Awards and Rankings
August 13, 2025
As returning University of Portland students welcome a gifted class of first year Pilots to the start of a new school year, two prominent college ranking services place The Bluff on high ground.
Money 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 391 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. According to the book’s editors, others touted “phenomenal” professors, smaller class sizes, a “strong culture of spirituality,” and the “diverse set of minds” students encounter throughout campus.
Positive sentiments like these attracted UP’s incoming class of first-year students to Portland. They hail from 35 U.S. states and 15 countries— boasting a 3.71 average unweighted GPA. 40 percent identify as Catholic, and 45 percent are First Generation college students.
“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.”
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.”
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.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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