Reed College
The Vibe Check
Reed College feels like an intense intellectual sanctuary where students are genuinely excited to debate Dostoyevsky over coffee at 2 AM. The campus buzzes with a DIY, counter-culture energy, fueled by a deep-seated commitment to academic rigor and a notable absence of Greek life or varsity athletics. It is a place for the fiercely curious who want to deconstruct everything, from quantum physics to modern poetry.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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Academics & Majors
Reed is renowned for its rigorous, discussion-based seminars and a mandatory sophomore-year thesis that builds serious research skills. The college prioritizes intellectual inquiry over grades (the first-year transcript is narrative, not graded), fostering a uniquely collaborative and deep learning environment. Faculty are dedicated teachers first, offering mentorship that often leads to co-authored publications in top journals.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Portland
Portland is a playground for the creative and outdoorsy, with students frequenting the nearby Hawthorne District for its quirky bookstores, vintage shops, and food carts. On weekends, you'll find Reedies hiking in Forest Park, exploring the Oregon coast, or diving into the city's legendary indie music and art scenes. The city's relaxed, eco-conscious vibe perfectly complements Reed's intellectual and counter-cultural spirit.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($62,927):
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Safety Check
The Reed campus is located in a safe, residential neighborhood in southeast Portland, with good lighting and regular campus security patrols. Portland has a visible homeless population, and like any urban area, students should practice standard city safety awareness, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Unparalleled intellectual environment with no grade inflation and a focus on genuine learning.
- ✓ Strong, tight-knit community with a unique culture free from Greek life and varsity sports.
- ✓ Excellent preparation for graduate school, particularly in the humanities and sciences.
- ✓ Beautiful, self-contained campus with gothic architecture and a renowned forested canyon.
Cons
- ✗ Extremely high sticker price, which can be a barrier even with financial aid.
- ✗ The intense academic workload and culture can be isolating for some students.
- ✗ Lacks the traditional 'school spirit' of colleges with big sports teams or a bustling Greek system.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Reed is best known for its intense academic rigor, a mandatory senior thesis for all graduates, and its unique culture that eschews grades in favor of detailed narrative evaluations during the first year. It has a long-standing reputation as a haven for intellectual, counter-cultural students and is famous for its vibrant student-run theater scene and the annual Renn Fayre celebration.
Yes, Reed is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of approximately 27%. Successful applicants typically have strong academic records, with an average SAT score around 1420, but the college also values intellectual passion and a unique perspective demonstrated through essays and interviews.
Campus life is intensely academic but also deeply communal and quirky. With no varsity sports or Greek life, social life revolves around student clubs, dorm culture, and intellectual pursuits. Students are known for their passion for debate, art, and science, often collaborating on unique projects and celebrating with events like the Renn Fayre, a student-run festival.
For the right student, Reed is worth the investment due to its exceptional preparation for graduate studies and careers in research, law, and the arts. While the sticker price is high, the college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, and the strong alumni network and reputation for producing critical thinkers provide significant long-term value.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,575
- In-State Tuition $67,020
- Zip Code 97202
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
At a sticker price of over $67,000, Reed is a significant investment, but the generous financial aid packages can make it accessible for many families. The 10-year median earnings of $62,927 are solid, especially considering the college's strong reputation for producing critical thinkers who succeed in graduate school and niche fields. The value lies in the unparalleled undergraduate education and network, which can be a powerful launchpad for those who leverage it.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.