University of Portland

With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, UP emphasizes hands-on learning. Standouts include nursing (a feeder for Oregon Health & Science University), engineering (with a renowned entrepreneurial mindset focus), and business. The College of Arts & Sciences anchors liberal arts, while schools of education and nursing round out professional offerings. Only 5% of students major in social sciences or math—this is a school where pre-professional tracks dominate.

• Notable programs: Shiley School of Engineering, Pamplin School of Business, School of Nursing
• Student-faculty ratio: 11:1
• Unusual fact: No teaching assistants—all classes taught by professors

UP’s 53% on-campus housing rate fosters a residential vibe where dorms become hubs for late-night study sessions and impromptu river-view hangouts. With no Greek life, socializing revolves around 100+ clubs (from outdoor adventure groups to acapella) and Portland’s indie coffee shops. The Catholic identity is present but low-key—students describe campus ministers as 'friendly and non-judgmental,' and nearly half the student body lives off-campus by junior year, often in nearby Alberta Arts District apartments.

• Housing: 53% live on campus
• No Greek life: Reddit threads confirm it’s not a party school
• Quirks: 'The Bluff' campus offers killer views of Mt. Hood and the Willamette River

UP delivers on ROI: its 80% four-year graduation rate is Oregon’s highest, and alumni earn median salaries of $67,913 six years post-graduation (per College Scorecard)—with some sources citing averages as high as $77,017. Nursing and engineering grads particularly thrive, leveraging UP’s strong regional ties. The average debt at graduation is $28,145, slightly below the national average for private schools.

• 4-year grad rate: 80% (best in Oregon)
• Median salary 6 years out: $67,913
• Average debt: $28,145

At $52,322 average aid packages, UP works hard to offset its $34,951 net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. (after scholarships). 62.67% of students receive financial aid, with merit scholarships heavily weighted toward academic performance. The Net Price Calculator suggests most families pay significantly less than sticker price—though it’s still a steep climb for middle-income Oregonians without diocesan scholarships.

• Net price: $34,951
• % receiving aid: 62.67%
• Average aid package: $52,322

UP punches above its weight: a small-school vibe with big-city perks (Portland’s food carts and indie bookstores are 15 minutes away) and rare curricular combos like a theology/engineering dual degree. Its Catholic identity manifests more in service-learning than dogma—think climate justice initiatives partnered with local nonprofits. For West Coast students wanting a collaborative, outdoorsy alternative to Jesuit heavyweights like Santa Clara, UP’s blend of academic rigor and PNW chill is hard to beat.