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University of Portland: Soccer Stars, Surf Gear, and Small-Town College Vibes in the Heart of PDX
The University of Portland (UP) is where small-campus charm meets big opportunities—all set against the backdrop of one of the quirkiest, most coffee-fueled cities in the country. It’s Oregon’s only comprehensive Catholic university, so if you’re looking for a tight-knit community, strong academics, and maybe even a bit of divine intervention during finals week, this might be the place for you.
Need proof of UP’s greatness? Megan Rapinoe (USWNT legend and professional game-changer), Jack O’Neill (the guy who basically invented the modern wetsuit), and Kunal Nayyar (Big Bang Theory’s Raj Koothrappali) all walked these halls. So whether you dream of winning World Cups, revolutionizing surfwear, or starring in a hit TV sitcom, UP is clearly a launchpad for success.
Why UP Stands Out (Besides the Famous Alumni and Stunning Views)
1. A Small But Mighty Student Body
With around 3,500 undergrads, UP is small enough that your professors will actually know your name but big enough that you won’t feel like you’re stuck in a real-life version of a high school reunion. Expect personalized attention, strong friendships, and way fewer chances of accidentally ghosting your group project partner.
2. A Campus With a View
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Willamette River, UP’s University Park neighborhood setting is so scenic it almost makes studying feel relaxing. Almost. Plus, St. Johns Bridge—one of the prettiest in Portland—is right nearby, making for some epic Instagram backdrops.
3. Oregon’s Only Comprehensive Catholic University
UP is the only university in Oregon with schools for business, education, engineering, nursing, arts & sciences, and a graduate school—which means you can get a well-rounded education without leaving the city that believes brunch is a human right. With 40+ undergrad programs, 30 minors, and 18 grad programs, there’s plenty to choose from.
4. Learning by Doing (Like, Immediately)
If you’re studying education at UP, you won’t just be reading about classroom management—you’ll be in a classroom almost right away. The School of Education focuses on real-world experience early on, which is why it received the Model of Excellence Award from AILACTE (translation: it’s legit).
5. UP Students Actually Do Their Homework
With an 81% acceptance rate, UP is accessible but still competitive. The middle SAT range is 1220-1410, so if you’re looking for a school where academics matter but people also enjoy life, this might be your vibe.
Bonus: Portland Itself
Living in Portland means you’ll be surrounded by rain, coffee shops that take themselves very seriously, and more food carts than actual restaurants. It’s a city known for quirkiness, environmentalism, and a deep love of bicycles, so don’t be surprised if you see someone cycling to class in a full suit during a downpour (respect).
Fun fact? Portland is home to the world’s smallest park (Mill Ends Park, which is literally just a tiny patch of greenery in the middle of a road) and the world’s largest independent bookstore (Powell’s, where you could easily lose an entire weekend).
Bottom Line: Why UP?
Small, friendly campus with big opportunities.
Beautiful setting with killer views.
Strong academics across a wide range of programs.
Immediate real-world experience for future teachers.
Located in Portland, a city that’s equal parts cool, weird, and environmentally woke.
Here’s the link for admissions to learn more. https://www.up.edu/admissions/
Go Pilots!
Feeling overwhelmed with the university admissions process? We can help. Check out our website and schedule an appointment with a counselor to see exactly how we can help you find your best fit school and make your application the strongest it can be.
University of Portland Alum? Any insight into your experiences would be amazing. At Next Level College Application we do not have an agenda other than helping our clients find the schools that are the best fit for them.
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