
University of Portland
The University of Portland campus offers a vibrant community experience, featuring students engaging in various activities and moments of connection.
Acceptance rate
89.2%
SAT (mid 50%)
1160–1370
Avg net price
$28,210
after aid
Next deadline
Dec 5
EA
Testing
Optional
2026 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the University of Portland admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
University of Portland admitted 89.2% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That means most students who apply get in. Your job is to meet the requirements and apply on time.
Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1160–1370 on the SAT and 25–31 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.
The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what University of Portland actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.
What they value
Curiosity, Collaboration, and Real-World Impact
As a UP student, you won't just sit in a lecture hall; you’ll collaborate with faculty on R-1 level undergraduate research, tackle impactful real-world projects, and build a network of intentional mentors.
The curriculum integrates rigorous academics with intentional mentorships, practical fieldwork, and meaningful projects across a College of Arts and Sciences and four professional schools.
- College of Arts and SciencesDisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies
- Four Professional SchoolsBusiness, engineering, healthcare, education
- Graduate Degrees & CertificatesMaster's, doctoral, business, education, nursing
Verified from up.edu and up.edu and up.edu and up.edu and up.edu and up.edu.
Applying
Here’s what to send, and when.
- Next deadlineDecember 5, 2026 (EA)
- Regular decisionMarch 8, 2027
- TestingOptional (2026 cycle)
- Recommendations0 letters
- Personal essayNot required
- ApplicationCommon App
Verified from https://www.up.edu.
The essays
Here are the supplemental essay prompts.
The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.
We would love to get a sense of what excites you both academically and personally. In order to do so, let us know what question you would pose to a prospective UP Honors student on an application to get a sense about their academic curiosity and commitment to interdisciplinary work and then answer this question yourself.
Up to 600 words
Finally, generate a second question that would elucidate something about the candidate's personal interests, commitments, etc. and answer this question as well.
Up to 600 words
Every prompt, with how to approach each →
Verified from https://www.up.edu.
Cost and aid
What will you actually pay?
The sticker price is about $73,224. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $28,210.
We offer comprehensive financial aid packages based both on academic excellence and demonstrated need, including scholarships, grants, and federal loan options.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $82,804.
Verified from https://www.up.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Academics
These are the most popular majors.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing26% of degrees
- Biology, General11% of degrees
- Psychology, General7% of degrees
- Marketing6% of degrees
- Computer Science4% of degrees
- Mechanical Engineering3% of degrees
Campus life
Here’s the feel of the place.
“Collaborate on R-1 level research, join a group run, and connect with a Catholic priest on campus, a Tuesday here is full of discovery and community.”
From energetic student events like firebreathing and group runs to student researchers in state-of-the-art facilities, life on The Bluff is dynamic and full of discovery.
Quick answers
What do people ask about University of Portland?
- Is University of Portland test-optional?
- For the 2026 application cycle, standardized testing at University of Portland is optional.
- How hard is it to get into University of Portland?
- Very hard. University of Portland admits 89.2% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160 to 1370 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- When is the University of Portland application deadline?
- The next deadline is December 5, 2026 (EA). Regular Decision closes March 8, 2027.
- How much does University of Portland cost?
- The list price is about $73,224. After aid, families pay $28,210 on average.
- Is University of Portland worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $82,804 ten years after enrolling. 80% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about University of Portland.
Spike answers from University of Portland’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.