Reed College

Reed College is committed to making education accessible, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students. The college's comprehensive aid packages bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and a family's expected contribution, ensuring students from diverse economic backgrounds can attend. While Reed offers need-based aid, it does not offer merit-based scholarships.

Reed College seeks academically talented students with a passion for learning and a willingness to engage in deep intellectual inquiry. The college employs a holistic review process, placing a strong emphasis on essays, letters of recommendation, and fit with Reed's academic culture. Reed has a test-blind policy and does not consider SAT/ACT scores in the admissions process.

Reed College offers a distinctive liberal arts experience characterized by a structured curriculum emphasizing personal inquiry and collaboration. The college fosters an intellectual environment where students actively participate in the production of new knowledge. With small class sizes and accessible faculty, Reed encourages critical thinking, independent thought, and a deep engagement with learning for its own sake.

Reed College boasts a high percentage of graduates who pursue advanced degrees, ranking among the top institutions for producing PhDs in various fields. Alumni often secure prestigious fellowships and make significant contributions across diverse sectors, including founding companies and leading organizations. The college's emphasis on research and critical thinking equips graduates for impactful careers in academia, research, and beyond.

Reed College cultivates a vibrant campus culture guided by the Honor Principle, promoting independence of thought, mutual trust, and respect. The college has no fraternities or sororities, emphasizing academics over extracurricular competition and creating a highly intellectual community. Students enjoy a mix of on-campus events, outdoor activities, and deep philosophical discussions, fostering a close-knit and immersive learning environment.

The Reed community is guided by the Honor Principle, which fosters trust and mutual respect, contributing to a safe and supportive campus environment. While specific details on security measures are not provided, the college's commitment to self-governance and conscientious self-reflection promotes a culture of responsibility and accountability. The campus also features a 28-acre canyon, providing a natural space for recreation and reflection.

Reed College does not offer traditional Latin honors, but it recognizes academic achievement through several awards at commencement and Phi Beta Kappa recognition. The college emphasizes a strong core curriculum, a high level of student engagement, and a lack of traditional grades, fostering a culture of deep inquiry and independent thought. The senior thesis is a capstone experience, requiring students to conduct original research and contribute to the Thesis Tower.

Reed College welcomes international students, who comprise 11% of the student body, creating a culturally diverse campus environment. The International Programs Office encourages students to engage with Reed’s broader global network to integrate international experiences into their education. Reed has established consortia arrangements with universities in Barcelona to promote study abroad and academic cooperation.