5 Best Colleges in the Pacific Northwest

Unlike the northeast, which boasts an impressive list of prestigious colleges, the pacific northwest does not offer schools with the same level of name recognition of Harvard or Princeton. But, this does not mean that you can’t get a well-rounded and highly respected education in the pacific northwest. By nature of the area being settled much later than New England, the area has not had the same amount of time and effort dedicated towards it in founding colleges. Despite this, the area has many great schools.

Ranked 46th by U.S. News and World Report is the University of Washington, seated in Seattle and home to a beautiful campus. Admissions are relatively competitive, with a 43% acceptance rate and an SAT range of 1260 to 1510. Undergraduate enrollment sits just below 40,000 – making the University of Washington a big school! The school is a large research institution and one of the oldest public universities on the west coast. The school also has an active social scene, with a thriving Greek life and various student organizations. The University of Washington has a very diverse student body, with 50% of undergraduate students identifying as a minority. When it comes to post-grad prospects, the University of Washington has a 71% graduation rate and over 60% of students reported working full-time after graduation. The school’s selectivity, national prestige, and graduation prospects make it a great option for college in the pacific northwest.

Located in Walla Walla, Washington, Whitman College offers another opportunity for a prestigious liberal arts education in the pacific northwest. It ranks #53 in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of national liberal arts colleges. It has an acceptance rate of 50% with an SAT range of 1270 - 1480. Unlike Reed College, the campus has a vibrant and active Greek life. Around ⅕ of students are involved in it! Graduation rate for Whitman College sits at 68%. Preparing to graduate looks a little bit different at Whitman College. Degrees are only awarded to students upon successful completion of comprehensive exams revolving around a student’s primary academic area.

At #102 in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of national arts colleges, Lewis and Clark college sits below Reed College. It is less selective than both Reed and the University of Washington at 75%. The school’ s SAT range is 1210 - 1390. Graduation rate for the school is 62%. Interestingly, around ⅕ of the student body are varsity athletes. Actor Penn Badgley of Gossip Girl and YOU fame attended Lewis and Clark. Campus is undeniably stunning, with roses in full bloom and notable historic architecture.

Last but certainly not least is Oregon State University. The school is located Corvallis, Oregon and is ranked #144 in national universities for U.S. News and World Report. Oregon State University’s acceptance rate is currently at 79%. Oregon State University is actually the state’s largest public research university. Undergraduate enrollment at the school is relatively large at just over 30,000 students. The school’s graduation rate, at 47%, could stand to be improved. If you’re looking to get involved in journalism or media, Oregon State University boasts the awarded and respected The Daily Barometer – an independent campus news organization.

The pacific northwest presents a variety of different schools and different experiences for each individual student. Though rankings and acceptance rates may differ between schools, the best fit for college is ultimately what suits you best. Whether the college be public or private, big or small, or nationally recognized or not – the right school will suit your needs and interests the best.