Academics
The University of Portland is a smaller Catholic school with "manageable class sizes," a "strong core curriculum," and "great financial aid." You'll find an "awesome" engineering program, "very good" majors in the hard sciences, and "a highly reputable nursing program" here. There are "lots of study abroad opportunities" as well, including a full academic year in Salzburg that involves art history and pit stops in a host of glorious cities. The generally "caring and interested" faculty receives high marks. "I have had some not-so-good professors, but most of them have been fantastic," relates a nursing major. "They're really excited if you're just as interested in what their teaching as they are," explains an English major. "Most of the professors are really knowledgeable and able to communicate their experience and the information in ways that keep it interesting and keep students involved." "My theology professor swears a lot," notes a guileless first-year student. "I love it." "Professors are very approachable" as well. "Most are available a considerable amount of time outside of the classroom," reports a math major.
Student Body
Students here tend to come "from the suburbs of Portland and small communities around the Pacific Northwest." Ethnic diversity isn't great, but we've certainly seen worse. There is a noticeable contingent of Pacific Islanders. On the whole, these undergrads are "welcoming," "outdoorsy," "conscientious of the environment," and "committed to their education." "There are a lot of rich kids," observes a junior, "the kind who went to college because it's the next step." Politically, "most students are very liberal." Students tell us they "love the fact that UP is not a large university and there is a greater sense of community here" than you'll find at some big state school. At the same time, it's an "eclectic student body." "There are all sorts of crowds here so it's impossible not to fit in," usually "via clothing style." You'll find everything from athletes; "wonderfully nerdy" science and engineering majors; and "very, very religious" "ultra-Catholic types." "Indie rockers and hipsters are in paradise." "You name it," notes a first-year student, "there's going to be several students on campus that like it."
Campus Life
There's plenty to do on this vibrant campus "in its own little corner of Portland" "right on the bluff" of the Willamette River. "The school holds events all the time." "Going to the soccer and basketball games is also a great time and a huge draw." "The university organizes events every Saturday night" as well. Some students protest that the administration "is strict with alcohol, drugs, and sex" (especially drugs). Others point out that UP is, after all, a Catholic school. Whatever the case, debauchery is easy enough to find at off-campus house parties and, a little farther away, downtown bars. Students tell us that their location in Portland is a fabulous social perk. "Despite the rain" and some gritty areas, Portland is "an amazing city" "full of laid-back hippies, creative entrepreneurs, and tons of coffee and tea shops." There's "great food" "from around the world" (including the best donuts anywhere). There are "fun little quirks" and "a lot of culture." "The scenery is stunning." "People like to be outside" running, or hiking, or biking. "The coast is about an hour" away as well, and Mount Hood offers good skiing and snowboarding.
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