Top 10 Universities in Oregon

1. University of Oregon

The University of Oregon, founded in 1876, is a public research university located in Eugene, Oregon. UO is known for its strong programs in the arts and sciences, as well as its athletic prowess, particularly in track and field.

U.S. News Ranking:

The University of Oregon consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

UO has an enrollment of approximately 22,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

UO offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines, including liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and more.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically admitting around 70-75% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at the University of Oregon is typically in the range of 1100-1250.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student government and leadership roles
2. Outdoor recreation and adventure clubs
3. Performing arts groups and musical ensembles
4. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
5. Intramural and club sports teams

Famous Alumni:

1. Phil Knight – Co-founder of Nike, Inc.
2. Ann Curry – Journalist and former NBC News anchor.
3. Ken Kesey – Author of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
4. Dan Wieden – Co-founder of Wieden+Kennedy advertising agency.
5. Tinker Hatfield – Legendary Nike designer.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Nike, Inc.
2. Intel Corporation
3. PeaceHealth
4. Lane County Government
5. City of Eugene

2. Oregon State University

Oregon State University, founded in 1868, is a public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon. OSU is known for its strengths in agriculture, forestry, engineering, and marine sciences.

U.S. News Ranking:

Oregon State University consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

OSU has an enrollment of approximately 32,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

OSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in fields such as agriculture, engineering, business, education, health sciences, and more.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically admitting around 70-75% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Oregon State University is typically in the range of 1100-1250.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Research opportunities with faculty
2. Outdoor recreation clubs and activities
3. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
4. Greek life organizations
5. Student clubs and organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Linus Pauling – Nobel laureate in Chemistry and Peace.
2. Douglas Engelbart – Inventor of the computer mouse.
3. Gary Payton – NBA Hall of Fame basketball player.
4. Brandi Chastain – Olympic gold medalist in soccer.
5. Susan Castillo – Former Oregon Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Hewlett Packard Enterprise
2. Oregon Health & Science University
3. Boeing
4. Nike, Inc.
5. Portland General Electric

3. Portland State University

Portland State University, founded in 1946, is a public research university located in Portland, Oregon. PSU is known for its urban campus and strong emphasis on sustainability and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Portland State University is recognized as one of the top universities in the United States for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Number of Students:

PSU has an enrollment of approximately 26,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

PSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in fields such as urban planning, business, social work, engineering, and more.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically admitting around 70-75% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Portland State University is typically in the range of 1050-1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Sustainability initiatives and environmental clubs
2. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
3. Performing arts groups and cultural organizations
4. Outdoor recreation clubs and activities
5. Professional development workshops and internships

Famous Alumni:

1. Gus Van Sant – Academy Award-nominated film director.
2. Monica Wehby – Former U.S. Senate candidate and pediatric neurosurgeon.
3. Courtney Taylor-Taylor – Musician and lead singer of The Dandy Warhols.
4. Tanya Barfield – Playwright and recipient of the Helen Merrill Award for Emerging Playwrights.
5. Matt Groening – Creator of “The Simpsons” and “Futurama.”

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Intel Corporation
2. Nike, Inc.
3. Kaiser Permanente
4. Providence Health & Services
5. Oregon Health & Science University

4. Reed College

Reed College, founded in 1908, is a private liberal arts college located in Portland, Oregon. Reed is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, emphasis on intellectual inquiry, and vibrant campus culture.

U.S. News Ranking:

Reed College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Reed College has an enrollment of approximately 1,400 students.

Degrees Offered:

Reed College offers undergraduate programs in fields such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies.

Acceptance Rate:

The college has a highly selective acceptance rate, typically admitting around 30-35% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Reed College is typically in the range of 1350-1500.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Independent research projects with faculty
2. Student-led seminars and discussion groups
3. Performing arts productions and literary magazines
4. Outdoor excursions and environmental activism
5. Cultural and identity-based organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Steve Jobs – Co-founder of Apple Inc.
2. Anna Deavere Smith – Actress and playwright known for her one-woman shows.
3. Barbara Ehrenreich – Author and social critic.
4. Thomas Lauderdale – Pianist and founder of the band Pink Martini.
5. Mary Roach – Author of popular science books such as “Stiff” and “Bonk.”

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Google
2. Teach For America
3. Microsoft
4. Intel Corporation
5. PeaceHealth

5. Willamette University

Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a private liberal arts university located in Salem, Oregon. Willamette is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and strong sense of community.

U.S. News Ranking:

Willamette University consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Willamette University has an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

Willamette University offers undergraduate programs in fields such as arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, and law.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically admitting around 70-75% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Willamette University is typically in the range of 1150-1300.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Community service and volunteer projects
2. Student government and leadership roles
3. Performing arts groups and musical ensembles
4. Study abroad and international programs
5. Outdoor recreation and adventure clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Mark Hatfield – Former Governor of Oregon and U.S. Senator.
2. Michael Franzese – Former mobster turned motivational speaker and author.
3. Catherine Crook de Camp – Science fiction author and editor.
4. Tom Walsh – Olympic gold medalist in shot put.
5. Christopher A. Sinclair – Former CEO of Mattel, Inc.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Nike, Inc.
2. Intel Corporation
3. Oregon Health & Science University
4. Kaiser Permanente
5. State of Oregon Government

6. Pacific University

Pacific University, founded in 1849, is a private university located in Forest Grove, Oregon, with additional campuses in Hillsboro, Eugene, and Woodburn. Pacific University is known for its healthcare programs and strong emphasis on experiential learning.

U.S. News Ranking:

Pacific University is recognized for its healthcare programs and commitment to experiential learning.

Number of Students:

Pacific University has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Pacific University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in fields such as healthcare, business, education, arts and sciences, and optometry.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically admitting around 70-75% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Pacific University is typically in the range of 1050-1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Clinical internships and practicum experiences
2. Community outreach and service projects
3. Performing arts productions and musical performances
4. Outdoor recreation and intramural sports
5. Student-run clubs and organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Bill Irwin – Tony Award-winning actor and clown.
2. Scott Rueck – Head coach of the Oregon State women’s basketball team.
3. George Atiyeh – Environmental activist and conservationist.
4. Wayne Morse – Former U.S. Senator from Oregon.
5. Andy Varipapa – Professional bowler and trick shot artist.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Providence Health & Services
2. Intel Corporation
3. Nike, Inc.
4. Kaiser Permanente
5. Oregon Health & Science University

7. Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856, is a public university located in Monmouth, Oregon. WOU is known for its teacher education programs, liberal arts curriculum, and inclusive campus community.

U.S. News Ranking:

Western Oregon University is recognized for its teacher education programs and commitment to student success.

Number of Students:

Western Oregon University has an enrollment of approximately 5,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

WOU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as education, arts and sciences, business, health sciences, and more.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically admitting around 75-80% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Western Oregon University is typically in the range of 950-1100.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Education-focused clubs and organizations
2. Intramural sports leagues and tournaments
3. Performing arts groups and musical ensembles
4. Outdoor recreation and adventure clubs
5. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities

Famous Alumni:

1. Dan O’Brien – Olympic gold medalist in decathlon.
2. Sara Jean Underwood – Playboy Playmate of the Year 2007.
3. Patrick Rothfuss – Bestselling fantasy author.
4. Tom McCall – Former Governor of Oregon.
5. Michelle M. Johnson – Admiral in the United States Navy.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Salem Health
2. Salem-Keizer School District
3. Oregon State Government
4. Wells Fargo
5. Fred Meyer (Kroger Co.)

8. Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech)

Oregon Institute of Technology, founded in 1947, is a public polytechnic university located in Klamath Falls, Oregon, with additional campuses in Wilsonville and Salem. Oregon Tech is known for its hands-on, career-focused programs in engineering, health sciences, technology, and management.

U.S. News Ranking:

Oregon Institute of Technology is recognized for its strong programs in engineering and technology.

Number of Students:

Oregon Tech has an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Oregon Tech offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, health sciences, management, technology, and applied sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically admitting around 80-85% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Oregon Institute of Technology is typically in the range of 1000-1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Engineering and technology competitions
2. Health sciences internships and clinical rotations
3. Outdoor recreation and sports clubs
4. Professional development workshops and seminars
5. Community service and volunteer projects

Famous Alumni:

1. Jack Roberts – Former Oregon Secretary of State.
2. Barbara Roberts – Former Governor of Oregon.
3. Chris Schenkel – Sportscaster known for his coverage of college football and bowling.
4. John Backus – Computer scientist and inventor of the Fortran programming language.
5. Thomas J. Walsh – President and CEO of Portland General Electric.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Intel Corporation
2. OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University)
3. Collins Aerospace
4. Boeing
5. Hewlett Packard Enterprise

9. George Fox University

George Fox University, founded in 1891, is a private Christian university located in Newberg, Oregon. GFU is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, Christian values, and commitment to service and leadership.

U.S. News Ranking:

George Fox University consistently ranks among the top universities in the western region by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

George Fox University has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

George Fox University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as arts and sciences, business, education, healthcare, and ministry.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically admitting around 70-75% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at George Fox University is typically in the range of 1050-1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Campus ministry and service projects
2. Performing arts productions and musical performances 3. Intramural sports leagues and recreational activities

4. Professional development workshops and internships
5. Student-led clubs and organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Robin Baker – President of George Fox University.
2. Marvin Kalb – Journalist, author, and former chief diplomatic correspondent for NBC News.
3. Luke Jackson – Former NBA player and current basketball coach.
4. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. – Businessman, philanthropist, and author.
5. Jenny Hansell – Executive Director of the Trustees of Reservations.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Nike, Inc.
2. Intel Corporation
3. Providence Health & Services
4. Kaiser Permanente
5. Tektronix, Inc.

10. Southern Oregon University

Southern Oregon University, founded in 1872, is a public liberal arts university located in Ashland, Oregon. SOU is known for its scenic campus, strong programs in the arts and humanities, and commitment to sustainability.

U.S. News Ranking:

Southern Oregon University is recognized for its strong programs in the arts and humanities.

Number of Students:

Southern Oregon University has an enrollment of approximately 6,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

SOU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and performing arts.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically admitting around 80-85% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Southern Oregon University is typically in the range of 1000-1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Performing arts productions and theater performances
2. Outdoor recreation and environmental clubs
3. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
4. Intramural sports leagues and recreational activities
5. Student-run clubs and organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Ty Burrell – Emmy Award-winning actor known for his role in “Modern Family.”
2. Michelle Krusiec – Actress known for her roles in “The Invitation” and “Saving Face.”
3. Drew Carney – Television personality and host on KGW-TV in Portland.
4. Peter DeFazio – U.S. Representative for Oregon’s 4th congressional district.
5. Bill Thorndike – Chairman of Medford Fabrication.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Asante Health System
2. Providence Health & Services
3. Lithia Motors
4. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
5. Harry & David