University of Portland Ranks 6th For Western Region Colleges: U.S. News & World Report

PORTLAND, OR — The University of Portland was for the 23rd consecutive year included in the U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges list. This year, the University of Portland ranked sixth out of 126 institutions listed on the report's western region universities category.

Nationally, the University of Oregon in Eugene and Oregon State University in Corvallis ranked 103rd and 145th, respectively. The University of Portland was not ranked nationally but rather against other similar western region institutions that, according to school officials, "provide a full range of undergraduate majors and master's programs, but few, if any, doctoral programs."

"The University of Portland continues to be recognized among our peer institutions for the outstanding educational experience we provide our students," University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman said in a statement. "Though these rankings are just one indicator of academic quality, they are a reflection of the university's reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and service, and of the commitment of our exceptional faculty."

According to school officials, the University of Portland was recognized specifically for is 90 percent first-year retention rate as well as for its 78 percent annual graduation rate.

Within the university, the Shiley School of Engineering was ranked in the top 30 nationwide for the first time, earning the 29th spot.

Photo Courtesy: University of Portland