Reed College
Portland, OR
Portland, OR
Be empowered at Reed College
One of the most distinctive colleges in the nation, Reed provides a singular example of the liberal arts experience: a structured curriculum with an emphasis on personal inquiry; extensive written and in-person feedback from professors on assignments; and a deeply collaborative academic environment. Classes are small, faculty members are highly accessible, and students are active participants in the production of new knowledge.
The Reed community is guided by the Honor Principle. The commitment to the independence of thought and mutual trust and respect helps to create an environment in which students feel connected, challenged, and fulfilled. Reed students are culturally diverse and hail from 49 states. Reedies travel the farthest to attend Reed out of any school in the nation. The student body is also composed of 8% international students.
The breadth, depth, and rigor of the curriculum provide excellent preparation for nearly any career. Reed is ranked second in the nation in the percentage of graduates who earn PhDs in the life sciences, third in the nation in the percentage of graduates who earn PhDs in the arts & humanities, and fourth across all disciplines. Many Reed alumni win major graduate fellowships, found or lead companies and organizations, and earn medical, business, or law degrees.
|
#1 Best Classroom Experience | Princeton Review, 2027 |
|
|
#1 Best College in Oregon | Niche, 2026 |
|
|
#2 Professors Get High Marks | Princeton Review, 2027 |
|
|
#4 Top 20 Best Schools for Financial Aid (Private Schools) | Princeton Review, 2027 |
|
|
Top 15 Best Colleges with No Application Fee in America | Niche, 2026 |
|
|
Top 15 university for Best Undergraduate Teaching | U.S. News & World Report, 2025 |
Reed sits at the intersection of some of Portland’s most creative neighborhoods, giving students the best of both worlds: a vibrant city to explore and the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest just beyond it. Spend an afternoon exploring local shops, farmers markets, food carts, bookstores, music venues, and art. Head downtown by bike, bus, or train for internships, jobs, and cultural experiences. Escape to Forest Park, the Oregon Coast, the Columbia River Gorge, or Mt. Hood. With 600+ food carts, a thriving arts and music scene, miles of bike paths, and countless opportunities to get outside, Portland becomes an extension of the Reed experience—and an invitation to follow your curiosity well beyond campus.
At Reed, cost will never hold you back. Through the Reed Promise, students from families earning under $100,000 with typical assets will receive free tuition—putting a world-class education within your reach.
If your family qualifies you’ll receive a full-tuition scholarship, allowing you to focus on academics and campus life without the burden of tuition expenses.
And that’s not all. Reed meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need, every year, for all four years. Your education is within reach—all you have to do is apply.
“Reed helped me realize it’s actually awesome you have your own ideas, and that when your perspective is different from others, it’s actually cool to tackle the topic and to disagree with other people. It’s part of getting closer to understanding something.“
“I’m so, so grateful for the financial aid I received, including scholarships to go abroad, the career advancement fund, and undergraduate research grants.“
“Research with Professor Derek Applewhite was life changing. Going through the trials and tribulations of research, seeing when things work… you’re just like, ‘Yes!’ That energy can carry you for the whole week.“
“Reed reinforced my curiosity and confidence as the students, faculty, and staff created an environment that encouraged deep learning among our community of intellectuals.”
