Reed students are creative, self-propelled, passionate, and analytical. They have a boundless enthusiasm for learning and an unexpected ability to embrace paradoxes. And they love Reed, one of the most intellectual colleges in the country.
This Is Reed.
Reed Facts
Located in the progressive, dynamic city of Portland, Oregon, the Reed campus encompasses 116 acres of rolling lawns and winding paths, a century of distinct periods of architectural design, over 2,000 trees representing more than 125 species, and a 28-acre watershed that is home to a growing population of native wildlife and plants.
Enrollment
1,439 Undergraduate Students
16 Average Class Size
9:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
1 Honor Principle
0 Fraternities or Sororities
Infinite Points of View
In 2023, Reed's incoming class came from 41 states and 14 countries.
Class of 2027 Geographic Distribution
26% California
13% Mountain/Southwest
18% Northeast
15% Northwest
8% Midwest
6% South
4% Alaska & Hawaii
11% International
Class of 2027 Demographics
32% Domestic-born Students of African, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Island, or Native American Descent
#1 in Best Classroom Experience, Princeton Review 2024
Costs and Financial Aid
100% of Demonstrated Need is Met for Every Admitted Student
Total Cost of Attendance (2023–24)
$83,840
Average Financial Aid Package (Class of 2027)
$59,300
Reed graduates have approximately $10,000 less debt than the national average for private, nonprofit colleges.
#8 in Great Financial Aid out of 389 colleges, Princeton Review 2024
Honors, Prizes, and Scholarships
3 MacArthur Fellows
194 National Science Foundation Fellows
123 Fulbright Students
32 Rhodes Scholars
73 Thomas J. Watson Fellows
ACADEMICS
A Reed education is characterized by close interaction between students and faculty in an atmosphere of shared scholarly concern and active learning.
#3 in Professors Get High Marks, Princeton Review 2024
Honor, Independence. Reed's Honor Principle promotes a culture of trust and respect: exams are unmonitored and community members engage in conscientious self-reflection about their words and deeds.
HUM 110 serves as a powerful common experience for first-year Reedies, all of whom are reading the same works at the same time and sharing a significant base of knowledge.
A Little Help From Your Friends. Roughly 50 percent of students make use of Reed's peer tutoring program—many of the 200+ tutors have been tutored themselves.
Majors
- American Studies
- Anthropology
- Art
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Comparative Literature
- Comparative Race & Ethnicity Studies
- Computer Science
- Dance
- Dance-Theatre
- Economics
- English
- Environmental Studies
- French
- German
- Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
- History
- History-Literature
- International & Comparative Policy Studies
- Linguistics
- Literature-Theatre
- Mathematics
- Mathematics-Computer Science
- Music
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Religion
- Religion-Ancient Mediterranean Studies
- Religion-Political Science
- Russian
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Theatre
Minors
- Chinese
- Comparative Race & Ethnicity Studies
- Computer Science
- Dance
- Economics
- English
- Film & Media Studies
- French
- German
- Greek
- Greek and Latin
- Latin
- Linguistics
- Music
- Religion
- Russian
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Theatre
Teacher Scholars
There is a crucial interconnectedness between teaching and research at Reed—faculty culture supports both superb undergraduate teaching and high-level research. Students work side by side with professors in the classroom, on the senior thesis, and on faculty research.
"The opportunity to collaborate with curious and passionate students is one of the extraordinary features of the Reed academic experience." —Sarah Schaack, Professor of Biology
COMMUNITY
At Reed, students challenge each other and take care of each other.
Forms of Living. Residential life at Reed is designed to bring people together. The kitchen forms the heart of the co-ops, and students live together in "neighborhoods" arranged by class year. Our housing program cultivates the skills students need to promote conversation, resolve conflict, build community, and spark lifelong friendships.
Housing Highlights
- All of Reed College housing is gender inclusive.
- Students are able to select their own roommates if they wish. They are able to select roommates of any gender and can do so as an incoming or returning student.
- All communities on campus have access to full kitchens, as well as ample common spaces for group studying and spontaneous conversation.
Reedies Celebrate Unique Traditions
It began on a misty night in 1913 when a group of Reedies from Doyle House snatched a concrete owl and gave it a lofty new perch high atop Old Dorm Block. Ever since, the Doyle Owl has been pursued, defended, and brandished.
Mountain Hideaway. Just 90 minutes from campus, Reed's ski cabin on Mount Hood is a great place to unwind with friends after a day exploring the mountain.
ADVENTURE. Reed’s Gray Fund provides students with cost-free cultural, social, and recreational opportunities—from barn dancing and white water rafting to hot-air balloons and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Portland. The big city that feels like a small town, the urban center that looks like a forested garden. Take Trimet (Portland's public transit system) to head downtown or go by bike to explore food carts, concert venues, vintage stores, galleries, and museums.
#1 Best Foodie City in America, WalletHub
LIFE BEYOND REED
The fellowship of Reed—the traditions in which you participate, the academic milestones you achieve, and the relationships you form here—is yours for a lifetime.
Young Alumni
“Reed gave me the option to do more academically and creatively. I have been able to create my own path as well as understand that to lead is to listen to others . . . I am a much better person because of my Reed education.” —Shelby Williams ’19
Zesean Moiz Ali ’20 / Chemistry
Case Researcher, Harvard Business School
Shelby Williams ’19 / Economics
Consultant and Data Analyst, Deloitte
Natalie Murphy ’21 / Environmental Studies-History
JD Candidate, University of Baltimore Law School
Ben Read ’21 / Comparative Literature
Digital Content Assistant, Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library
Ranked Percentage Of Graduates Who Go On To Earn Doctorates
Reed is ranked:
- 2nd in percentage of graduates who earned doctorates in the social sciences
- 3rd in percentage of graduates who earned doctorates in the arts and humanities
- 4th in percentage of graduates who earned doctorates in the physical sciences
- 4th in percentage of graduates who earned doctorates in all disciplines
Love Reed.
You will gain wisdom, join a stronghold of griffins, and graduate from Reed prepared to make your own exuberant difference in the world.