Linfield University admits 87.9% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive admission offers. This open access approach places Linfield among the most accessible private universities in the United States. The peer median admission rate of 75.6% shows that Linfield admits students at significantly higher rates than comparable institutions, with 12.3 percentage points higher acceptance rates. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, creating opportunities for diverse student populations who might face challenges at more selective institutions. Students should view Linfield as a strong foundation choice when building college lists, particularly those seeking accessible admission combined with demonstrated career outcomes. The open admission policy reflects the institution's commitment to broad educational access while maintaining academic standards through other mechanisms. For students concerned about admission uncertainty at highly selective schools, Linfield represents a reliable pathway to quality higher education with proven post-graduation results.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Linfield University enrolls a moderately diverse student body that reflects its accessible admission approach. The institution serves 28.3% Pell-eligible students and 30.3% first-generation students, indicating meaningful representation from lower-income and first-in-family college backgrounds. Additionally, 30.4% of students transfer from other institutions, suggesting strong appeal for students seeking to change academic direction or complete degrees elsewhere. This composition indicates admission practices that welcome students from varied educational and economic backgrounds, though the Pell share remains below the national average for all institutions. The transfer student population suggests institutional expertise in supporting students with diverse academic histories and career goals. Geographic diversity and other demographic factors are not reported, but the overall student composition reflects an institution that balances accessibility with academic standards. Students from first-generation backgrounds should note that nearly one in three enrolled students shares their experience, creating peer networks and institutional understanding of their unique needs. The substantial transfer population indicates successful pathways for students seeking to complete their education or explore new academic directions through Linfield's programs.
With an 87.9% acceptance rate, Linfield University should be accessible to most academically prepared students. However, students seeking different options may consider these alternatives.
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Linfield University demonstrates solid retention and completion outcomes that exceed peer institution performance. 78.9% of freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 74.0%, indicating effective first-year support systems. The six-year graduation rate reaches 65.1%, substantially higher than the peer median of 54.9%, showing the institution's effectiveness in supporting degree completion. Notably, Pell-eligible students graduate at 70.0%, creating a positive 4.9 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. This reverse gap is unusual and indicates exceptionally strong support systems for lower-income students, who often face additional challenges in degree completion. The higher completion rates for Pell students suggest institutional programs and resources specifically designed to support student success across economic backgrounds. These retention and graduation patterns indicate that students who enroll at Linfield University can expect comprehensive support throughout their academic journey. Prospective students should view these completion metrics as strong indicators of institutional commitment to student success, particularly for those from lower-income backgrounds who often benefit from additional support structures during their college experience.
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