Oregon Health & Science University
The Vibe Check
The vibe at OHSU is intensely focused and collaborative, driven by a shared mission of advancing health. It feels less like a traditional undergrad campus and more like a professional community, where students are immersed in a clinical and research-oriented environment from day one.
Academics & Majors
OHSU is a national leader in health professions, with top-tier programs in medicine, nursing, and dentistry. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct mentorship from faculty who are active clinicians and researchers, providing early and extensive hands-on experience in world-class hospitals and labs.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Portland
Students enjoy Portland's vibrant culture, exploring food carts, local coffee roasters, and the famous Powell's City of Books. The city's stunning natural surroundings offer easy access to hiking in Forest Park, biking along the Willamette River, and day trips to the Oregon Coast or Mount Hood.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($101,028):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
OHSU's primary campus is located on Marquam Hill, a secure medical complex with its own public safety department and 24/7 patrols. While the surrounding Portland area is generally safe, students should practice urban awareness, especially when traveling to and from the hill.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Direct access to top-tier clinical and research facilities from the start of your program.
- ✓ Extremely strong career placement and high median earnings in growing health professions.
- ✓ Prime location in Portland provides both urban amenities and unparalleled access to natural beauty.
- ✓ Specialized, small-class environment fosters deep relationships with expert faculty.
Cons
- ✗ Campus life is heavily focused on academics, with fewer traditional undergraduate social activities.
- ✗ The small, specialized enrollment means limited options for non-health-related majors.
- ✗ Cost of living in Portland is high, adding to the overall expense of attending.
- ✗ The intense academic programs can lead to a demanding and rigorous student experience.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
OHSU is renowned for its cutting-edge research and clinical care, particularly in the health sciences. It is a top-ranked institution for medicine, nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy, and is a major hub for biomedical research and public health in the Pacific Northwest.
Admission to OHSU is highly competitive, especially for its graduate and professional health programs. While undergraduate programs are smaller and more niche, acceptance rates vary significantly by program, often requiring strong GPAs, prerequisite coursework, and relevant experience. For example, the School of Medicine's MD program has an acceptance rate typically under 5%.
Campus life at OHSU is professional and academically intense. Unlike a traditional university, there is no large undergraduate residential campus; instead, the environment is centered around its Marquam Hill location and other clinical sites. Student life is driven by academic and clinical schedules, with students forming close bonds through rigorous programs and shared professional goals.
For students pursuing careers in high-demand health professions, the return on investment is generally excellent. The 10-year median earnings of over $100,000 indicate strong financial outcomes that typically outweigh the cost of attendance, especially for in-state students. The value comes from the high-quality education, extensive hands-on training, and strong professional network.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1974
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 890
- Zip Code 97239
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a 10-year median earnings of over $100,000, an OHSU degree offers a strong return on investment, especially in high-demand health fields. While specialized health programs can be costly, the university's public status provides options for in-state students, and the high post-graduation earnings typically justify the initial investment.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.