Oregon, known for its stunning natural beauty and progressive values, is also home to a variety of distinguished private colleges and universities. These institutions offer students opportunities to engage in rigorous academic programs, develop leadership skills, and prepare for successful careers in a wide range of fields. Oregon’s private colleges are known for their small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
1. University of Portland
History and Overview
Founded in 1901, University of Portland (UP) is a private Catholic university located in Portland, Oregon. Affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross, UP is known for its strong liberal arts foundation combined with professional programs in engineering, business, and nursing. The university’s mission emphasizes leadership, service, and spiritual development.
Academic Offerings
The University of Portland offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various schools:
- College of Arts and Sciences: Majors in English, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Environmental Science.
- Pamplin School of Business: Programs in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Operations Management.
- School of Nursing: One of the top nursing programs in the Pacific Northwest, offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.
- Shiley School of Engineering: Degrees in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.
Key Features
- Catholic Tradition: UP integrates its Catholic identity into all aspects of campus life, emphasizing ethical leadership, community service, and faith-based education.
- Strong Engineering Program: The Shiley School of Engineering is known for its hands-on approach, with students working on real-world engineering projects and internships.
- Focus on Sustainability: UP is committed to sustainability, with various green initiatives on campus and a curriculum that incorporates environmental education and stewardship.
2. Lewis & Clark College
History and Overview
Lewis & Clark College, located in Portland, Oregon, was founded in 1867 and is a private liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and sustainability. The college is named after the famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, reflecting its spirit of exploration and inquiry.
Academic Offerings
Lewis & Clark offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, law, and education. Key academic areas include:
- College of Arts and Sciences: Majors in International Affairs, Environmental Studies, Biology, Psychology, and Sociology.
- Graduate School of Education and Counseling: Programs in Teacher Education, School Counseling, and Educational Leadership.
- Northwestern School of Law: A nationally recognized law school offering JD, LLM, and Master of Studies in Environmental and Natural Resources Law.
Key Features
- Global Education: Lewis & Clark emphasizes global perspectives, with over 60% of students studying abroad during their college years.
- Environmental Focus: The college has a strong reputation for environmental studies and sustainability, with numerous green initiatives and a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
- Legal Excellence: The Northwestern School of Law is one of the top law schools in the country for environmental law, preparing students for careers in environmental policy, advocacy, and law.
3. Reed College
History and Overview
Founded in 1908, Reed College is a private liberal arts college located in Portland, Oregon. Reed is known for its intellectual rigor, distinctive academic structure, and emphasis on independent thinking. The college’s curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts, and it places a strong emphasis on critical inquiry, research, and writing.
Academic Offerings
Reed College offers undergraduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, with a particular focus on the liberal arts and sciences. Major areas of study include:
- Humanities: Majors in English, History, Philosophy, and Classics.
- Natural Sciences: Programs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Studies.
- Social Sciences: Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology, and Economics.
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Students can design their own interdisciplinary majors or pursue fields like Gender Studies and Environmental Studies.
Key Features
- The Reed Thesis: Every student is required to complete a senior thesis, an original research project that demonstrates mastery of their field of study.
- Graded on a Pass/Fail Basis: Reed students do not receive traditional letter grades but instead receive detailed feedback on their work, encouraging a focus on learning and intellectual development rather than grades.
- Community of Intellectual Engagement: Reed fosters a tight-knit academic community where students engage in deep discussions, collaborate on research projects, and pursue rigorous independent study.
4. Willamette University
History and Overview
Willamette University, founded in 1842, is the oldest university in the western United States and is located in Salem, Oregon. Willamette is a private liberal arts university that emphasizes civic engagement, leadership, and sustainability. It is situated across from the Oregon State Capitol, providing students with unique opportunities for internships and political engagement.
Academic Offerings
Willamette offers a diverse range of programs through its College of Liberal Arts, College of Law, and Atkinson Graduate School of Management. Major areas of study include:
- College of Liberal Arts: Majors in Politics, Economics, Biology, English, and Environmental Science.
- College of Law: Programs in Constitutional Law, Business Law, and Dispute Resolution.
- Atkinson Graduate School of Management: MBA programs in Business, Public Administration, and Nonprofit Management.
Key Features
- Commitment to Civic Engagement: Willamette integrates civic engagement into its curriculum, encouraging students to participate in service projects, internships, and political activism.
- Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Willamette’s liberal arts approach encourages students to explore multiple disciplines and engage in interdisciplinary learning.
- Prime Location: Its proximity to the Oregon State Capitol allows for unique internship opportunities and firsthand exposure to government and public policy work.
5. Pacific University
History and Overview
Founded in 1849, Pacific University is a private university located in Forest Grove, Oregon. Originally established as a school for orphans from the Oregon Trail, Pacific has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university is known for its health sciences programs and liberal arts education.
Academic Offerings
Pacific University offers more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs through its four colleges:
- College of Arts & Sciences: Majors in Biology, Psychology, Environmental Science, and English.
- College of Health Professions: Programs in Optometry, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies.
- College of Business: Degrees in Accounting, Finance, and Marketing.
- College of Education: Teacher education programs focused on both elementary and secondary education.
Key Features
- Health Sciences Excellence: Pacific University is particularly known for its health sciences programs, with one of the top optometry schools in the region.
- Hands-On Learning: Pacific emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, clinical placements, and community-based projects.
- Strong Liberal Arts Tradition: While Pacific is known for its professional programs, it maintains a strong liberal arts foundation, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education.
6. Linfield University
History and Overview
Linfield University, located in McMinnville, Oregon, was founded in 1858 and is a private liberal arts university with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education. Known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, Linfield offers students the chance to engage deeply with their academic interests while also preparing for careers in a variety of fields.
Academic Offerings
Linfield offers a broad range of undergraduate programs, with strengths in business, nursing, and the liberal arts. Key areas of study include:
- College of Arts and Sciences: Majors in Psychology, Biology, Environmental Science, and Political Science.
- School of Business: Programs in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and International Business.
- School of Nursing: Linfield offers one of the top nursing programs in the state, with clinical placements and partnerships with hospitals throughout Oregon.
- Online and Continuing Education: Linfield offers online degrees in Business, Management, and Nursing for adult learners.
Key Features
- Strong Focus on Undergraduate Teaching: Linfield prides itself on small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, fostering close mentorship and support.
- Nursing Program: Linfield’s School of Nursing, located in Portland, is highly regarded, offering students hands-on experience in clinical settings.
- Wine Studies Program: Linfield offers one of the few wine studies programs in the country, preparing students for careers in Oregon’s growing wine industry.
7. George Fox University
History and Overview
Founded in 1891 by Quakers, George Fox University is a private Christian university located in Newberg, Oregon. George Fox combines rigorous academics with a commitment to Christian faith, offering a supportive community for students to grow academically, personally, and spiritually. The university is known for its liberal arts curriculum, as well as its strong business, engineering, and education programs.
Academic Offerings
George Fox offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts, professional fields, and religious studies. Key academic areas include:
- College of Arts and Sciences: Majors in History, English, Communication, and Sociology.
- School of Business: Programs in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, and Economics.
- School of Education: Degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Educational Leadership.
- Engineering: George Fox offers accredited programs in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.
Key Features
- Christian Faith Integration: George Fox integrates Christian faith into its curriculum, with a focus on ethical leadership and service to others.
- Small Class Sizes: With a low student-to-faculty ratio, George Fox offers personalized learning experiences and close relationships with professors.
- Study Abroad and Global Engagement: George Fox emphasizes global education, with over half of students participating in study abroad programs during their time at the university.
8. Warner Pacific University
History and Overview
Warner Pacific University, founded in 1937, is a private Christian university located in Portland, Oregon. Affiliated with the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), Warner Pacific focuses on urban engagement, social justice, and providing educational opportunities for diverse and underserved populations. The university’s mission is to equip students for service, leadership, and spiritual growth.
Academic Offerings
Warner Pacific offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for careers in business, education, and ministry. Key areas of study include:
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Programs in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Communication.
- Business: Majors in Business Administration, Management, and Marketing.
- Education: Teacher preparation programs for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
- Religion and Ministry: Degrees in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies, and Biblical Studies.
Key Features
- Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: Warner Pacific is committed to serving a diverse student population, with many first-generation college students and students from underserved communities.
- Urban Engagement: Located in the heart of Portland, Warner Pacific integrates urban issues into its curriculum and encourages students to engage with the local community through internships and service projects.
- Faith-Based Education: The university’s Christian foundation is integrated into academic programs and campus life, promoting values of service, justice, and leadership.