Top Value School: UP Shines in Money, Princeton Review Rankings

Awards and Rankings

July 14, 2025

In the first wave of summer college rankings, the University of Portland has taken its place among the top performers.  

An aerial view of the campus quad, dotted with blossoming cherry treesMoney magazine’s 2025 list of “The Best Colleges in America”—which rates schools on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes—favored UP with a stellar 4.5-star rating. 

In the Northwest, UP is one of four institutions—and one of two private universities—to receive Money’s 4.5-star rating. UP is one of only two Catholic universities in the West to reach the 4.5-star threshold. 

UP also made The Princeton Review’s annual list of “The Best 390 Colleges,” earning special recognition as a “Best Value College” while ranking among the top institutions in the West.  

“The sense of community here in unmatched,” wrote one University of Portland student in The Princeton Review rating survey. Summarizing additional student responses, The Review wrote: “Others value the ‘diverse set of minds’ and ‘very unique people’ they’re surrounded by on the campus.”   

Money, the financial advice service, showcased 732 top colleges and universities, ranking each from 2 to 5 stars. UP was among 111 private schools nationwide to meet the 4.5-star standard. Basing its analysis on top value colleges, cost of attendance, financial aid and more, Money highlighted UP’s professional schools, liberal arts majors, special-interest clubs and its “robust study abroad program.”  

Money and The Princeton Review rightly recognize something about University of Portland that has been true for nearly 125 years—we offer a singularly transformational experience,” said University President Robert D. Kelly. “We are grateful that our superb quality, value, and outcomes are once again being celebrated for all to see.” 

“While these rankings do not tell the full story,” Dr. Kelly added, “they are nevertheless a fitting testament to the extraordinary impact of a University of Portland education.”  

In the Student Success category, Money emphasized UP’s 80 percent graduation rate and the fact that Pilot grads typically earn $82,800 in annual early career salary.