TUALATIN, OR – The Alliance and its undergraduate private, nonprofit college and university members welcomed nearly 1,100 student visits during Oregon Private College Week (OPCW) July 24-28, 2023. Demonstrating the growing appeal of independent higher education, the event saw a nearly 10% increase in student visits compared to the previous year. Notably, prospective students and their networks travelled from 28 different states, showcasing the allure of Oregon’s private colleges and universities. Among the attendees, less than half of visiting students were Oregon residents, underscoring the widespread appeal these Alliance member institutions hold. Impressively, even international candidates journeyed from places like Japan and The Netherlands to explore the offerings of Oregon’s esteemed private educational institutions.
A pivotal aspect of OPCW is the inclusion of various community-based college access programs, which serve as instrumental platforms for fostering educational opportunities. This year, Alliance campuses welcomed students from community-based college access programs such as Oregon GEAR UP, Latino Network, and ProjectYouth+. The week-long event facilitated engaging campus visits, allowing participants to delve into academic programs, financial aid options, interactive discussions with admissions personnel and current students, and comprehensive campus tours.
The member campuses who participated, include:
- Bushnell University
- Corban University
- George Fox University
- Lewis & Clark College
- Linfield University
- Multnomah University
- Pacific Northwest College of Art
- Pacific University
- Reed College
- University of Portland
- Warner Pacific University
- Willamette University
The next iteration of Oregon Private College Week, July 29 – August 2, 2024, holds the promise of welcoming an even greater number of prospective students, alongside valued community partners, as Oregon’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities continue to exemplify excellence in education and inclusivity.
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The Alliance is comprised of 12 private, nonprofit, independent colleges and universities. These institutions deliver high-quality experiential learning with high-impact teaching strategies. The Alliance is the collective voice of private education in public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.oaicu.org or email info@oaicu.org.