TUALATIN, OR — This week and next mark the start of a new academic year across the 11 campuses of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance). From scenic campuses surrounded by natural beauty to those rooted in bustling urban centers, thousands of students are returning—or arriving for the first time—to campuses dedicated to academic excellence, personal growth, and meaningful community engagement.
Below are the official start dates for each Alliance member campus:
- Bushnell University | August 25
- Corban University | August 25
- George Fox University | August 25
- Lewis & Clark College | September 2
- Linfield University | August 25
- Pacific University | August 25
- Reed College | September 2
- University of Portland | August 25
- Warner Pacific University | August 25
- Western Seminary | August 30
- Willamette University | August 25
All Alliance member institutions share a common goal: providing transformative educational experiences that prepare students for success in today’s world. These colleges and universities are known for combining academic rigor with personalized learning environments—often characterized by small class sizes and strong faculty-student engagement.
Affordability and access remain top priorities across The Alliance. Member institutions offer a wide array of financial aid options, including Institutional Aid, the Oregon Opportunity Grant, Oregon’s Need-Based Scholarship, and the Federal Pell Grant, making private higher education more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
For many students, like Selena Ayala Villegas, the decision to attend an Alliance institution goes beyond academics. “I chose this institution for its ideal location and commitment to small class sizes, which creates a close-knit learning environment where I can truly connect with professors and peers,” said Villegas, a first-generation college student majoring in public health. “I’m passionate about helping my community navigate the healthcare system. I’ve seen firsthand the barriers to accessing care, and I want to be part of the solution.”
As the new academic year begins, The Alliance campuses are filled with anticipation, energy, and a shared commitment to helping students thrive. From the first day of class to graduation and beyond, these institutions are focused on empowering students to make a difference—in their careers, in their communities, and in the world.
About The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance)
The Alliance’s mission is to advocate for and nimbly serve their member institutions – regionally accredited, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in Oregon – by responding promptly and flexibly to their evolving needs, fostering collaboration and increasing organizational capacity, and championing the transformative power of independent, nonprofit higher education. For more information, visit www.oaicu.org or email info@oaicu.org.