Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Portland, Oregon
27.2% Acceptance Rate
Reed College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
27.2%Acceptance Rate
4Avg GPA
1420Avg SAT
32Avg ACT
$83,310Annual Cost
$62,927Grad Salary
12.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
27.2%
Avg GPA
4
Avg SAT
1420
Avg ACT
32
Selectivity
Highly Competitive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1300–1510
ACT Middle 50%
29–34
Need-Based Aid
12.3% receive Pell
Reed College, founded in 1911 in Portland, Oregon, is renowned for its intellectual intensity and unconventional 'Reedies,' who thrive in its student-governed academic environment. The college's curriculum centers on a year-long humanities course and mandatory senior thesis?85% of students complete original research, often published in journals. Reed excels in physics (housing one of only two nuclear reactors operated by undergraduates) and creative writing (alumni include Gary Snyder and Barry Lopez). Its 116-acre campus features canyon trails and the Paradox Lost sculpture, embodying Reed's quirky ethos.
With no fraternities or Division sports, Reed's culture revolves around intellectual pursuits, visible in its 24-hour thesis-writing 'Paradox Cafe.' The college's honor principle allows self-proctored exams and fosters deep faculty-student collaboration (10:1 ratio). Despite its small size, Reed produces the 2nd highest number of PhDs per capita in the U.S. Recent initiatives like the $200 million 'Reed Forward' campaign expanded financial aid, with 40% of students now receiving Pell Grants. Reed's alumni network includes 32 Rhodes Scholars and MacArthur 'geniuses,' testament to its transformative liberal arts model.
Reed College Acceptance Rate
Reed College is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of Reed College is 27.2%. This means that only 27 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2–3 key extracurricular activities.
Selectivity at a Glance
Highly Competitive
Selectivity scale: Highly Competitive — 27.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
While academics are a primary focus, Reed considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
4.00 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.80 – 3.99
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.55
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.
Reed GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Reed is 4. It means that Reed is very selective in terms of the GPA. (Most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 4, Reed requires you to be near the top of your class. You need to score mostly A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, AP or IB courses related to your chosen field (e.g., math, calculus, physics for engineering) will strengthen your application.
Reed GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at Reed utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 4, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
4.00 – 4.00
Academic Target
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.80 – 3.99
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.60 – 3.79
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.59
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Reed, 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 Reed
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Reed College's verified institutional data
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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.
Reed College (Reed) 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 Reed Without SAT or ACT?
Reed College 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.
Reed College Average SAT Score: 1420
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Reed College is 1420 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1420 — Very Competitive
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1420 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1510 SAT or 34 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Reed College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1300, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Reed. 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 | 690 | 630 | 750 |
| SAT Reading | 715 | 670 | 760 |
| SAT Composite | 1420 | 1300 | 1510 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1300 then you are below most of the admitted students at Reed and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1510 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 1400
Can I get into Reed College (Reed) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Reed College (Reed) are good but the admission staff at Reed 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.
Reed College (Reed) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Reed is 32.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 32 — Very Competitive
This score makes Reed College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 30 | 27 | 32 |
| ACT English | 34 | 32 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 29 | 34 |
Can I get into Reed College with a 34 ACT?
A 34 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Reed College — 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 Reed College 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 Reed College — 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 Reed College 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 34 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 Reed
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Reed, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
Reed Profile
Full Name
Reed College (Reed)
City
Portland
State
Oregon
ZIP Code
97202-8199
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a Reed Degree Worth It?
Getting into Reed 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. Reed 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 Reed is $71,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.48%.
How much does a degree from Reed Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Reed College is $83,310. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Reed College is much less than this.
12.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 38.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Reed and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Reed College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Reed as your choice in the form.
How much does a Reed Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $62,927. An average Reed 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 Reed College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| Simpson College | Indianola, IA | 1410 | 32 |
| St. John's College | Annapolis, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | 1393 | 31 |
| St Olaf College | Northfield, MN | 1373 | 30 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | 1383 | 31 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Reed College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 1416 | 32 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | 1418 | 32 |
| Simpson College | Indianola, IA | 1410 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Reed College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | 1486 | 33 |
Degree Programs at Reed
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Reed Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $62,927 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $83,310 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
12.3% 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 Reed College is 27.2% 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 4. 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 3.7, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.7, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.6 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 4, 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 Reed College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1420 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1300–1510.
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.