About

See what students say:

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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Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Jason McDonald
Dean of Admissions

Address
Office of Admissions
5000 North Willamette Blvd.
Portland, OR 972037147

Phone
503-943-7147

Email
admissions@up.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
The Commons
St. Mary's Lounge
Beauchamp Recreation Center
Clark Library
The Anchor

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Downtown Portland
Mt. Hood
Columbia River Gorge
Oregon Coast
St. John's neighborhood

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
M-F
8-5
503-943-7147

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Continuously
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Daily

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department

Advance Notice
1 week

Contact Email Address for Visit
http://www.portlandpilots.com

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Portland International Airport(PDX) bus, taxi, light rail, UP shuttle

Driving Instructions to Campus
From I-5 Northbound From I-5, take the Rosa Parks Way (formerly Portland Blvd.) exit (#304) Take a left onto Rosa Parks Way (Portland Blvd.) Follow Rosa Parks Way (Portland Blvd.) to Willamette Blvd., where you will take a right Stay on Willamette Blvd. for approximately one-and-a-half miles; the main entrance to the University will be on your left hand side From I-5 Southbound From I-5, take the Rosa Parks Way (formerly Portland Blvd.) exit (#304) Take a right onto Rosa Parks Way (Portland Blvd.) Follow Rosa Parks Way (Portland Blvd.) to Willamette Blvd., where you will take a right Stay on Willamette Blvd. for approximately one-and-a-half miles; the main entrance to the University will be on your left hand side From Portland International Airport From the Portland Airport exit road (Airport Way) turn right on 82nd Ave. Turn right on Columbia Blvd.; continue for approximately 7 miles Turn left on Portsmouth Ave. Turn left on Willamette Blvd. The main entrance to campus will be on your right-hand side
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Admissions

Applicants: 10,666
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Average HS GPA: 3.65






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