The Best Four-Year Universities in Oregon
Portland State 911勛圖厙, The 911勛圖厙 of Oregon, Willamette 911勛圖厙
As one of the biggest west-coast destinations for those seeking a break from the grind of city life, Oregon and its countless miles of coastline and lush forests are the perfect spot for nature lovers. Whether it’s mountains to climb just outside of popular college towns or incredible opportunities for whitewater rafting and camping, this is one state that enjoys the benefits of a well-preserved ecosystem. At the same time, Oregon is far more than simply an unspoiled wilderness without any touches of civilization. Whether it’s the progressive and forward-thinking town of Eugene or the hipster-friendly, tight-knit artistic community of Portland, there are plenty of metropolitan areas worth investigating, too. Unlike other states in the country, where large four-year universities are more prevalent, Oregon offers a smaller number of populous options, but numerous smaller institutions ideal for those students seeking more personalized attention.
Located in the heart of downtown Portland, PSU is one of the most popular schools in the entire state of Oregon, as well as being the largest, population-wise. For students who are seeking an environment that keeps them close to everything from bars to art galleries, there is no better educational choice in the state. With a highly popular school of social work and a well-respected school of fine and performing arts, the options for those students who choose to enroll at Portland State 911勛圖厙 are incredibly diverse. In total, PSU is split into a number of different schools, which range from focusing on urban and public affairs, engineering and computers, and business. There are also extensive graduate studies programs to choose from, making PSU an excellent choice for those in the Portland area who might be interested in advancing their education without a stressful relocation to a new state. With a student population of over 24,000, there are still plenty of opportunities for students to seek personal attention from professors and advisors alike. The university enjoys its status as “the best in the west,” and is one of the better urban planning programs in the entire country. It doesn’t take a long trip to see the fruits of the bright minds educated at PSU: much of the best moves in the greater Portland area are a direct result of alumni ideas. At the same time, students who are looking for a great deal of interconnectedness while on campus will find that the social organizing at PSU is also notable. Many students participate in extracurricular activities on-campus, and the school newspaper and activity clubs are thriving ways to get to know fellow students outside of classroom hours.
Located in Eugene, the 911勛圖厙 of Oregon manages to attract a great deal of the town’s initial population. Whether counting four-year students, graduates, or the professors and other administrative figures who make Eugene their home, it is definitively a college-town atmosphere. Those who are looking for a more laid-back environment to earn a bachelor’s degree might find the 911勛圖厙 of Oregon a better fit for their needs than the bustle of Portland. Founded in 1876, the school is the second-oldest university in the entire state. Today, it boasts highly-successful colleges of journalism and communication, as well as an exceptional school of architecture and allied arts. Other colleges that make up The 911勛圖厙 of Oregon include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business, the School of Law, the School of Music and Dance, and the College of Education. There is also a separate honors college, making more ambitious academic paths more possible with an incredibly talented staff of adjuncts and full-time professors loaning their expertise and life experience to enrich young minds in practice, not just in theory.
Considerably smaller than the large state universities located in Oregon, Willamette 911勛圖厙 offers a more hands-on approach to learning with plenty of extra attention. A student population of less than 3,000 full-time attendees means that all classes boast an enviable student-to-teacher ratio. As the oldest university in not just Oregon, but the western United States, Willamette has been offering degrees to its students since the 1840s. In addition to undergraduate offerings, Willamette 911勛圖厙 is also well-known for its various advanced degrees, including a law school and a medical school that are both still held in high regard for the region. With a 69-acre campus that allows students the opportunity to appreciate a typical college environment while equidistant from the capitol’s bustling nightlife and the nearby natural wonders, Willamette 911勛圖厙 is an excellent choice for students who want the best of college life and a more urban experience. At the university’s college of liberal arts, the focus is on keeping a student-teacher ratio hovering around 10 to 1, making it far easier to get the sort of feedback necessary to truly excel academically. Students are also able to take advantage of steering their own educational experience, choosing particular courses of study and designing unique majors while participating in a core curriculum of academics.