors such as student-to-faculty ratio and the range of programs offered. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 at Pacific and 12:1 at Whittier, both institutions provide a personalized and engaging learning experience for their students. Both schools also offer a wide range of majors and opportunities for interdisciplinary study. The freshman retention rate at Pacific is 79%, while at Whittier, it’s 82%. These rates indicate a high level of student satisfaction with the academic experience at both institutions.
Pacific vs Whittier College Outcome Comparison
The outcomes for graduates of Pacific University and Whittier College are strong, with 94% of Pacific alumni and 90% of Whittier alumni employed or attending graduate school within six months to one year of graduation. Pacific has a 97% acceptance rate for students applying to health profession programs and a 100% pass rate for optometry board exams. Whittier College also has a high acceptance rate for students applying to medical and law schools. Both institutions offer extensive support services and resources to help students succeed in their chosen fields.
In conclusion, both Pacific University and Whittier College are reputable institutions with strong academic programs and outcomes. When considering factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, and academic rigor, it’s essential to determine which school best aligns with your needs, goals, and financial situation. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision about which college is the right fit for you.
