Awards and Rankings
October 1, 2025
Pilot pride hit a fever pitch this week as the University of Portland was recognized nationally for achievement in various fields—including the top regional ranking for how it prepares students for post-graduation success.
The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 list of Best Colleges in the U.S. ranked UP as the #1 institution—public or private—in the Pacific Northwest, and #86 among all schools nationwide.
The Wall Street Journal reported that its rankings are based on student and recent alumni surveys that emphasize how well each college prepares students for financial success. WSJ/College Pulse leaned heavily into data on graduate salaries, learning environment, preparation for career, and graduation rates.
“More than any other factor,” The Wall Street Journal reported, its rankings “reward the boost an institution provides to its graduates’ salaries, beyond an estimate of what they could have expected attending any college.”
“We’re thrilled that The Wall Street Journal has recognized UP as the best institution in the Pacific Northwest,” said University of Portland President Robert D. Kelly. “Here on The Bluff, we seamlessly blend superb academics with vibrant student life, ample opportunities for experiential learning, and a warm, inviting campus. This honor is a testament to our amazing students, staff, and faculty and a reaffirmation of our strength as an institution.”
While 13 schools in Oregon and Washington made The Wall Street Journal’s national listing of 584 universities — only University of Washington (#97) joined UP (#86) in the Best Colleges’ Top 100. Portland State University (#308) and University of Oregon (#321) were the next highest among the five Oregon schools ranked in WSJ’s Top 584.
UP also topped Oregon schools in WSJ’s ‘Best Salaries’ category—ranking 125th nationally for its impact on graduates’ salaries related to the cost of attending college.
The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse recognition follows University of Portland’s recent #1 private school ranking among Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes ranking UP as the #1 private university in the Pacific Northwest, and Money magazine giving UP a stellar 4.5 star rating on its list of “The Best Colleges in America” for quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes.
On the playing field, “We’re number one” became the prevailing campus vibe when the undefeated Pilot men’s soccer team ascended to the #1 ranking in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Poll for the first time. A unanimous selection, the Pilots are the first West Coast Conference men’s soccer program since 1999 to earn the nation’s #1 ranking.
In a message lauding the national recognition, Dr. Kelly wrote to the UP community: “When I think about these accolades, I think about you. You—our students, staff, and faculty—are responsible for these tremendous achievements. You are worth celebrating.”
“I am proud to be a Portland Pilot.”
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
This website uses cookies to track information for analytics purposes. You can view the full University of Portland privacy policy for more information.
