| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.55 |
| Liaison | Michelle Larkins |
| Submission Date | Dec. 20, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Pacific University
PA-7: Affordability and Access
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.55 / 4.00 |
Narce
Rodriguez Chief Officer, EDI Student Affairs |
Does the institution have policies and programs to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
A brief description of any policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students:
We offer application fee waivers to low-income students.
In addition to institutional merit scholarship programs, the University has a generous need-based undergraduate financial aid program that supports students who otherwise could not afford a Pacific education. The University uses the federal need analysis formula provided by the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based institutional funds, and participates in all federal Title IV student financial assistance programs. In addition, low income residents of Oregon who are eligible for the Oregon Opportunity Grant can utilize the grant at Pacific. Pacific is the recipient of a five year National Science Foundation STEM grant, which allows Pacific to meet the full demonstrated need of low income students who choose to study in the STEM fields at Pacific.
A brief description of any programs to equip the institution’s faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:
Through our Forest Grove undergraduate Advising Center we have started a group to support first generation students. There is a place for first generation students to share their story. We also have connections with Head Start and College First to offer high school students from low-income families help.
A brief description of the institution’s programs to guide and prepare students and families from low-income backgrounds for higher education:
We have changed our summer registration program so that our business and financial aid departments now spend significant time with all of our incoming students and their families to counsel them for ways to fund education. This has especially helped our students from low-income families.
A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:
Pacific University is committed to not only assisting minorities in readiness and college search support but also financially. Students who have strong academic records are eligible for considerable financial assistance directly from the university ranging from $12,000 to $24,000 a year for 4 years. Pacific also offers many scholarships in recognition of the partnerships mentioned to provide financial support to facilitate successful enrollment and retention of students served, through their graduation from Pacific. This financial support is in the form of free scholarship money for tuition and in some cases room and board. Additionally we successfully initiated access to need-based institutional financial aid for undocumented students as an enhancement to previous financial aid practices, here at Pacific.
o National Science Foundation STEM Grants: available to low income students majoring in (or intending to major in) STEM fields
o Adelante Mujeres Award: available to low income students (or dependents of women) who have received services or support through the Adelante Chicas program
o Black United Front Scholarship: available to low income students served by the Black United Front
o Early College High School Award: available to low income graduates of the Beaverton and Hillsboro School Districts’ Early College High School program at Participating Portland Community College campuses
o Future Connect Next Steps Scholarship: available to low income students successfully completing their AAOT through the Future Connect program at participating Portland Community College campuses
o Jefferson Middle College Award: available to low income students graduating from Jefferson Middle College in Portland, Oregon
A brief description of the institution’s targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:
The financial aid director provides financial aid workshops in area high schools that serve low income populations (Hillsboro, Banks, Gaston, Forest Grove, North Portland, North Salem), including FAFSA nights to help families complete financial aid applications and presentations on financial aid resources, application processes and financial literacy.
A brief description of the institution’s other policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:
We have changed our summer registration program so that our business and financial aid departments now spend significant time with all of our incoming students and their families to counsel them for ways to fund education.
Does the institution have policies and programs to support non-traditional students?:
A brief description of the institution’s scholarships provided specifically for part-time students:
All students are considered for merit and need-based institutional funding based on their admission application and results of the FAFSA. Students who choose to be part-time are eligible to have merit and need based funding pro-rated, based on the number of semester hours attempted.
A brief description of the institution’s on-site child care facility, partnership with a local facility, and/or subsidies or financial support to help meet the child care needs of students:
A brief description of the institution’s other policies and programs to support non-traditional students:
We have an Office of Transfer Student Support (OTSS), that works to support students who are coming from local community colleges. We have recently opened a Veteran's Resource Center.
Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (tracking accessibility and affordability)? (If data is not available, select 'No'):
The percentage of entering students that are low-income (0-100):
The graduation/success rate for low-income students (0-100):
On average, the percentage of need that was met for students who were awarded any need-based aid (e.g. as reported to the U.S. Common Data Set initiative, item H2) (0-100):
The percentage of students graduating with no interest-bearing student loan debt or for whom no out-of-pocket tuition is required (i.e. the percentage of graduates who have not taken out interest-bearing loans) (0-100):
Estimated percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students (0-100):
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.