| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Founded: 1908
Location: Portland, Oregon
Type: Private Liberal Arts College
Motto: “Communism, Atheism, Free Love” (historically used satirically, reflecting its non-traditional reputation)
Student Population: ~1,400 students
Academic Focus: Strong emphasis on humanities, sciences, and interdisciplinary learning
Notable Alumni: Steve Jobs (attended but did not graduate), Gary Snyder (poet), James Beard (chef), Barbara Ehrenreich (author)
No Traditional Grades – Professors provide detailed feedback rather than letter grades (students can request grades, but they aren’t emphasized).
Senior Thesis Requirement – Every student must complete an extensive year-long research project before graduating.
Intensive Humanities Program – All first-year students take Humanities 110, an in-depth study of classic texts and ideas.
No Fraternities or Sororities – The culture is highly independent and anti-hierarchical.
Strong Science & Math Programs – Despite its liberal arts focus, Reed has one of the highest rates of alumni earning PhDs in STEM fields.
Beautiful Campus: 116-acre campus with forests, a canyon, and a lake.
Countercultural Reputation: Historically, Reed has been known for its progressive, quirky, and nonconformist student body.
Honor Principle: A guiding ethical code that emphasizes mutual respect, self-governance, and academic integrity.
No Varsity Sports: Reed has a casual approach to athletics, favoring intramural sports and outdoor activities.
Highly Intellectual Community: Students are known for their intellectual curiosity, love of learning, and political engagement.
Highly Selective: Acceptance rate is usually around 30–40%.
Test-Optional: SAT/ACT scores are not required.
Strong Emphasis on Essays & Intellectual Passion: Reed looks for students who love to learn for the sake of learning.
Steve Jobs famously dropped out of Reed but credited his calligraphy class there as inspiration for Apple's typography.
Reed has one of the highest per capita numbers of alumni who go on to earn PhDs.
The Paideia Festival is a unique, student-led event where people teach and take classes on anything (from philosophy to underwater basket weaving).
Anthropology
Art (Studio Art & Art History)
Classics
Comparative Literature
Dance
Economics
English
French
German
History
Linguistics
Philosophy
Political Science
Religion
Russian
Sociology
Spanish
Theatre
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Reed encourages students to explore interdisciplinary studies, allowing them to combine different fields. Some interdisciplinary programs include:
American Studies
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Environmental Studies (Can be combined with Biology, Chemistry, Economics, History, or Political Science)
History–Literature
International & Comparative Policy Studies
Mathematics–Computer Science
Mathematics–Economics
Neuroscience
Reed offers Chinese, French, German, Greek, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. Language courses often integrate literature, culture, and history.
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (2024-25) |
|---|---|---|
|
Anthropology |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Art (Studio Art & Art History) |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Biology |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Chemistry |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Classics |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Comparative Literature |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Computer Science |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Dance |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Economics |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
English |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Environmental Studies |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
French |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
German |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
History |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
History–Literature |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
International & Comparative Policy Studies |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Linguistics |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Mathematics |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Mathematics–Computer Science |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Mathematics–Economics |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Neuroscience |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Philosophy |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Physics |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Political Science |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Religion |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Russian |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Sociology |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Spanish |
4 years |
$66,710 |
|
Theatre |
4 years |
$66,710 |
Rigorous Academics – Known for its highly intellectual and research-driven approach.
Small Class Sizes – A 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close interaction with professors.
No Traditional Grades – Focus on learning and feedback rather than GPA.
Research Opportunities – All students complete a senior thesis, giving them valuable research experience.
Scholarships & Financial Aid – Need-based aid is available for international students.
Progressive & Inclusive Campus – A welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds.
Reed offers need-based financial aid to international students, but no merit-based scholarships.
International students must submit the CSS Profile to apply for aid.
Around 50-60% of international students receive financial aid.
Aid packages cover tuition, housing, meals, and other costs based on demonstrated financial need.
Important: Reed is need-aware for international applicants, meaning financial need is considered in admission decisions.
International Student Orientation – Special programs to help students adjust to life in the U.S.
Clubs & Organizations – Over 90+ student groups, including international and cultural clubs.
On-Campus Housing – Required for first-year students; provides a strong community environment.
Academic Support – Free tutoring, writing center, and faculty mentorship available.
Career Services – Helps international students with internships, research opportunities, and grad school applications.
LGBTQ+ & Diversity Support – Reed has a strong commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
F-1 Student Visa – Required for international students. Reed provides an I-20 form after admission.
On-Campus Jobs – International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) on campus.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) – After graduation, F-1 students can work in the U.S. for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM majors).
1. Choose Your Application Deadline
Reed offers multiple deadlines for first-year applicants:
Application Type |
Deadline |
Decision Notification |
Binding? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Early Decision I (ED I) |
November 1 |
Mid-December |
Yes (binding) |
|
Early Decision II (ED II) |
December 20 |
Early February |
Yes (binding) |
|
Regular Decision (RD) |
January 15 |
Mid-March |
No (non-binding) |
|
Transfer Admission |
March 1 |
Mid-May |
No (non-binding) |
Early Decision (ED) applicants must commit to attending if accepted.
2. Submit Your Application
All applicants must apply through the Common Application (Common App).
Required Documents:
Common Application Form
Personal Statement (Essay)
Reed-Specific Supplement (Why Reed Essay)
Official High School Transcripts
Teacher Recommendations (2 letters)
Counselor Recommendation (1 letter)
School Report Form (submitted by your school counselor)
Mid-Year Report (if applicable)
SAT/ACT Scores?
Reed College is test-optional – you do not have to submit SAT/ACT scores.
However, if you feel your scores strengthen your application, you may submit them.
English Proficiency (For International Students)
TOEFL (Recommended: 100+ iBT)
IELTS (Recommended: 7.0+)
Duolingo (Recommended: 130+)
3. Apply for Financial Aid (If Needed)
Reed offers need-based financial aid (no merit-based scholarships).
U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents:
Submit the FAFSA & CSS Profile by the deadline.
International Students:
Submit the CSS Profile & financial documents (if applying for aid).
Reed is need-aware for international applicants, meaning financial need is considered in admission decisions.
4. Interviews (Optional but Recommended)
Reed offers optional interviews for applicants to showcase their personality and interests.
Interviews can be with admissions officers, alumni, or current students.
Conducted virtually or in-person (for those visiting campus).
5. Track Your Application & Decision Notification
Once submitted, you can track your application status via Reed’s admission portal.
Decisions are released based on the application deadline you chose (see table above).
Reed College offers three main intake options for undergraduate students:
Application Type |
Deadline |
Decision Notification |
Binding? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Early Decision I (ED I) |
November 1 |
Mid-December |
Yes (binding) |
|
Early Decision II (ED II) |
December 20 |
Early February |
Yes (binding) |
|
Regular Decision (RD) |
January 15 |
Mid-March |
No (non-binding) |
|
Transfer Admission |
March 1 |
Mid-May |
No (non-binding) |
Note:
Early Decision (ED) is binding, meaning you must attend Reed if admitted.
Regular Decision (RD) is non-binding, allowing you to consider multiple college offers.
Reed does not offer Spring intake; students begin in the Fall semester (August).
To apply for a Bachelor’s program at Reed College, students must meet the following requirements:
1. Academic Requirements
High school diploma (or equivalent).
Strong academic performance, especially in English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language.
Recommended challenging coursework (AP, IB, Honors, or A-Levels) if available.
2. Standardized Tests (Optional but can be submitted)
SAT/ACT not required (test-optional).
If submitted, competitive scores:
SAT: 1350-1500+ (Recommended)
ACT: 30-34+ (Recommended)
3. English Language Proficiency (For International Students)
TOEFL (Recommended: 100+ iBT)
IELTS (Recommended: 7.0+)
Duolingo (Recommended: 130+)
4. Required Documents
Common Application (via Common App).
Personal Statement (Common App essay).
Reed-Specific Essay (Why Reed?).
High School Transcripts (Translated to English if needed).
Letters of Recommendation (2 teacher recommendations + 1 counselor recommendation).
Mid-Year Report (if applicable).
Scholarship / Aid Program |
Eligibility |
Award Amount (Per Year in USD) |
Application Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Need-Based Financial Aid |
U.S. & international students with financial need |
(up to full tuition, room & board) |
CSS Profile + financial documents |
|
Reed College Grant |
U.S. & international students demonstrating financial need |
based on need |
Automatically considered with financial aid application |
|
Federal Pell Grant |
U.S. citizens & eligible non-citizens with financial need |
Up to $7,395 |
FAFSA required |
|
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) |
U.S. students with exceptional financial need |
$100–$4,000 |
FAFSA required |
|
Oregon Opportunity Grant |
Oregon residents with financial need |
Up to $4,692 |
FAFSA or ORSAA required |
|
Federal Work-Study (FWS) |
U.S. students with financial need |
(Part-time campus job) |
FAFSA required |
|
Student Loans (Subsidized & Unsubsidized) |
U.S. students needing additional financial aid |
Up to $5,500 for first-year students |
FAFSA required |
Facility |
Details |
Cost (Per Year in USD, 2024-25) |
|---|---|---|
|
On-Campus Housing |
Available for all students, required for first-years |
Included in Room & Board Cost |
|
Residence Halls |
Traditional dorms, suites, & apartment-style housing |
based on hall type |
|
Room Types |
Single, double, suite-style |
See breakdown below |
|
Dining Facilities |
Commons Café (main dining hall), Marketplace, cafes |
Included in Meal Plan |
|
Meal Plan (Board) |
Unlimited meal plan (required for residents) |
Included in Room & Board Cost |
|
Library (Hauser Library) |
24/7 access, extensive academic resources |
Free |
|
Student Recreation |
Gym, pool, hiking trails, outdoor activities |
Free |
|
Study Spaces |
Quiet zones, collaborative spaces, research labs |
Free |
|
Laundry Services |
Available in dorms (coin or card-based) |
($1.50 per load avg.) |
|
Internet & Wi-Fi |
High-speed Wi-Fi across campus |
Free |
|
Security & Safety |
24/7 Campus Safety team, keycard access |
Free |
|
Parking & Transportation |
Limited on-campus parking, bike-friendly campus |
Parking permit required |
1 Academics & Intellectual Environment
Reed is famous for its academically intense culture. Students are deeply engaged in discussions, research, and independent thinking. The Honor Principle governs academic and social life, promoting mutual respect and integrity.
No traditional grades (though they exist internally).
Every student must complete a senior thesis.
Small classes with close professor-student interactions.
2 Campus Community & Student Organizations
Despite its serious academic focus, Reed has a tight-knit and quirky student body. There are 90+ student clubs and organizations, covering interests like:
The Quest (student newspaper).
Reed Chorus & A Cappella Groups.
Outdoor Programs (hiking, skiing, rock climbing).
Gaming, Sci-Fi, & Fantasy Clubs.
Activist & Cultural Groups (LGBTQ+ groups, international student organizations).
3 Housing & Residential Life
First-year students live on campus in themed residence halls (quiet dorms, substance-free housing, LGBTQ+ housing).
Upperclassmen can live on or off-campus in nearby Portland neighborhoods.
Residence halls are community-driven, with shared kitchens, study spaces, and common areas.
4 Social Life & Traditions
Reed is not a party school, but it has unique traditions that make student life exciting:
Renn Fayre – A wild end-of-year festival with performances, art, and celebration.
Paideia Week – A student-run program where anyone can teach or take fun classes.
Nitrogen Day – A quirky campus tradition involving liquid nitrogen experiments.
5 Arts, Music, & Creativity
Reed supports artistic expression through:
Studio art classes & exhibitions.
Theatre performances and student productions.
Concerts, poetry readings, and open mic nights.
6 Sports & Outdoor Activities
Reed has no varsity sports teams, but students enjoy:
Intramural sports like soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee.
Outdoor trips (hiking, camping, rafting in the Pacific Northwest).
Climbing gym & fitness center for students.
7 Diversity & Inclusion
Reed is inclusive and progressive, welcoming students from all backgrounds. The Multicultural Resource Center, LGBTQ+ support groups, and international student services provide resources and foster community.
8 Career Services & Post-Graduation Opportunities
Internships & research programs available through Reed’s Center for Life Beyond Reed.
Strong support for graduate school applications (Reed has one of the highest PhD production rates in the U.S.).
Alumni network helps students find jobs, mentorship, and post-grad opportunities.
Reed’s Center for Life Beyond Reed (CLBR) helps students transition into careers or further education through:
Internships & Fellowships – Students gain experience in research, business, nonprofits, and tech companies.
Job Search Assistance – Resume reviews, interview preparation, and career coaching.
Alumni Network & Mentorship – Connects students with successful Reed graduates in various fields.
Graduate School Guidance – Strong support for PhD, law, and medical school applications.
Career Fairs & Employer Connections – Access to networking events and job opportunities.
Reed students excel in academia, research, technology, business, and creative fields.
1 Graduate & PhD Placements
Reed has one of the highest per capita PhD production rates in the U.S.
Many graduates pursue advanced degrees at Harvard, MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Yale.
Common PhD fields: Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
2 Employment & Industry Placements
While Reed is not a business-focused school, its graduates find success in:
Technology & Software – Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta
Finance & Consulting – Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Co.
Media & Journalism – The New York Times, NPR, Penguin Random House
Nonprofits & Public Policy – UN, NGOs, environmental organizations
Science & Research – NIH, NASA, pharmaceutical companies
3 Internships & Research Opportunities
Many Reed students secure internships at top firms and research institutions.
Funding available for unpaid internships through college grants.
Research opportunities with professors and national organizations.
Average Starting Salary: ~$50,000 - $70,000 per year (varies by industry).
Top-paying fields: Tech, Consulting, Finance, and Data Science.
Many Reed graduates pursue PhDs and advanced degrees, leading to higher long-term salaries.
Reed College is a highly selective liberal arts college with an acceptance rate of approximately 30–40% in recent years.
Acceptance Rate: ~ 30-40%
Total Applicants (2023-24): ~7,000+
Enrolled Students (First-Year Class Size): ~400-450
Average GPA of Admitted Students: 3.8+ (Unweighted)
Test-Optional: SAT/ACT scores are not required but can be submitted.
Highly Selective for International Students: Financial need is considered for non-U.S. applicants, making admissions more competitive.
Strong Academic Performance – Competitive GPA & challenging coursework (AP/IB/A-levels preferred).
Intellectual Curiosity & Passion for Learning – Reed values students who love learning beyond grades.
Strong Essays & Personal Statement – Unique, well-written essays are crucial in the selection process.
Letters of Recommendation – Strong academic recommendations from teachers.
Extracurricular Activities & Leadership – Research, arts, activism, and independent projects are valued.
Reed College is located in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Address:
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97202, USA
Campus Size: 116 acres with forests, a canyon, and a lake.
Setting: Suburban, in the southeastern part of Portland, about 5 miles from downtown.
Nearby Landmarks: Close to Mount Tabor Park, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and Reed Canyon.
Climate: Mild, rainy winters and warm summers (typical of the Pacific Northwest).
