About Reed College
The financial picture requires careful consideration. While tuition reaches $67,020, the average student pays a net price of $39,951 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $62,927 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,500 manageable for most. Monthly loan payments average $228, which represents a reasonable investment given Reed's strong employment outcomes.
Reed's student body skews female at 58% and draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 9% of students coming from Oregon. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio enables the intense discussions that define Reed's academic culture. About 85% of students return for their sophomore year, though the demanding curriculum means only 76% graduate in four years.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 94.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 77.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 75.9%
- Retention Rate
- 85.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,927
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $18,771 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $16,874 |
Campus Life
The campus buzzes with intellectual intensity that matches Reed's famously rigorous academics. Students gather in the library until late hours, debating everything from philosophy to physics. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, conversations with professors extend well beyond classroom walls. Weekends often center around campus parties known for their creative themes and inclusive atmosphere. The Honor Principle governs student life, creating a culture of trust and self-governance. Students frequently venture into Portland for concerts, food carts, and outdoor activities in the nearby Cascade Mountains. The college's 85.79% retention rate reflects how students embrace this demanding but supportive environment. Reed attracts students who thrive on academic challenge and value learning for its own sake rather than grades.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,149 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1908
Campus Safety (2023)
65 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 16 | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–46°F
- July Avg
- 57°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.7%
- Women
- 58.4%
- White
- 59.8%
- Black
- 1.4%
- Hispanic
- 12.0%
- Asian
- 8.5%
- In-State Students
- 9.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 12.3%
Location
- Address
- Portland, Oregon 97202-8199
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,927
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,263
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Reed College?
Reed College accepts 30.8% of applicants, making it moderately selective among liberal arts colleges. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1320-1500 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation for attracting academically serious students who thrive in its no-grades environment.
How much does Reed College cost after financial aid?
Reed College costs $84,890 for total attendance, but the average net price drops to $39,951 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $19,418 on average, while the college provides institutional grants averaging $47,864 to help offset the steep sticker price.
What makes Reed College's academic program unique?
Reed College operates without traditional grades, instead using detailed written evaluations to foster pure learning over grade competition. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, the college emphasizes rigorous intellectual discourse and critical thinking, creating an environment where academic debate is part of daily campus culture.
What do Reed College graduates earn after college?
Reed College graduates earn a median of $62,927 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong long-term career outcomes despite the school's focus on liberal arts over pre-professional training. The 75.9% six-year graduation rate shows that while Reed's academic intensity challenges students, most successfully complete their degrees.
Where do Reed College students live and study?
Reed College houses 1,149 students on its Portland campus, accommodating most of the 1,407 total enrollment in residence halls. The urban setting in Portland provides cultural opportunities while the small size creates an intimate academic community where students know their professors personally.
Is Reed College known for producing famous alumni?
Reed College has produced notable figures including Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, author Barbara Ehrenreich, and poet Gary Snyder. The college's emphasis on unconventional thinking and intellectual risk-taking has cultivated graduates who challenge established norms across various fields.
