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92.5%Acceptance
$54,900Tuition
3,104Students
80%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$82,804Earnings
#8 in OregonPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About University of Portland

The University of Portland builds engineers and business leaders on a Catholic foundation that emphasizes both faith and science. This 3,104-student campus sits in Oregon's largest city, where the Holy Cross priests have guided education since 1901. Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Olympic runner Steve Prefontaine both called UP home. The engineering program draws students who want hands-on experience in a supportive environment. Business students benefit from Portland's thriving startup scene and corporate headquarters.

Students pay an average net price of $36,371 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $54,900. Graduates earn a median of $82,804 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,370 manageable with monthly payments of $227. The 96.4% employment rate shows employers value UP degrees. Only 18.6% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a largely middle-class student body.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates genuine mentorship opportunities that larger universities cannot match. Women make up 62.8% of the student body. The Pilots compete in Division I athletics within the West Coast Conference, building school spirit around basketball rivalries with Gonzaga. The 83% retention rate reflects students who find their academic and social home on this tight-knit campus.

Academics & Faculty

University of Portland operates as a Catholic research university where students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship and personalized attention. The school's 80% six-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems. Engineering is the flagship program, producing graduates who often enter Portland's thriving tech scene. The business school has gained recognition for producing notable alumni like Nike co-founder Phil Knight. Students pursue rigorous coursework within a values-based framework that emphasizes both faith and science, as reflected in the university's motto "Fides et Scientia." The combination of small class sizes and research opportunities allows undergraduates to work directly with faculty on meaningful projects.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1
Full-Time Faculty
56.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
79.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
80.4%
Retention Rate
83.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$82,804
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $132,866
Computer Science. Bachelor $85,538
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $78,612
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $72,510
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $70,296
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $61,144
Civil Engineering. Bachelor $58,402
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $52,107
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. Bachelor $52,107
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $48,041

View all 64 programs →

Campus Life

This bluff-top campus sits 5 miles from downtown Portland, giving students easy access to the city's food trucks, hiking trails, and quirky neighborhoods. You'll need both a rain jacket and layers since Portland gets about 150 rainy days per year with mild winters and warm, dry summers. About 68% of students live on campus, creating a tight community where professors know your name thanks to the 9:1 student-faculty ratio.

The Catholic identity shapes campus life without being overwhelming. Students gather for weekly masses and service projects, but the 92.5% acceptance rate brings together diverse perspectives from across the country. With 70% of students coming from out-of-state, weekends often mean exploring Portland's Saturday Market, catching Timbers soccer games, or heading to the Oregon coast an hour away. The Pilots compete in Division I sports with 295 student athletes, and basketball games against rival Gonzaga pack the Chiles Center. The small size means you'll recognize faces walking between classes, and study groups often turn into lasting friendships.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
2,112 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1901

Campus Safety (2023)

15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 9 0 0 2
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
37°–46°F
July Avg
57°–80°F
Annual Precipitation
44.1"
Annual Snowfall
3.6"

Student Demographics

Portland draws students from across the West Coast, with about 71% coming from out of state. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the enrollment, reflecting strong programs in nursing, education, and social work alongside engineering and business. The student body is diverse, with 42% identifying as students of color. Only 19% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school primarily serves middle and upper-middle class families. The Catholic identity attracts students seeking faith-based education in a progressive Pacific Northwest setting. Small classes with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio appeal to those wanting personal attention.
Men
37.2%
Women
62.8%
White
41.8%
Black
2.7%
Hispanic
18.4%
Asian
21.3%
In-State Students
29.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.6%

Location

University of Portland sits in Oregon's largest city, home to 650,000 residents in the metro area. The campus occupies a bluff overlooking the Willamette River, just five miles from downtown Portland. Students experience the Pacific Northwest's signature mix of urban culture and outdoor recreation. Portland's reputation for coffee shops, food trucks, and environmental consciousness shapes daily life here. The city's proximity to Mount Hood, the Oregon Coast, and the Columbia River Gorge provides weekend escape options. Women make up 62.76% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong nursing and education programs that appeal to female students. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare University of Portland with similar schools in the region.
Address
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
View from the University of Portland-1
View from the University of Portland-1
WaldschmidtHall
WaldschmidtHall
University of Portland entrance sign
University of Portland entrance sign

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$82,804
Median Earnings (5 years)
$79,327
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$54,900
Loan Repayment Rate
86.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$227/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,370

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Portland?

University of Portland accepts 92.51% of applicants, making it quite accessible for prospective students. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1228 and 1410 on the SAT. This Catholic university attracts students seeking strong engineering and business programs in a close-knit community.

How much does University of Portland cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Portland is $36,371, lower than the full tuition of $54,900. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $24,994. The typical graduate leaves with $21,370 in debt, which is manageable given the strong earning potential.

What is University of Portland known for academically?

University of Portland maintains a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in its respected engineering and business programs. The school has produced notable alumni including Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Olympic runner Steve Prefontaine. Students benefit from the Fides et Scientia motto, which emphasizes faith and science working together.

What are the job prospects after graduating from University of Portland?

University of Portland graduates achieve a 96.4% employment rate within six months of graduation. The median earnings ten years after graduation reach $82,804, reflecting the value of degrees from this Catholic research university. With an 80.40% six-year graduation rate, most students complete their programs successfully.

Where do University of Portland students live on campus?

University of Portland houses 2,112 students in campus residences, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The retention rate of 83% suggests students are satisfied with campus life in Portland's active urban setting. Women make up 62.76% of the student body, contributing to the school's collaborative culture.

Does University of Portland compete in Division I athletics?

University of Portland competes in NCAA Division I as part of the West Coast Conference with 12 varsity sports. The Pilots field 295 total athletes who receive $7.37 million in athletic scholarships combined. The program maintains a rivalry with Gonzaga University and carries on the legacy of legendary runner Steve Prefontaine.