Multnomah University: 53.4% Acceptance Rate

53.4%Acceptance

$30,310Tuition

329Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,939Earnings

#14 in OregonPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Multnomah University

Multnomah University builds Christian leaders through biblical education and practical ministry training. The Portland campus serves 329 students who come primarily for the school's strong biblical studies and ministry preparation programs. Founded in 1936, this small Christian university maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for close mentoring relationships between professors and students. The school draws students from across the country, with only 37.5% coming from Oregon.

Students pay an average net price of $23,866 after financial aid, with 82% taking federal loans. Graduates earn a median of $47,939 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $20,250 with monthly payments around $215. The employment rate reaches 92.3%, though the financial return requires patience as early career earnings start lower at $34,246 one year out.

The student body reflects significant diversity, with 36.8% white students, 18.8% Hispanic, and 14.6% Black students. However, the school faces retention challenges with only 34.4% of students returning for their sophomore year. The 50.8% six-year graduation rate suggests that students who stay typically complete their degrees, but the low retention indicates the intense ministry focus isn't for everyone.

Academics & Faculty

Multnomah University operates as a private Christian institution specializing in biblical studies, theology, and ministry preparation. The school maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students personally. However, only 44% of students graduate within four years, and the retention rate sits at just 34%, suggesting many students struggle to persist through their programs. The university's biblical studies and pastoral ministry programs draw students seeking careers in church leadership and Christian education. With 329 total students, classes remain small and discussion-focused. The Christian worldview integration across disciplines means students examine academic subjects through a faith-based lens rather than pursuing purely secular education.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 44.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.8%
Retention Rate: 34.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,939
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$28,236
Bible/Biblical Studies.	Bachelor	$25,658

View all 35 programs →

Campus Life

Portland's rain defines much of campus life at this Christian university where only 320 students can live on campus despite 329 total enrollment. The retention rate of 34.44% reflects significant student turnover in this tight-knit community. Students bundle up in rain jackets rather than winter coats, navigating between classes in Oregon's famously drizzly weather. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss chapel services.

Weekend life revolves around Portland's coffee culture and outdoor activities when the rain breaks. With 62.50% of students coming from out-of-state, many stick around campus rather than heading home. The diverse student body includes 36.78% white students, 18.84% Hispanic students, and 14.59% Black students who gather for small group Bible studies and community service projects. Students often venture into Portland's food truck scene or explore the nearby Columbia River Gorge. The intimate campus size means social circles overlap frequently, creating a family-like atmosphere where the 50.80% graduation rate reflects both academic challenges and close mentoring relationships.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 320 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1936

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–46°F
July Avg: 56°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.5"
Annual Snowfall: -1,552.4"

Student Demographics

Multnomah draws a diverse student body that reflects Portland's multicultural character and the university's Christian mission of service. Nearly two-thirds of students come from outside Oregon, showing the school's appeal beyond state borders despite its small size of just 329 students. The student body is almost evenly split between men and women, with a male edge that likely reflects strong programs in ministry and biblical studies. With nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants, Multnomah serves many first-generation college students seeking affordable Christian higher education in the Pacific Northwest.

Men: 55.0%
Women: 45.0%
White: 36.8%
Black: 14.6%
Hispanic: 18.8%
Asian: 4.6%
In-State Students: 37.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.4%

Location

Multnomah University sits in Portland, Oregon's urban landscape, serving 329 students in the Pacific Northwest's largest city. The campus operates within a metropolitan area of over 2.4 million residents. Portland's reputation for progressive culture, craft brewing, and environmental consciousness creates a unique backdrop for this Christian university. The city offers extensive public transportation, walkable neighborhoods, and access to both Mount Hood skiing and Oregon Coast beaches within two hours. Students enjoy year-round mild temperatures and the region's outdoor recreation opportunities. The university draws 62.5% of its students from out-of-state, reflecting Portland's appeal to young adults nationwide. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Multnomah University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Portland, Oregon 97220

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,939
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,365
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 67.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $215/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Multnomah University?

Multnomah University accepts 53.38% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. The average SAT score is 1135, with most admitted students scoring between 1050 and 1220.

How much does Multnomah University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $23,866 after aid, lower than the full cost of attendance of $42,810. About 47% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating many come from lower-income families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Multnomah University?

The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, providing small class sizes for the 329 enrolled students. This Christian university emphasizes personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between faculty and students.

What are the graduation rates at Multnomah University?

Only 44% of students graduate in four years, with the six-year rate at 51%. The retention rate of 34% is low, suggesting many students transfer or leave before completing their degree.

Where is Multnomah University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Portland, Oregon, with housing capacity for 320 students in a city known for its progressive culture. About 38% of students come from Oregon, while the rest experience Portland's active urban environment.

What kind of earnings can graduates expect from Multnomah University?

Ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $47,939, with graduates typically carrying $20,250 in debt. The employment rate reaches 92.3%, though earnings start lower at $34,246 one year after graduation.