Spotlight on University of Oregon

I recently attended a University of Oregon presentation, and there is so much new this year that I want to share the highlights with you.

1. The "sweet spot" size with real flexibility. UO has about 20,000 undergraduates, so it feels medium-sized while offering the resources of a major research university. You can combine programs across all 8 schools. For example, a Business major with a Sports Business concentration plus a Legal Studies minor taught by law professors creates a pathway to becoming a sports agent.

2. NEW: Career Communities. UO is launching eight industry-focused communities, from Data Science and Technology to Health Care to Government, Policy, and Law. Each one connects you with alumni, employers, and faculty starting your first year.

3. NEW: More research and Honors opportunities. The Clark Honors College expanded to over 500 students (a 20% increase in size from last  year) while keeping an average class size of 19, so more spots are available for any major. UO also launched PURA, which gives selected first-year students a $5,000 scholarship and a faculty mentor for paid research. This helps students with graduate school ambitions gain research experience, preparing them to be stronger grad school applicants.

4. NEW: Engineering is coming! A gift from the Knight family (founder of Nike) is funding a new College of Engineering, with the first bioengineering majors admitted in fall 2028.    The school will focus heavily on bioengineering and applied sciences.
UO also currently offers a BS in Materials Science and Technology, the only program of its kind in Oregon, which leads to careers in semiconductors, aerospace, biotech, and sports equipment.

5. NEW: A more generous scholarship structure and 5 year Tuition Guarantee. The Oregon Distinction Scholarship is now awarded through holistic review, not GPA alone, with up to $5,000/year for Oregon residents and up to $20,000/year for out-of-state students. This means your whole application, including activities and essays, helps you earn merit aid. U of O also has an up to 5 year Tuition Guarantee, which freezes your tuition for your entire bachelor's degree. 

If UO is on your list, consider attending a Fall "Duck Preview Days" on October 16​ or November 6th. Registration is required. You can meet professors, attend open houses, and take specialty tours of the Honors College, Journalism, or Business schools.