Awards and Rankings
Top Value & Student Success: UP Ranks High Among Money’s Best Colleges
Demonstrating that its top-tier liberal arts and professional education yields proven career success, University of Portland (UP) has again earned national recognition on Money Magazine’s 2026 list of the “Best Colleges in America.”
Money’s latest rankings, which focus on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes, evaluated hundreds of institutions nationwide and placed UP among an elite group to reach the 4.5-star benchmark for its robust financial aid, high graduation rate, and impressive alumni earnings, with graduates averaging more than $80,000 annually within four years of leaving campus.
“We are proud that the University of Portland has once again ranked among Money magazine’s best colleges for educational quality, affordability, and student outcomes,” said President Robert D. Kelly, PhD. “Backed by key student success metrics and amazing campus life, this recognition tells a compelling story that a comprehensive, Catholic, UP education can take our graduates anywhere they dream to go in life.”
Money, the financial advice service, showcased 735 top colleges and universities, ranking each from 2 to 5 stars. Approximately one hundred private schools nationwide meet the 4.5-star standard, placing UP among the best in the nation. In the Northwest, UP is one of just six institutions—and one of three private universities—to receive Money’s 4.5-star rating.
Basing its analysis on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries, and more, Money highlighted UP’s above-average six-year graduation rate and its focus “on making its programs affordable for anyone who gets in.”
To view Money’s University of Portland rankings profile: https://money.com/best-colleges/profile/university-of-portland/
For details on Money’s 2026 “Best Colleges in America” and rankings methodology: https://money.com/best-colleges/
Related Posts
School of Education
Awards and Rankings
Graduate School
Faculty awarded Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award
Faith and Service
Office of the President
Awards and Rankings
UP Recognized as a Military Friendly School
Graduate School
Office of the President
Awards and Rankings