University of Portland Bulletin 2026-2027

First-Year Students

Students admitted as first-year students must graduate from high school before enrollment or provide a transcript of work indicating the equivalent of a high school diploma (typically a GED test score). Evaluation for admissibility is based upon the number of and the grades in high school and/or secondary academic subjects, SAT or ACT scores (optional), letter(s) of recommendation (optional), an essay, and the major the student plans to pursue. The best preparation for study at University of Portland, at a minimum, includes four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years of laboratory science, three years of social sciences/history, and two years of a language other than English.

To prepare for some majors, a more intensive background in certain academic areas is recommended. Notably, completion of a high school or college level general chemistry course is required for students interested in the nursing major in the School of Nursing & Health Innovations, and one year of pre-calculus is the preferred minimum math requirement for the Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering.

Admission Plan Options and Deadlines

Early Action: August 1 through December 1.

Regular Decision: December 2 through February 15.

Late Decision: Includes all applications received after February 15. These applications are reviewed on a space-available basis.

In making an application for admission, candidates must complete the following procedures:

  • Application: Submit the University of Portland Application or the Common Application to the Office of Admissions. University of Portland does not charge an application fee. Please note: any incoming student interested in a nursing major must indicate this intent at the time of application.
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts must be sent directly from all institutions attended by the applicant to the Office of Admissions, University of Portland. Transcripts showing all high school and college work attempted are preferred. An official high school transcript with a posted graduation date is required of all new first-year students before matriculation. Prior to matriculation, official college transcripts from all institutions previously attended must be received by the Office of Admissions, even if there is no credit to be reviewed or granted. College credit for previous college coursework from all official transcripts is formally awarded by the Registrar’s Office. All submitted transcripts become the property of University of Portland and cannot be copied or returned to the student. Students are encouraged to obtain unofficial copies of their transcripts directly from the institutions they have attended for advising or personal purposes. Students who knowingly submit altered transcripts, grossly misrepresent their self-reported grades and GPA, or falsify their application materials jeopardize their admission status and could have their acceptance rescinded.
  • Pre-College Testing (Optional): Take the SAT or the ACT prior to February of the senior year in high school. Self-report your scores on your application. If submitted as part of your application, official scores from the testing agency are required before matriculation.

The University reserves the right to rescind an applicant’s acceptance any time before the first day of classes for reasons including, but not limited to: grade performance, high school or transfer institution disciplinary charge and/or action, suspension and/or expulsion, arrest and/or conviction, falsification or withholding of pertinent application information, or any behavior that brings into question the applicant’s honesty, maturity, or moral character.