Spotlight on the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon has something for everyone
✅ Top public research university
✅ School spirit with Greek life, sports, and traditions
✅ Tree huggers, athletes, and intellectuals - you’ll all be comfortable here
My recent visit to the University of Oregon reconfirmed why I love it so much. UO is a gorgeous campus, not too big, not too small, dotted with massive fir trees, grassy lawns, and historic buildings. Eugene is a fantastic college town. Admittedly rainy and gray in the winter, it’s full of cozy coffee shops, crackling fireplaces, covered walkways, colorful umbrellas & rain boots, and warm, friendly people.
With 19,100 undergraduates, the average GPA for entering students is 3.68 and admissions are test optional. 84% of students return for sophomore year, an impressive “happiness factor.” California residents pay approximately $59,000 for tuition, fees and living expenses per year, but out of state scholarships are available (heads up - some require a separate application).
Ducks can choose between 53 undergraduate majors, from Accounting to Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies. The top 5 majors are Business Administration, Psychology, Journalism, Human Physiology, and Biology. If you are unsure what you want to study, that’s ok too, because one quarter of incoming UO students choose ‘undecided’ when they apply.
Highly motivated students can apply to the Clark Honors College where they can enrich their academic experience, live with other honors students, and complete an original research project.
Ducks participate in Division I athletics (Pac-12) with strength in women’s and men’s track-and-field and cross country. The university fields eight sports for men and 12 for women. Sand volleyball is the latest addition to the women’s side. ‘Quacker Backers’ love to cheer on their football team, especially against cross state rival Oregon State.
Fun Facts
💛 Founded in 1876, the University of Oregon is one of the oldest universities on the west coast.
💚 Eugene is one of America’s “Most Bicycle Friendly Cities.”
💛 The University of Oregon is the only university that has a Disney character mascot - Donald Duck!
💚 Blue Ribbon Sports was founded in 1964 by UO student Phil Knight and track coach Bill Bowerman. You might know the business by its current name: Nike.
💛 Hayward Field, one of the most famous track and field facilities in the world, has hosted the US Olympic trials five times.
💚 The University of Oregon boasts highly ranked Sports Business and Sports Marketing programs.
While in Eugene (some recommendations)
Inn at the 5th
205 E 6th Ave, Eugene
Bougie, newer hotel, located right downtown. 20-minute walk to the UO campus. Pet-friendly, with fireplaces in the rooms.
Dutch Bros Coffee
311 E. 11th Ave is closest to campus; several locations in Eugene
Iconic Pacific Northwest coffee franchise with friendly baristas, loud pop music, and a not-so-secret menu of coffee drinks (try the French Toast Breve)
Campus Tours
University of Oregon is still closed for guided tours, but you can download a selection of self-guided tours available in the University of Oregon app. I hope they bring back the campus running tour!