The school was founded in Forest Grove in 1849 by Congregationalist pioneers. Originally the Tualatin Academy, it became Pacific University in 1854 and conferred its first baccalaureate degree in 1863. Today, Pacific University serves more than 3,500 students on its campuses in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Woodburn and Eugene, and also operates a variety of healthcare clinics in the greater Portland area. Students and alumni hail from all 50 states and several countries around the world.