What makes Reed different
- A thesis for everyone. Every senior writes a thesis with a faculty adviser over the whole year.
- Feedback over grades. Grades are recorded, but students mainly get written feedback from professors.
- A nuclear reactor. Students can train as operators at the only nuclear research reactor at a liberal arts college.
What Reed students study
The most common bachelor's degrees (class of 2024): english language and literature (26), experimental psychology (24), econometrics and quantitative economics (21), biology (19), neuroscience (17) and mathematics (17). Source: IPEDS Completions, first majors only.
You may thrive at Reed if…
- You love deep reading, writing and debate.
- You want a quirky, intense intellectual community.
- You'd like a city with the Pacific Northwest outdoors nearby.
Worth asking about
- What is Humanities 110 like?
- How does the Early Decision Aid Review work?
How Reed compares with other liberal arts colleges
Reed admitted 24.6% of applicants for fall 2024 and is one of two West Coast colleges in this group, with Pomona. See how these 20 liberal arts colleges compare.
FAQ
What is Reed College's acceptance rate? 24.6% for fall 2024: 2,321 of 9,431 applicants were admitted.
Does Reed have early decision? Yes. Reed offers binding early decision in two rounds, plus non-binding early action, and an Early Decision Aid Review gives an estimated aid package before you commit. Source
Does Reed require the SAT or ACT? No. Reed has said it neither requires nor uses SAT or ACT scores in admission; check its site for the current cycle. This applies to students applying in 2026–27 for fall 2027. Source
Does Reed charge out-of-state tuition? No. Reed is private, so published tuition and fees are the same for students from any state: $69,350 a year before aid. About 77% of first-year students came from outside Oregon.
How much is Reed tuition per semester? About $34,675 a semester, half the published $69,350 a year, before aid.
How many students go to Reed? About 1,300 undergraduates (fall 2024).
What is Reed known for? Its senior thesis, Humanities 110 and intellectual intensity.
How much does Reed cost? Published tuition and fees are $69,350 a year before aid, and the total cost of attendance is $86,376. Students who received aid paid $32,966 a year on average.
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