University of Portland
Portland, United States
University of Portland
Portland, United States
Founded
1901
Institution Type
Private Catholic
Total Students
3,200+
Acceptance Rate
89%
Discover the University of Portland: History & Overview
Discover the University of Portland: History & Overview
The University of Portland (UP) is a private Catholic university founded in 1901 by Archbishop Alexander Christie and affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross, the same religious order that founded the University of Notre Dame. Located on a scenic bluff overlooking the Willamette River in North Portland, Oregon, UP is the state's only comprehensive Catholic university offering programs across arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, and nursing.
Originally named Columbia University after the nearby Columbia River, the institution opened its doors on September 5, 1901, to 52 young men taught by eight priests. The Congregation of Holy Cross assumed ownership in 1902, and the school adopted its current name in 1935. Over the decades, UP expanded significantly, adding professional schools and admitting women to all programs in 1951.
Today, UP enrolls more than 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students and maintains an intimate 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The university has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 2 Regional University in the West and No. 1 in Best Undergraduate Teaching for the 2026 edition, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and student-centered education.
Key Milestones
- 1901: Founded as Columbia University by Archbishop Alexander Christie with support from the Congregation of Holy Cross.
- 1935: Officially renamed the University of Portland and established the School of Business and College of Nursing.
- 1948: School of Engineering founded, later renamed the Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering after a transformative gift.
- 2005: Women's soccer team won its second NCAA Division I National Championship, featuring future stars Megan Rapinoe and Christine Sinclair.
Academic Structure & Programs
Academic Structure & Programs
The University of Portland offers more than 50 undergraduate programs, 40 minors, and 18 graduate programs organized across six academic divisions. With small class settings and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, UP emphasizes personalized instruction, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
College of Arts and Sciences
The largest academic division at UP, the College of Arts and Sciences provides a broad liberal arts foundation with departments spanning the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, fostering critical thinking and intellectual growth.
- Biology
- Communication Studies
- Theology
Pamplin School of Business
The Pamplin School of Business develops future leaders through programs in management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, equipping students with practical skills for the evolving global business landscape.
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
School of Education
The School of Education prepares effective educators through rigorous coursework and extensive classroom experience beginning in the first year, enabling graduates to make an impact in diverse learning environments.
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)
Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering
The Shiley School of Engineering offers ABET-accredited programs emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application, housed in the award-winning Shiley-Marcos Center for Design and Innovation.
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
School of Nursing and Health Innovations
With roots dating back to 1892, the School of Nursing and Health Innovations is one of the oldest nursing programs in the Pacific Northwest, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees including the Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- B.S. in Nursing
- M.S. in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Graduate School
Established in 1950, the Graduate School oversees advanced degree programs across multiple disciplines, supporting students seeking deeper expertise and professional advancement in their chosen fields.
- M.A. in Communication
- M.B.A.
- M.F.A. in Directing
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application PlatformCommon Application
- GPA ConsiderationGPA is a very important academic factor in the review process
- Standardized TestsTest-optional; middle 50% SAT 1160-1370, ACT 25-31 (if submitted)
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS required for non-native English speakers
- Additional MaterialsHigh school transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essay
Graduate Admissions
- Prior DegreeBachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Standardized TestsVaries by program; contact the Graduate School for specific requirements
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS required for international applicants
- Additional MaterialsStatement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation (program-specific)
First-year students who apply by this date receive an admissions decision within four weeks.
Final deadline for all first-year applicants, including nursing program applicants.
Late applications reviewed on a space-available basis. Final deadline for international students.
Admitted students must confirm their enrollment and submit their deposit by this date.
Tuition, Fees & Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition, Fees & Scholarship Opportunities
As a private university, the University of Portland charges the same tuition rate for all students regardless of residency. UP is committed to affordability, with 99% of incoming students receiving some form of financial aid or scholarships. The average need-based scholarship for first-year students is approximately USD 47,774.
| Cost Category | On-Campus (USD) | Off-Campus (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 60,350 | USD 60,350 |
| Housing | USD 9,500 | Varies |
| Meals & Dining | USD 6,500 | Varies |
| Books, Supplies & Personal | USD 3,512 | USD 3,512 |
| Total | ~USD 79,862 | Contact university for estimate |
Merit Scholarships
All admitted first-year and transfer students, including international students, are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships with no separate application required.
- Eligibility: All admitted domestic and international students
- Award Duration: Up to 8 semesters of full-time study
- Transfer Merit Aid: Up to USD 28,000 per year
Providence Scholars Program
A partnership between Providence Health and Services and UP, this program provides tuition assistance covering over 80% of tuition for nursing students in their junior and senior years.
- Coverage: Over 80% of tuition in final two years
- Requirement: Three-year full-time employment contract with Providence
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing students only
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
The University of Portland's 108-acre campus sits on a bluff overlooking the Willamette River in North Portland's University Park neighborhood. The campus blends historic architecture, including the landmark Waldschmidt Hall (built in 1891), with modern facilities like the Shiley-Marcos Center for Design and Innovation, creating an inspiring environment for learning and community life.
Originally built in 1891 as West Hall, this National Register landmark now houses university administrative offices.
UP's newest academic hub for engineering and interdisciplinary learning, recognized for sustainable design.
A state-of-the-art facility featuring fitness equipment, gymnasiums, a suspended track, and outdoor pursuits resources.
Housing & Dining
Residence Halls
UP offers 10 unique residence halls, each with its own culture and traditions, creating close-knit communities where students build lasting friendships.
- 10 residence halls with distinct identities
- Lund Family Hall (opened 2016) and other modern options
- Residential campus culture with most students living on campus
Dining Options
The Bauccio Commons serves as the main dining hall, operated by Bon Appétit Management Company, which was founded by UP alumnus Fedele Bauccio.
- Bauccio Commons main dining facility
- Locally sourced and sustainable food options
- Multiple meal plan options for students
Student Life & Extracurricular Activities
Student Life & Extracurricular Activities
Life on The Bluff is vibrant and engaging, with over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, a strong campus ministry program, and a tight-knit residential community. From intramural sports and campus concerts to service-learning and student government, UP offers countless ways to get involved and grow outside the classroom.
Portland, Oregon: A City of Opportunity
Portland, Oregon: A City of Opportunity
Life in Portland
Portland is a dynamic, creative city known for its diverse culture, thriving food scene, innovative tech industry, and easy access to stunning outdoor recreation. The city offers students a unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty, with the Pacific coast, Columbia River Gorge, and Cascade Mountains all within short driving distance.
Innovation Hub
Portland is home to major employers in technology, healthcare, sportswear, and sustainability, providing abundant internship and career opportunities for students.
Outdoor Recreation
From hiking in Forest Park to skiing on Mount Hood and exploring the Oregon Coast, Portland offers year-round outdoor adventures just minutes from campus.
Cultural Scene
The city boasts a vibrant arts community with theaters, galleries, live music venues, and one of the largest independent bookstores in the world, Powell's City of Books.
Sustainability Leader
Portland is nationally recognized for its commitment to sustainability, public transit, cycling infrastructure, and environmental stewardship, aligning with UP's values.
Career Outcomes & Notable Alumni
Career Outcomes & Notable Alumni
Where UP Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
UP's International Student Services office provides immigration advising, cultural adjustment support, and programming to help international students thrive on campus and in the Portland community.
International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. No separate scholarship application is required.
The Career Education Center offers career counseling, resume workshops, internship placement assistance, and employer networking events to help students prepare for professional success.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Portland: Worldwide & National Rankings
University of Portland: Worldwide & National Rankings
The University of Portland consistently earns recognition as one of the top regional universities in the western United States. For 30 consecutive years, U.S. News and World Report has placed UP among the top institutions in the West, reflecting its sustained commitment to teaching excellence, student outcomes, and value.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Teaching | U.S. News & World Report | #1 (Regional Universities West) |
| Undergraduate Engineering | U.S. News & World Report | #44 |
| Nursing | Niche | #18 Best Colleges for Nursing |
| Best Value Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #12 |
Features
Notable for being the top producer of Fulbright U.S. Students among master’s-level institutions in the 2020–2021 academic year, with 10 recipients \nUniversity of Portland\n\nRecognized for exceptional teaching quality, affordability, and student success—consistent top rankings for both education and value
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - January
Location
University of Portland\n5000 N Willamette Blvd\nPortland, OR 97203\nUnited States
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