Founded in 1908 with a bequest from Oregon pioneers Simeon and Amanda Reed, Reed College was established as an institution dedicated to pure intellectual inquiry free from religious dogma or practical vocational training. The college was progressive from its inception, admitting women and men equally and emphasizing student autonomy and academic freedom. Named after Simeon Gannett Reed, a Portland businessman and civic leader, the college has maintained its founding principles of intellectual rigor and independence for over a century.
Reed is renowned for its exceptionally demanding academic program, featuring mandatory year-long humanities courses, conference-style seminar classes, and a senior thesis required of all students. The college is among the top producers of future PhDs per capita in the nation and has a particularly strong reputation in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Reed operates on a unique philosophy of de-emphasizing grades—students do not receive grades unless they request them, though faculty keep internal records. The college's nuclear reactor, the only research reactor operated primarily by undergraduates, symbolizes its commitment to hands-on learning and research.
The campus culture is characterized by intellectual curiosity, individualism, and a strong commitment to learning for its own sake. Reed students are known for their eccentricity, passionate engagement with ideas, and rejection of conventional status markers like Greek life and varsity athletics. The Honor Principle guides all aspects of campus life, emphasizing personal responsibility and community trust. Traditional events like Renn Fayre (a three-day celebration at year's end) and the thesis parade celebrate the college's distinctive culture, while the informal, collaborative atmosphere fosters deep intellectual friendships and intense academic discussions that extend well beyond the classroom.
| Type | Private Liberal Arts |
| Location | Portland, Oregon |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Total students | 1,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 31% |
| Graduation rate | 81% |
| Average starting salary | $45,000 |
| In-state tuition | $67,290 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $67,290 |
| Room & board | $17,680 |
| Average financial aid | $48,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 52% |
| SAT range | 1370-1520 |
| ACT range | 31-34 |
| Average GPA | 3.95 |
| Regular deadline | January 15 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.