Universities in Portland, USA
- Rankings & Reviews -

Latest ranking updates related to universities in Portland
  • 06 Mar, 2024: Publication of Scimago Institutions Rankings. Oregon Health & Science University with highest ranking among universities in Portland ranked #223.
  • 19 Dec, 2023: URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance updated with Portland State University in position 1191.
  • 05 Dec, 2023: British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK published most recent results of QS World University Rankings: Sustainability. Includes 2 universities from Portland.
  • 27 Oct, 2023: Publication of US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. Reed College with highest ranking among universities in Portland ranked #67.

Portland, Oregon, sometimes referred to as ‘the City of Roses’ by the locals, is the most populated city in the United States, and offers its inhabitants the chance to take advantage of its art galleries and museums, weekend food markets, and vibrant nightlife.

The city’s residents get around using the high quality public transport system, in the form of urban light rail (the MAX), buses, and streetcars. That said, many Portland locals also like to get around on foot since the short blocks were constructed with the pedestrian in mind, and also many routes through the city are decorated with sculptures and fountains, which makes taking a stroll through the city much more pleasant.


Rankings of universities in Portland, USA 2024

  • #301 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #69 
  • #223 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #165 
US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 October, 2022]
Show 12 more rankings of Oregon Health & Science University and subject specific rankings for 4 subjects

  • #801 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #401 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #1201 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
Show 19 more rankings of Portland State University and subject specific rankings for 8 subjects

Student satisfaction: 3.5 / 5.0 (168 reviews)
  • #92 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #446 
  • #3463 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #132 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 6 more rankings of Reed College


#4
USA

Pacific Northwest College of Art

  • #594 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #601 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (180 reviews)
  • #187 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #511 
  • #4226 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #207 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 5 more rankings of University of Portland and subject specific rankings for 2 subjects

#6
USA

Multnomah University

  • #1150 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1268 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #7828 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#7
USA

Maine College of Art

Student satisfaction: 4.5 / 5.0 (142 reviews)
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  • #1508 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1545 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #8462 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#8
USA

Warner Pacific College

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  • #1243 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1191 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #8116 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#9
USA

Portland, Concordia University

Student satisfaction: 3.4 / 5.0 (67 reviews)
  • #61 
QS 50 under 50
[Published 24 June, 2020]

#10
USA

University of Western States

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (118 reviews)
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  • #6059 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

  • #234 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #341 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #262 
Forbes: America's Top Colleges
[Published 30 August, 2022]
Show 6 more rankings of Lewis & Clark College and subject specific rankings for 2 subjects

  • #600 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #400 
  • #3119 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #1030 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 2 more rankings of University of Southern Maine and subject specific rankings for 3 subjects

#13
USA

Oregon College of Art and Craft

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (11 reviews)
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#14
USA

Concordia University-Portland

Student satisfaction: 3.4 / 5.0 (67 reviews)
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Highest subject rankings of universities in Portland

Nursing & Health Care Payscale College Salary Report - Best Schools by Majors
#35 
University of Portland
Business US News: Best Online Master's in Business Programs
#64 
Portland State University
Law US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#88 
Lewis & Clark College
Engineering US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#121 
Oregon Health & Science University
Education US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#153 
Portland State University
Social Sciences NTU Rankings by Subject
#197 
Oregon Health & Science University
Computer Science Payscale College Salary Report - Best Schools by Majors
#230 
Portland State University
Agriculture URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
#667 
Portland State University

Student Opinions About Studying in Portland

“The nature around Portland has to be some of the most impressive I’ve ever seen in my life. If you’re like me then sometimes you need time in the outdoors, in the wilderness, to take a break from the busy city rhythm, and Portland’s nature more than delivers here.”

“Despite Portland being portrayed as a liberal city, I found that to be an exaggeration. The sensation to me was that social attitudes are a mix of conservative and liberal, in more or less the same ratios as any other city.”

“I had a hard time at the beginning of my stay in Portland because I couldn’t find a job, but sooner or later your luck and persistence pays off here. Once you get set up, you should have more than enough money to go out and enjoy yourself with your friends a couple of times per week, whatever that might involve. Portland offers a lot of different kinds of activities, so I think there’s something for everyone.”

Portland Key Facts for International Students

PROS

  • Rental prices are more affordable than in many parts of the country, with the average rent prices ranging from $1,667 to $1,792 (furnished) depending on the neighbourhood.

  • Nature lovers obviously have a lot to see in Portland, whether it be Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, or Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. For those who are more in the mood for the city vibe, Portland’s nightlife offers ballet, plays, musicals, and plenty of bars and nightclubs.

  • In the interest of saving students money, some colleges and universities participate in public transport discount schemes. Those new to the city should investigate this straight away, to not to waste money on transport.

CONS

  • There is not a lot of variety when it comes to Portland’s employment opportunities, with many expressing that only basic entry level jobs tend to be available, and there is fierce competition for those jobs. Students looking for part-time work to pair with their studies are recommended to begin their job search in advance.

  • Portland’s cost of living is overall higher in almost every category compared with other major cities in the United States. That said, energy bills are considerably lower.

  • Many agree that Portland’s lack of sunshine can become an issue, as the weather is overcast most days of the year.


12 out of 14 Universities in Portland Ranked in at least one ranking

31 Different Rankings list Universities in Portland (22 institution and 9 subject rankings)

9 Global Rankings rank Universities in Portland Among TOP 200

Population: 653000

Elevation: 12 m. above sea level

Time: GMT -8

District/province: Oregon, Multnomah County

Living costs for students in Portland:

* 100 = prices in London

  • Living costs without accommodation 92* (8% cheaper than London)
  • All costs including accommodation 81* (19% cheaper than London)
  • Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 86* (14% cheaper than London)
  • Average Big Mac price 5.15 US$
  • Plug Type A
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz
  • Plug Type B
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz

Map with location of universities in Portland

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FAQ

Oregon Health & Science University ranks #1 in Portland in our meta ranking composed of 112 university rankings.

Among all universities in Portland Portland State University is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 31 rankings where Portland State University is listed.

University of Portland is ranked best in Portland for Medicine & Health (Nursing & Health Care). See all rankings for the University of Portland.

Portland State University is ranked best in Portland for Business (Business). See all rankings for the Portland State University.

Lewis & Clark College is ranked best in Portland for Law (Law). See all rankings for the Lewis & Clark College.

Oregon Health & Science University is ranked best in Portland for Engineering (Engineering). See all rankings for the Oregon Health & Science University.

Portland State University is ranked best in Portland for Education (Education). See all rankings for the Portland State University.

Oregon Health & Science University is ranked best in Portland for Social Studies & Humanities (Social Sciences). See all rankings for the Oregon Health & Science University.

Portland State University is ranked best in Portland for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the Portland State University.

Portland State University is ranked best in Portland for Agriculture (Agriculture). See all rankings for the Portland State University.

Ranking publishers

4icu

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British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK

Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

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Criteria used in ranking -QS 50 under 50:

Based on the QS World University rankings methodology, the top 50 universities that are under 50 years old.

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

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CWUR Center for World University Rankings

Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:

Research Performance: 40%

  • Research Output: 10%
  • High-Quality Publications: 10%
  • Influence: 10%
  • Citations: 10%

Quality of Education: 25%

Alumni Employment: 25%

Quality of Faculty: 10%

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Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:

Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity

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Forbes

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Kiplinger

Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:

Quality Criteria 55% Cost Criteria 45%

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MONEY

Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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NTU ranking

Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:

Research Productivity: 25%

  • # Articles last 11 years: 10%
  • # Articles current year: 15%

Research Impact: 35%

  • # Citations last 11 years: 15%
  • # Citations last 2 years: 10%
  • Average # citations last 11 years: 10%

Research Excellence: 40%

  • H-index last 2 years: 10%
  • # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
  • # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%

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Nature Index

Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:

Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)

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Payscale

Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):

Ranking is based on ROI

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RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)

Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:

Teaching: 40%

  • Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

  • Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
  • Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
  • Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

  • International Faculty: 2%
  • International Students: 2%
  • International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
  • Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
  • International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

  • Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
  • Institutional Income per Student: 2%
  • Papers per Research Income: 2%
  • Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
  • Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:

Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

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Scimago Institutions

Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:

Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%

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ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:

Quality of Education 10%

  • Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%

Quality of Faculty 40%

  • Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
  • Highly Cited Researchers 20%

Research Output 40%

  • Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
  • Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%

Per Capita Performance 10%

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StuDocu

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THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

  • Reputation survey: 15%
  • Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
  • Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
  • Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
  • Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

  • Reputation survey: 18%
  • Research income: 6%
  • Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

  • Proportion of international students: 2.5%
  • Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
  • International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

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The Princeton Review

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Thomson Reuters

Criteria used in ranking -Reuters Most Innovative Universities:

Patent Volume 33% Patent Citations 34% Industry Article Citation Impact 11% Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11% Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11%

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Urap

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Us News

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Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:

Outcomes 40% (employability) Resources 30% Engagement 20% (teaching) Environment 10% (diversity)

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Washington Monthly

Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:

Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%

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Webometrics

Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%

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