About University of Portland

Founded in 1901, University of Portland. is a Private college. Located in Oregon, which is a city setting in Oregon, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 3,798 full time undergraduate students, and 585 full time graduate students.

The University of Portland Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 253 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Portland include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate61%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range1080-1300
ACT Range

Admissions at UP are considered Selective, with ,54% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 8 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

97% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 78% were in the top quarter, and 46% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Portland.

4%
“We”re apathetic”
21%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
11%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
7%
“We save it for the classroom”
11%
“Sometimes, but not often”
64%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
29%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
71%
“I feel extremely safe”
29%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
43%
“We bought the gear”
29%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
11%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
75%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
7%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
54%
“They keep regular office hours”
46%
“They”re always available”
89%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
11%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
18%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
64%
“We only party on weekends”
14%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
75%
“There might be people who do”
21%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
4%
“We”re apathetic”
21%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
11%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
7%
“We save it for the classroom”
11%
“Sometimes, but not often”
64%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
29%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
71%
“I feel extremely safe”
29%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
43%
“We bought the gear”
29%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
11%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
75%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
7%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
54%
“They keep regular office hours”
46%
“They”re always available”
89%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
11%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
18%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
64%
“We only party on weekends”
14%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
75%
“There might be people who do”
21%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

University of Portland REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    205 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    172 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    221 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    219 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    219 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 66 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    217 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    219 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    219 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 22 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of University of Portland?

42 Students rated University of Portland

Alexandra - 12/20/2023

A great small, academically focused school. Very safe and beautiful campus with lots to get involved in. Small, but fun party scene where I always felt safe. I had a meal plan for four years and loved the food on campus. Lots of off campus housing opportunities. The dorms are a mix, some old buildings and some brand new and stunning. Not much in walkable distance surrounding the school but there are busses and friends with cars. I loved going to school here.

Rema - 08/21/2023

It is an amazing school with caring staff and caring alumni. I am proud to be a part of this school, as their programs and clubs are one of a kind and are very inclusive. Students can grow as people and become very knowledgeable about subjects they might not have been interested in before. Learning here is fun.

Sarah - 11/23/2021

If you are a white, straight, Catholic man, then this school is perfect for you. My years at the University of Portland, however, were some of the most traumatic of my life. For context, I am a white woman, present as straight, and am not Catholic. I was ostracized for not being a church-goer, sexually abused and told it was my fault, stalked by male students (no action was taken when I told the school). In the classroom, my public speaking professor actively lectured on how women are incapable of being as respected as men. And when I was a student (2010-2014), the school literally said that they would not update their policy to say they would not discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation. Care for mental health and physical wellbeing at the school is also abysmal. The university covers up suicides and they have a horrific policy for handling severe mental health situations. To just give one example, I am aware of a student who was caught showing suicidal tendencies and the school kicked this student off campus and made all of their close friends sign an NDA saying they would not talk to him or anyone else about his mental health. I cannot stress enough how this school is only suited for a very specific subset of people. Attending the University of Portland was one of my greatest regrets in life—not just socially, but also academically.

Charly - 03/06/2021

I have met some great teachers and the campus is very beautiful but I’m overall not satisfied with the school, how they handled COVID, or some of the programs they talked up during admissions, such as studying abroad. The school is much more catholic than it seems on tours and there is a lack of mental health support.

University of Portland FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of Portland?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Portland is 61%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    College is a special experience that everyone should get a chance to partake in. I would tell my high school senior self that the transition I am about to experience will come and go in the blink of an eye. You will also no longer have anyone to tell you what to do. This may sound like a dream come true at first but it won't take long for you to realize that your parents deserve a huge thank you. Afterall, they are the ones who have had the patience to prepare you for solving your own problems and making yourself into the smart, independent young adult that college requires you to be. In order to survive the college experience, you have to go into it with the willingness to work really hard and put yourself out there. You should work hard for not only your family but yourself. When things get stressful, just remind yourslef how far you have come. Also, realize that this is a rare opportunity to meet so many different kinds of people. You know you have found the right combination when they not only enhance your social life but challenge you academically as well.

    Read all  347 answers
  3. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    The University of Portland could be descrided as a small catholic institution, where students are dedicated to their studies, community, and school involvement, with the opportunity to foster long lasting relationships with students and faculty alike.

    Read all  75 answers
  4. What's unique about your campus?

    University of Portland is a small school, about 3,500 students. I love the small size because I can regonize many classmates and friends just walking around on campus. Everyone always seems friendly, outgoing and open to new experiences. Students know how to balance their life and stay dedicated to their studies. I can usually find a productive study group in the library for helpful, academic support. Professors sincerely care about students and express a true passion for teaching. The food service offers a healthy, fresh variety of delicious food. They buy from local venders and maintain sustainable practices.

    Read all  69 answers
  5. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are intelligent, diverse, fun individuals who strive to learn all they can and do their best in each task they take on.

    Read all  66 answers
  6. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    The environment is what set my school from other schools I considered apart. It felt "right" when I first stepped on campus: small, tight-knit community with a big generous heart. The people were down-to-earth. Student workers during the summer were approachable, and if not at least acted like they were approachable, and always willing to help me get my way around campus when I needed to finish some last-minute errands before school started. The campus just felt inviting.

    Read all  65 answers
  7. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish that I would have had a better sense of the community at the University of Portland. Community is one of the corner stones of the University contributes to the positive atmosphere on campus. The unique community is created in the small classes, through campus events, and especially in the dorms. I feel that the community at the University of Portland is one of the University’s greatest strengths and effectively compliments its innovative business curriculum.

    Read all  63 answers
  8. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Someone who does not like to be involved should not attend the University of Portland. University of Portland students are very active on campus and around the community. The opportunities for extra-curricular activities are endless!

    Read all  61 answers
  9. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The staff is WAY too involved with the student's personal lives, in that they do not often treat you as an adult. They try to solve your problems and make your decisions for you, instead of respecting yours and helping you make arangements to accomodate them. They are sometimes also very condescending.

    Read all  58 answers
  10. What kind of person should attend this school?

    An energetic person who like faith, service and learning!

    Read all  50 answers
  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    My school is best known for its prestiege. Not many students are accepted, but those who graduate are known to be very intelligent and receive higher job opportunities than just entry level jobs.

    Read all  48 answers
  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The real world experiences I'm getting.

    Read all  46 answers
  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    It's way too expensive

    Read all  38 answers
  14. What are the most popular classes offered?

    Most dreaded mandatory class for graduation: Biblical Traditions... a theology class required by the university of every student. It is very difficult and requires large research papers to be written on topics that no one, or very few students, are very passionate about. Popular classes: (1) Marriage: Social and Ethical Perspectives... this class is a THEP class, meaning theological perspectives. It is taught by two professors, one theology and the other sociology. The class integrates two disciples to teach. (2) Death and Dying... very difficult to get into because nurses are required to take before graduation. Also a THEP class. In order to get into these two classes you have to get on a waiting list and talk to the professor. You can only get into the class by having the professors signature saying you are allowed in. Most popular biology class this semester: Emerging Infectious Disease

    Read all  3 answers
  15. Describe a typical weekend.

    There are many options for weekend activities including: going to a soccer game, taking the MAX downtown, watching a free movie in BC Auditorium, on campus activities, parties, Forest Park, Zoo, mall, and HW.

    Read all  2 answers
  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    The most popular event to go to on campus are soccer games in the fall. Since we do not have a football team, this is what everyone does on Friday or Saturday nights. Boys from Villa, an all boys dorm, paints themselves and brings drums to the game and the stadium is usually almost full.

    Read all  1 answers
  17. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    University of Portland is an average small, Catholic college. There is nothing very special about it except for the Engineering program and historically, the soccer team. The best thing about UP for me is the people. I have tons of good friends in my major, in my class, and from my team. i transferred into UP from LMU, about 5500, so it feels a little small. You know everyone on campus and will notice if there is a visitor. When I lived on campus I spent most of my time in the commons, where on-campus food is served. The library is very old, but they plan to start renovations in the next year. Portland is a great city to live in. It is the perfect mix on city and town. Food carts are popular for students to eat at off campus as they are cheap and have good food. The biggest student complaint recently is about our on-campus food service, Bon Appetit. Our school paper, which is very good, has written many articles and the students are frustrated over the increasing prices and monopoly that the company is forcing students to abide by. Besides that, the school is great, but I definitely wouldn't come here if you are expecting big time football or anything like that.

    Read all  1 answers
  18. What are the academics like at your school?

    I am pursuing a B.S. Biology with a Chemistry minor. UP Biology is probably the largest major within the College of Arts and Sciences. Although UP says that they have a pre-med program, it is very undeveloped and is not useful in preparing a student for Pre-med/ Graduate school. As far as professors I think that it is similar to most schools, you have your good professors and your bad professors. One thing that is nice about UP being small is you get to develop relationships with your professors and they not only get to know your name, but get to know you as a person.

    Read all  1 answers
  19. What's the Greek scene like?

    nonexistent

    Read all  1 answers
  20. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    We have no football team. This doesn't bother me at all because I don't like football at all. Our version of football is soccer, as our girls team consistently makes it to the national tournament and usually is very successful. Basketball is the most popular winter sport, and although the team is historically not good, they are improving. Our XC team, specifically mens, are national contenders every year, but XC isn't a huge spectator sport. I would recommend not coming to UP if team spirit and going to huge football games is something you want to be part of your college experience, but otherwise it is fine.

    Read all  1 answers
  21. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    After I decided to leave LMU I applied to Whitman, Tufts, University of Portland, and Seattle University. I was accepted to all of these schools, but decided to come to UP mainly because of its location in the NW. Although other school I was accepted into were more prestigious, I knew I didn't want to go to the East Coast and Whitman was too rural for me. Portland is perfect because you are not downtown, like Seattle U is, but you have quick access. It takes 10-15 min to get downtown depending where you are going. I also liked the campus and the fact that it is a great place to run. Forest Park, about 3 miles away across the river, offers hours of trail running. Overall I mainly made my decision because of its NW location.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

59%

female

41%

male

3,798

Total Undergrad Enrollment

585

Total Grad Students

75%

Out-Of-State

23%

In-State

2%

International

Organizations

60

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

46%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
12%
% Black or African-American
1%
% Hispanic/Latino
12%
% White or Caucasian
59%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

99% of students attending University of Portland receive some sort of financial aid. 16% were awarded federal grants. While 46% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$44,104

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$864

Books and Supplies

$12,394

Room and Board

57,362

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$21,682
$30 - $48K
$26,038
$48 - $75K
$28,681
$75 - $110K
$34,092
$110K & UP
$34,542

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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