Best Universities in Oregon

By | May 14, 2023
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Top 10 Universities in Oregon

Oregon boasts several esteemed universities offering diverse academic programs and opportunities for students. Here are the top 10 universities in Oregon, along with their overviews, rankings, key statistics, popular extracurricular activities, famous alumni, and top hiring companies.

University of Oregon

The University of Oregon, located in Eugene, is a renowned public research university known for its strong programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields. Established in 1876, the University of Oregon offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs that emphasize innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. With a commitment to sustainability, diversity, and academic excellence, the university provides students with a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. The University of Oregon’s campus features state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, making it a dynamic place for intellectual exploration and personal growth.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 103rd in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 22,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as liberal arts, sciences, business, and professional studies.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 83%.

Average SAT Score:

1160-1360 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
  2. Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Clubs
  3. Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs

Famous Alumni:

  1. Phil Knight – Co-founder of Nike Inc.
  2. Ann Curry – Journalist and television personality
  3. Ken Kesey – Author
  4. Tinker Hatfield – Nike shoe designer
  5. Ty Burrell – Actor

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

  1. Nike Inc.
  2. Intel Corporation
  3. PeaceHealth
  4. Columbia Sportswear
  5. Oregon Health & Science University

Oregon State University

Oregon State University, located in Corvallis, is a leading public research university known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and environmental sciences. Founded in 1868, Oregon State offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs that emphasize hands-on learning, innovation, and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, diversity, and global impact, the university provides students with opportunities for research, internships, and experiential learning. Oregon State’s campus features cutting-edge facilities, research centers, and a supportive community of scholars and researchers.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 139th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 31,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as agriculture, engineering, environmental sciences, and liberal arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 82%.

Average SAT Score:

1110-1330 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  1. Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Clubs
  2. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
  3. Research and Academic Societies

Famous Alumni:

  1. Linus Pauling – Nobel Prize-winning chemist
  2. Douglas Engelbart – Inventor of the computer mouse
  3. Gary Payton – Former NBA player
  4. Brandi Chastain – Olympic gold medalist in soccer
  5. Steve Prefontaine – Olympic long-distance runner

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

  1. HP Inc.
  2. Nike Inc.
  3. Intel Corporation
  4. Oregon Health & Science University
  5. Portland General Electric

Portland State University

Portland State University, located in Portland, is a vibrant urban public research university known for its strong programs in urban planning, social sciences, and sustainability studies. Established in 1946, Portland State offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs that emphasize interdisciplinary learning, community engagement, and innovation. With a commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice, the university provides students with opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and civic engagement. Portland State’s campus is located in the heart of downtown Portland, offering students access to cultural amenities, internships, and career opportunities.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 281st in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 27,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as urban planning, social sciences, sustainability studies, and business.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 90%.

Average SAT Score:

1020-1230 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
  2. Community Service and Volunteer Projects
  3. Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs

Famous Alumni:

  1. Gus Van Sant – Film director
  2. Cheryl Strayed – Author
  3. Penny Harrington – First female chief of police in a major U.S. city
  4. Sam Adams – Former Mayor of Portland
  5. Monica Wehby – Pediatric neurosurgeon and former U.S. Senate candidate

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

  1. Intel Corporation
  2. Nike Inc.
  3. Providence Health & Services
  4. Oregon Health & Science University
  5. Portland Public Schools

Reed College

Reed College, located in Portland, is a distinguished private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic program and intellectual community. Founded in 1908, Reed offers a distinctive curriculum centered around a humanities-based education, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning. With a focus on small class sizes, close faculty-student interaction, and a commitment to academic freedom, Reed provides students with an intellectually stimulating environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and independent inquiry. The college’s campus features iconic architecture, extensive library collections, and a vibrant student body engaged in scholarly pursuits and extracurricular activities.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 90th in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,400 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s degrees in fields such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 34%.

Average SAT Score:

1390-1540 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
  2. Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs
  3. Academic and Professional Societies

Famous Alumni:

  1. Steve Jobs – Co-founder of Apple Inc.
  2. Barbara Ehrenreich – Author and journalist
  3. Thomas Lauderdale – Pianist and bandleader
  4. Peter Norton – Computer programmer and philanthropist
  5. Winona LaDuke – Environmental activist and politician

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

  1. Apple Inc.
  2. Google LLC
  3. Microsoft Corporation
  4. com Inc.
  5. Reed College

Willamette University

Willamette University, located in Salem, is a prestigious private liberal arts university known for its strong programs in law, business, and the arts. Established in 1842, Willamette offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that emphasize interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, and ethical leadership. With a commitment to social justice, sustainability, and global awareness, the university provides students with opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and study abroad experiences. Willamette’s campus features historic buildings, lush gardens, and a supportive community of scholars, artists, and professionals dedicated to academic excellence and service to others.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 64th in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as liberal arts, law, business, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 77%.

Average SAT Score:

1160-1340 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
  2. Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs
  3. Academic and Professional Societies

Famous Alumni:

  1. Mark Hatfield – Former Governor of Oregon and U.S. Senator
  2. Marilynne Robinson – Pulitzer Prize-winning author
  3. Dan Wieden – Co-founder of Wieden+Kennedy advertising agency
  4. Greg Walden – Former U.S. Representative
  5. Kathryn Harrison – Novelist and memoirist

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

  1. Nike Inc.
  2. Intel Corporation
  3. com Inc.
  4. Willamette University
  5. Oregon Health & Science University

Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College, located in Portland, is a prestigious private liberal arts college known for its strong programs in international affairs, environmental studies, and the arts. Founded in 1867, Lewis & Clark offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that emphasize interdisciplinary learning, global engagement, and social responsibility. With a commitment to sustainability, diversity, and experiential learning, the college provides students with opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad experiences. Lewis & Clark’s campus is nestled in a wooded setting, offering a serene and picturesque environment for learning and exploration.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 74th in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 3,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as international affairs, environmental studies, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 71%.

Average SAT Score:

1220-1400 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
  2. Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Clubs
  3. Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs

Famous Alumni:

  1. Jean Vollum – Co-founder of Tektronix Inc.
  2. John Backderf – Cartoonist and author
  3. Carl Wieman – Nobel Prize-winning physicist
  4. Elizabeth Furse – Former U.S. Representative
  5. Ursula K. Le Guin – Author

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

  1. Nike Inc.
  2. Intel Corporation
  3. Oregon Health & Science University
  4. Portland Public Schools
  5. Lewis & Clark College

University of Portland

The University of Portland, located in Portland, is a prestigious private Catholic university known for its strong programs in engineering, nursing, and the humanities. Established in 1901, the University of Portland offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that emphasize service, leadership, and ethical decision-making. With a commitment to educating the whole person, the university provides students with opportunities for spiritual growth, community engagement, and global awareness. The University of Portland’s campus features modern facilities, scenic views of the Willamette River, and a supportive community dedicated to academic excellence and service to others.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 2nd in Regional Universities West (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 4,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as engineering, nursing, and the humanities.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 70%.

Average SAT Score:

1160-1340 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
  2. Campus Ministry and Service Projects
  3. Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs

Famous Alumni:

  1. Jerry Cantrell – Musician (Alice in Chains)
  2. John Becker – CEO of Peterbilt Motors Company
  3. Emily Steel – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
  4. Bill Reed – CEO of William Joseph Communications
  5. Kelly Johnson – Former NBA player

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

  1. Intel Corporation
  2. Nike Inc.
  3. Providence Health & Services
  4. University of Portland
  5. Oregon Health & Science University

Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech)

The Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech), located in Klamath Falls, is a respected public polytechnic university known for its strong programs in engineering, health sciences, and applied sciences. Founded in 1947, Oregon Tech offers undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize hands-on learning, practical skills, and industry partnerships. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and workforce development, the university provides students with opportunities for experiential learning, research, and professional development. Oregon Tech’s campus features modern facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a supportive community of faculty and staff dedicated to student success and career readiness.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 25th in Regional Colleges West (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 5,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as engineering, health sciences, applied sciences, and management.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 64%.

Average SAT Score:

1040-1240 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
  2. Outdoor Recreation and Sports Clubs
  3. Professional and Academic Societies

Famous Alumni:

  1. Jeff Merkley – U.S. Senator
  2. Kim Pegula – Co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres
  3. David Wu – Former U.S. Representative

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

  1. Oregon Health & Science University
  2. Intel Corporation
  3. PeaceHealth
  4. Oregon Institute of Technology
  5. Klamath County School District

Pacific University Oregon

Pacific University Oregon, located in Forest Grove, is a distinguished private university known for its strong programs in health professions, education, and the arts. Established in 1849, Pacific University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that emphasize experiential learning, interprofessional collaboration, and community engagement. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the university provides students with opportunities for research, clinical training, and service-learning experiences. Pacific University’s campus features historic buildings, scenic landscapes, and a supportive community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to academic excellence and social responsibility.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 24th in Regional Universities West (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 4,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as health professions, education, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 87%.

Average SAT Score:

1080-1280 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
  2. Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs
  3. Health Professions and Education Societies

Famous Alumni:

  1. John Kitzhaber – Former Governor of Oregon
  2. Verne Duncan – Former Oregon State Senator
  3. Les AuCoin – Former U.S. Representative

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

  1. Providence Health & Services
  2. Intel Corporation
  3. Pacific University Oregon
  4. Nike Inc.
  5. Oregon Health & Science University

George Fox University

George Fox University, located in Newberg, is a respected private Christian university known for its strong programs in education, business, and the sciences. Founded in 1891, George Fox offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that integrate faith, learning, and service. With a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community engagement, the university provides students with opportunities for personal and professional growth. George Fox’s campus features modern facilities, scenic surroundings, and a supportive Christian community dedicated to preparing students for lives of purpose and leadership.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 31st in Regional Universities West (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 4,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as education, business, and the sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 82%.

Average SAT Score:

1040-1250 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

  1. Campus Ministry and Service Projects
  2. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
  3. Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs

Famous Alumni:

  1. Robin Baker – President of George Fox University
  2. Chris Dudley – Former NBA player and politician
  3. Will Hobbs – Author

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

  1. Nike Inc.
  2. Intel Corporation
  3. Providence Health & Services
  4. George Fox University
  5. Oregon Health & Science University

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