Rankings & Student Outcomes
A University of Portland education is more than a means to a degree: It’s a launchpad for a life of purpose and success. Rooted in mission and shaped by community, UP empowers students to grow intellectually, lead ethically, and step confidently into whatever comes next.
Explore University of Portland’s rankings and outcomes. With nationwide recognition for academic excellence, return on investment, and unique opportunities that shape student outcomes, UP stands out—not only in Portland, but across the country.
Recognized for Who We Are—Year After Year
From national rankings to career outcomes, the results are clear: University of Portland is one of the region’s top colleges and a national leader in student success.
#
In the Pacific Northwest in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges Rankings
#
Four-Year Graduation Rate on Average Among Oregon Colleges (83%), according to the National Center for Education Statistics
.5 Stars
In Money’s 2025 list of The Best Colleges in America
National Rankings & Academic Distinction
University of Portland’s reputation for academic excellence is built on decades of consistent performance and a mission that puts students first. We consistently earn top positions in national rankings for our commitment to quality, affordability, and student success. These awards highlight the strength of our community and the transformative impact of a UP education.
U.S. News & World Report
For 30 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has placed University of Portland among the top regional universities in the West. In its 2025 rankings, UP earned the #2 overall spot among 115 public and private “Regional Universities – West” and was named the #1 private university in the region.
Additional rankings include:
- #2 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
- #44 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
- #81 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
UP's U.S. News & World Report Ranking
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review included University of Portland on its annual list of “The Best 391 Colleges” and recognized us as a “Best Value College” and “Best West” institution.
UP's Ranking in The Princeton Review
The Wall Street Journal & College Pulse
In The Wall Street Journal and College Pulse’s 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, UP was named the #1 university in the Pacific Northwest and #71 nationally. This ranking is based on student-centered outcomes: graduation rates, student earnings, learning environment, and campus diversity. It’s a powerful reflection of our commitment to helping students succeed on campus and in life.
UP's Ranking in The Wall Street Journal & College Pulse
Money
Money awarded University of Portland a 4.5-star rating in its 2025 list of “The Best Colleges in America,” showcasing our high-quality combination of academic programs, affordability, and student outcomes.
Forbes
In Forbes’ 2024-25 list of America’s Top 500 Colleges, UP ranked #133 nationally and was named the #1 private university in the Pacific Northwest.
A Best Value College
Affordability is part of our mission to educate and empower every student. We offer robust financial assistance to ensure that you can access a top-tier education. The result? Real-world readiness, a well-rounded education rooted in faith and service, and lasting support. Families and students can feel confident knowing that the investment they make today leads to meaningful opportunities tomorrow. Here’s why:
- 99% of incoming students receive financial aid or scholarships
- Ranked #12 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report
- Named a “Best Value College” by The Princeton Review
Student Outcomes That Speak for Themselves
At University of Portland, students graduate prepared to not only enter the workforce but also to lead, serve, and make a difference in their communities. Their success isn’t a surprise; it’s the outcome of education grounded in values, fueled by purpose, and shaped by real-world experiences.
These are just a few of the ways UP’s mission-driven education leads to student success:
- UP graduates earn an average early career salary of $82,800.
- More than 75% of students complete a for-credit internship, practicum, or clinical experience with organizations like Nike, Intel, Daimler, Columbia Sportswear, the Portland Trail Blazers, and others.
- Students receive lifelong career support through a strong network of 28,000+ alumni worldwide.
- University of Portland has the highest four-year graduation rate on average among Oregon’s public and private institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Top Employers
- Apple
- Archdiocese of Portland Catholic Schools
- Daimler Trucks North America
- Fisher Investments
- Intel
- KPMG
- Legacy Health
- Nike
- Oregon Department of Human Services
- Oregon Health & Science University
- PACCAR Parts
- Portland Public Schools
- Providence Health & Services
- The Walt Disney Company
- U.S. Air Force, Space Force, & Army
- Warner Bros. Games
Recent Graduate Schools
- Boston University
- Brown University
- Caltech
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Cornell University
- New York University
- New York School of Law
- Stanford University
- UCLA School of Law
- UCSF School of Medicine
- The University of Chicago
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Strathclyde in Scotland
Preparing You for What’s Next
From the moment you enroll at UP, our Career Education Center provides the resources you need to explore different paths, find internships, and feel ready for your future. You’ll have access to personalized career counseling, mock interviews, employer partnerships, and alumni connections. It’s one of the many reasons UP graduates are well-prepared to launch successful, purpose-driven careers.
Pilots in Action
When you start your journey on The Bluff, you join a community that equips you for impact—on campus, in your career, and far beyond. Our students and alumni are proof of what’s possible with a UP education: they launch startups, lead in classrooms and clinics, and make their mark in communities around the world. Explore the stories behind the stats and what success looks like at University of Portland.
National Recognition for Purpose and Impact
University of Portland ranks highly and receives national awards for its commitment to service, ethical leadership, and global awareness, all qualities that define our students and alumni. These honors reflect UP’s dedication to forming leaders who think critically, act compassionately, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification
University of Portland is one of only 25 colleges and universities nationwide to receive the first Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification. This prestigious designation recognizes institutions that prioritize justice, equity, and the common good across all areas of campus life. It is awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE), the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
UP's Carnegie Leadership Award
Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students
University of Portland is proud to be named a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students, with eight recent graduates selected for the 2025–26 cycle. With this recognition, we share our commitment to global learning, cross-cultural exchange, and preparing students to engage the world with empathy and insight. The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is one of the most prestigious international fellowship opportunities available to U.S. students.
UP as a Top Fulbright Producer
Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation: Regional Honors, Engineering Awards, and Rankings
The Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation, UP’s newest hub for hands-on learning and interdisciplinary creativity, was recognized with two Awards of Merit by Engineering News-Record Northwest. The honors, for Higher Education/Research and Excellence in Sustainability, celebrate UP’s goal to establish forward-thinking, student-centered spaces that emphasize our academic vision and environmental values.
UP's Shiley-Marcos Center Awards
Recent Awards & Recognition
Where Will You Go from Here?
From industry-leading graduation rates to national recognition for value and academic excellence, University of Portland’s rankings and outcomes show what’s possible when you choose The Bluff. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a future filled with meaning, momentum, and opportunity, UP is the place to start.