Pacific University and Willamette University Exploring Merger to Create Oregon's Largest Private College

‘Oregon’s largest private university’: Pacific, Willamette announce intent to merge

Pacific University and Willamette University have announced their intent to merge, which if finalized, would create the state’s largest private university with a combined student body of 6,00…

Willamette, Pacific universities to merge, forming Oregon’s largest private university

Willamette University is on State Street in Salem. (Photo by Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)Salem Reporter originally published this article.  Students from Willamette University and Pacific University have competed against each other in debate and football almost as long as Oregon has been a state. Now, leaders of the two universities intend to merge Oregon’s two oldest universities into what would become the state’s largest private higher edu…

Willamette and Pacific Universities Plan Merger

Pacific University and Willamette University have signed a letter of intent to merge, pending approval, which would create the largest private institution in Oregon if the deal is finalized. Together the two institutions have a collective study body of about 6,000 students.

Willamette, Pacific universities announce plan to merge

Oregon’s two oldest private universities say their plan to consolidate will benefit students, the state’s workforce and help future-proof the institutions.

Two of Oregon’s oldest colleges may join forces

If a merger is approved, Willamette University and Pacific University would become the University of the Northwest.

Pacific University and Willamette University exploring merger to create Oregon's largest private college

Both colleges, founded in the 1840s, acknowledge that headwinds in education are a factor in their strategy.