Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Portland, Oregon
95.4% Acceptance Rate
University of Portland — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
95.4%Acceptance Rate
3.66Avg GPA
1277Avg SAT
28Avg ACT
$69,183Annual Cost
$82,804Grad Salary
18.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
95.4%
Avg GPA
3.66
Avg SAT
1277
Avg ACT
28
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1190–1356
ACT Middle 50%
25–30
Need-Based Aid
18.6% receive Pell
University of Portland is a private, Catholic liberal arts university in Oregon that is known for its academic rigor, community engagement, and focus on the development of the whole person. Admissions are competitive and holistic, seeking students who display high intellectual potential, character, and a commitment to service within a values-centered community. The university values applicants who show they can engage in deep critical inquiry while remaining grounded in the institution's commitment to ethical reflection.
Successful applicants should emphasize their participation in academic and extracurricular organizations that showcase their leadership or initiative. Because the university encourages a blend of theory and practice, providing evidence of projects or roles that demonstrate a student's ambition will strengthen the application significantly. A clear articulation of how the student intends to use a liberal arts foundation to achieve their specific career aspirations is essential, as the admissions committee values students who are both ambitious and mission-aligned.
University of Portland Acceptance Rate
University of Portland maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 95.4%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 95.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.66 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.46 – 3.65
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.21
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
University of Portland Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of Portland is November 1 for Early Action applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 103 days left — Early Action
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: December 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by: March 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Portland GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of Portland is 3.66. University of Portland is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.86-4.06 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.36 and 3.66, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of Portland GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of Portland utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.66, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.66 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.46 – 3.65
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.26 – 3.45
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.25
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- No personal essay and no letter of recommendation are required for first-year applicants in the current cycle - a change from earlier years' required "Why UP" essay.
- Moreau Pathway Program guarantees admission plus a minimum $20,500/year renewable scholarship for qualifying seniors at partner Catholic high schools (3.3+ GPA).
- Test-optional; only about 13% of admitted students submit SAT/ACT scores.
- BSN Nursing has a firm February 15 deadline (no late/space-available exception) and requires Chemistry completed before the program starts; internal transfer into Nursing from another major is highly competitive with no guaranteed spot.
- The Rigor Metric: At University of Portland, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Portland
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Portland's verified institutional data
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Portland Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into University of Portland Without SAT or ACT?
University of Portland considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
University of Portland Average SAT Score: 1277
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Portland is 1277 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1277 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1277 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1356 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Portland allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1190, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Portland. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 617 | 570 | 663 |
| SAT Reading | 657 | 620 | 693 |
| SAT Composite | 1277 | 1190 | 1356 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1190 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Portland and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1356 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into University of Portland with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Portland are good but the admission staff at University of Portland tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Portland ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of Portland is 28.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 28 — Competitive
This score makes University of Portland Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 28 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 24 | 27 |
| ACT English | 27 | 23 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 30 |
Can I get into University of Portland with a 30 ACT?
A 30 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Portland — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Portland use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Portland — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Portland uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 30 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Portland
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
University of Portland provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Move fast if you're at a Moreau Pathway school
UP's Moreau Pathway Program grants non-binding guaranteed admission plus a guaranteed, renewable minimum $20,500/year scholarship to seniors at participating Catholic high schools with a 3.3+ GPA and 16 completed academic units - bypassing the general applicant pool entirely, with direct entry into their chosen major (Nursing excepted, which still requires Chemistry). Confirm whether your high school is on UP's current partner list before defaulting to the standard Common App route, since this program is not automatically applied and requires its own application.
Recalibrate your effort now that the essay is gone
For the current first-year cycle, UP requires no personal essay and no letter of recommendation - a real change from the previously required 250-word "Why UP" supplement. With those two variables removed, GPA, course rigor, and (if submitted) test scores carry disproportionately more weight in review. Since only about 13% of admitted students submit test scores, a strong SAT/ACT becomes an unusually effective differentiator precisely because so few applicants are using it.
Apply direct-entry Nursing, don't plan to switch in later
BSN admission has its own firm February 15 deadline with no late or space-available exception (unlike every other major, which UP reviews on a rolling space-available basis after that date). Internal transfer into the BSN program from another UP major is explicitly "very competitive" with "no guarantee," competing against external transfer applicants. A student set on nursing should apply directly as a first-year BSN applicant with Chemistry already completed or clearly scheduled - not as "undecided" hoping to add nursing later.
Make your Holy Cross fit visible where it still counts
Because the essay and recommendation letter are gone from the general file, the places where mission-fit still gets evaluated are Early Action timing (decisions in about 4 weeks), the separate Honors Program application (also due Feb 15), and any optional materials submitted through the portal. Applying EA and explicitly referencing the Congregation of Holy Cross tradition or Moreau Center service values in optional "additional information" fields is one of the few remaining ways to signal genuine fit in a file that's now mostly numbers.
Expert Insight:
The most damaging mistake is misreading UP's roughly 70% overall acceptance rate as applying to Nursing. Students apply "undecided" or to another major assuming they can move into BSN sophomore year, then discover internal transfer is highly competitive with no guaranteed slot - by which point they've also missed the firm Feb 15 nursing deadline and the Chemistry prerequisite window.
University of Portland Profile
Full Name
University of Portland
City
Portland
State
Oregon
ZIP Code
97203-5798
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a University of Portland Degree Worth It?
Getting into University of Portland can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of Portland offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of Portland is $67,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.63%.
How much does a degree from University of Portland Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Portland is $69,183. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Portland is much less than this.
18.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 40 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Portland and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Portland, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Portland as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of Portland Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $82,804. An average University of Portland graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Portland. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Covenant College | Lookout Mountain, GA | 1254 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Portland. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Mercer University | Macon, GA | 1280 | 28 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Portland. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
Degree Programs at University of Portland
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Portland Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $82,804 annually, depending on the industry.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $69,183 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
18.6% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of University of Portland is 95.4% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.66. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.36, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.36, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.26 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.66, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of Portland is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1277 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1190–1356.
The application deadline for University of Portland is November 1 for Early Action applicants. Admission decisions are released by December 15.
The scholarship priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.