2024 Best Colleges in the Portland Area

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  295 reviews

Sophomore: At Reed, you'll find a vibrant community of scholars and students who are passionate about exploring the depths of knowledge. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging you to make connections across diverse fields of study. From humanities to the sciences, from social sciences to the arts, you'll have the freedom to tailor your education to your interests and aspirations. But Reed is more than just academics. Our small class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty, enabling lively discussions and personalized mentorship. You'll be part of a tight-knit community where collaboration and intellectual discourse thrive.... Read 295 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 44%

• Net price $33,056

• SAT range 1320-1520

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  974 reviews

Freshman: University of Portland is a very warm and welcoming community. The staff and professors are friendly, knowledgeable, and always eager to help. I have enjoyed the environment and safe campus. Since it is a small school, it caters to those that are looking for a more intimate setting, where counselors, staff, and professors will know your name. I highly recommend University of Portland!... Read 974 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $35,535

• SAT range 1140-1360

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  722 reviews

Junior: There is a thriving community at LC, but it can be intimidating to be involved if outgoing isn't an automatic personality trait for you. It was hard for me to get involved my first year but after jumping in this last year things have been amazing! Students and faculty and professors are so caring and supportive. I feel like I have a voice on campus both academically and personally in the LC community, although that may not be true if you don't fit the stereotypical LC student vibe (liberal, likely queer, and unfortunately, white). Diversity is definitely lacking on campus (and Portland in general) and while there is likely a community for you here, it just may not be as developed as others. Professors are amazing and passionate and that really shows in the classroom, I have learned so much from so many disciplines because the professor has been recommended to me. The liberal arts education is very important here and exploration and interdisciplinary study is definitely encouraged!... Read 722 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $37,155

• SAT range 1240-1420

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  2,652 reviews

Senior: I am one term away from finishing my Criminal Justice Degree at Portland State University. I had a really good experience on campus and with the whole criminology program overall. I took many other criminology classes in addition to the required classes and they were all excellent. My favorite instructor was Jason Jones. What a valuable asset to PSU! What I liked the most about the criminology program at PSU was the fact that most of my instructors were actively working in law enforcement, so they are able to tell us what was going on in the Portland area presently and during the Covid pandemic era. I think the biggest thing I would like to see changed is tuition prices. Wow! Does it really need to cost that much to improve your life and contribute to the betterment of society? I went from living without any debt at all to facing a gigantic payment and losing sleep at night.... Read 2,652 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $13,015

• SAT range 1000-1250

• Forest Grove, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  819 reviews

Alum: Definitely do a campus tour first before you commit to a school, because this school. WOW. Caught my eye and I felt like I could see myself getting my degree here in four years. The campus itself is amazing, and is easily maneuverable if you find yourself late for class. Also a great place to go if you are from Hawaii. Many of my friends were from Hawaii and it just made easing into college way easier. I did not feel like I have left home at all. All the professors are great and they all have their own personalities which make classes all the more fun to attend. I believe their acceptance rate is high too so best of luck to anyone who is thinking to apply here!... Read 819 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $33,523

• SAT range 1090-1310

• Newberg, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,063 reviews

Alum: The Be Known Promise is real here! Small class sizes, and Professors who take the time to know and care for students. The culture here is one of caring for each person, wherever they are in their life's journey. I've seen this extended to students and employees alike. The administration is conscientious and in tune with students' needs. If you want a liberal arts education in a Christian setting, this is the place to go!... Read 1,063 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $31,236

• SAT range 1090-1350

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  238 reviews

Junior: I like that the school is small. This allows smaller class size and more interaction with the instructors (5:1 student to instruction ratio). I am very curious about the courses I need to take to complete my psychology degree (also wondering if I should add a minor). Also, will be playing basketball there, and I like that the gym is accessible for me any time of day so can improve. I can't really think f anything that I would like to see change. I'm entering my first year there (I'm a transfer student) and am really looking forward to starting in the fall.... Read 238 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $19,332

• SAT range —

• Vancouver, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  1,107 reviews

Graduate Student: I had an amazing experience with charter college, a very helpful staff and students as well that help each other. They make everything work out for you. Absolutely grateful for this school!... Read 1,107 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $25,320

• SAT range —

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  194 reviews

Alum: Although it is a small school, it is filled with caring faculty and a great inclusive culture. They have lots of cultural diversity and fund their academic programs well with the resources and tools needed for students to be successful. I would like to see the science programs grow more and for more health profession programs to be integrated to prepare students for further education opportunities. If they partnered with more community colleges I think they would get more students. Overall a great school and I miss going there.... Read 194 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $31,285

• SAT range 930-1210

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  98 reviews

Senior: I think this school is so great and such a great opportunity. Many wonderful teachers and staff! Thanks for making my dreams come true!... Read 98 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $17,624

• SAT range —

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  103 reviews

Sophomore: I just started at PNCA this Spring semester 2023 and so far it is going wonderful! I did have some issues with getting transferred and settled in, but regardless of that, it is going beyond more wonderful than what I anticipated! I've made new friends, I'm getting along with my professors, I have excellent grades, and I'm participating in lots of school events and activities which helps me standout and make connects with others.... Read 103 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $36,405

• SAT range —

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  165 reviews

Junior: I have really enjoyed my experience as a student in the Nursing program at OHSU in La Grande Oregon. The staff have been very welcoming, attentive, and professional. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in a Nursing program in rural Oregon.... Read 165 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  54 reviews

Graduate Student: Tough school and nursing program, but it does well prepare you to go into nursing. the program is front loaded with classwork and heavy with clinicals towards the end. Linfield students have a strong reputation and are very hirable candidates, they also helped prepare us for the NCLEX, interviews, and had a workshop on resume building. IT is an expensive school, but with diligent financial planning you will be able to pay back those loans quickly.... Read 54 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  33 reviews

Other: I'm currently student at Portland State University and will apply to Warner Pacific university on October 2024. I'm doing double major public health studies and nursing. Portland State University doesn't have nursing but it gave the opportunity to take my Prerequisites here before applying to a nurse school. I'm trying to get as scholarships as much as I can to pay for my college.... Read 33 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,477

• SAT range —

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  31 reviews

Graduate Student: This university has an excellent staff who are very helpful and quick to reply! The school is also a leader in really important changes that need to be made in the world and I am honored to get to call myself one of their students. They also offer online options which is amazing for people like me who are returning to school and still have to work full time.... Read 31 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —

• Vancouver, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  22 reviews

Sophomore: Washington State University - Vancouver has been a pleasure to attend. First off the campus is beautiful, it's lovely walking to class and taking in the views of the mountains. There are always signs around that let you know what's going on with student life too, promoting things like activities, tutoring, and job opportunities for students! My academic experience has been very good so far, I'm in my sophomore year and all the classes I've taken have been engaging and enjoyable. Some of the professors I've had really go above and beyond in not only making sure the students are learning, but also having a good experience with it. I've always been comfortable searching for help when I need it here, and I have easy access to resources I need to be successful. Overall I'm really enjoying my experience here, and I'm looking forward to finishing up my degree in the DTC program!... Read 22 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —