Reed College

Reed is an academically rigorous school defined by its passion for learning. Though studying is ubiquitous, the culture is largely noncompetitive. Professors are brilliant, intellectual discussion is constant, and free thinking is supported and encouraged. Housed in Portland, Reed embodies the city's reputation for quirkiness and liberalism, fostering a fun, welcoming environment - students tend to be a bit geeky.

Popular majors / known for: Psychology, Economics, Political Science, Biology

Academic approach: Liberal arts. Although Reed grades students on a standard 4 point scale, students aren’t given their grades unless by request. Instead, students have qualitative discussions with their professors about their performance in the course.

Fun fact / campus tradition: The Doyle Owl, a large concrete owl and Reed’s unofficial mascot, shows up in unique places whenever students steal it – it’s been to Disneyland, frozen in a block of ice, and even visited Steve Jobs!

Check out campus photos here!

School also featured in: Similar to Highly Selective - Brown, International Students, Urban LACs, Quirky Campus, LGBTQIA+ Affirming