Reed College Tuition and Fees

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 06/2026)

Total Cost of Attendance

Reed College, located in Portland, Oregon, is a private liberal arts and science institution. Students, known on campus as Reedies, can pursue a bachelor’s degree across 38 majors, 13 of which are interdisciplinary. With a student body of just 1,278, the college boasts a student-professor ratio of 9:1. In 2025-26, Reed College tuition and fees cost $71,770 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Costs for 2025-26

Financial Aid

Many students receive financial aid to help cover Reed College costs. In 2024-25, approximately 60% of Reed students received a Reed grant, with the average totaling $49,214. Pell Grants, which are federal grants for students who demonstrate an exceptional financial need, went to 52 first-year Reed students in 2024-25. The maximum grant amount currently totals $7,395.

Explore financial aid options: Oregon Student Loan & Scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs such as tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and nonprofit organizations and generally don’t need to be repaid.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  U.S. Education Department – Search for open and upcoming grant opportunities available.

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid.

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

In addition to gift-based financial aid, some students choose to borrow student loans to cover Reed College tuition. For 2025-26, 47.72% of students who borrowed student loans received federal student loans, while 6.60% of students took out private student loans.

Private student loans are funded by private organizations, such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations, so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, but for federal student loans, you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.

Private loans generally don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for year-round, although this varies between lenders. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Based on 2026-27 tuition data, it costs an estimated $295,840 to earn a four-year degree from Reed. For comparison, the average total cost of a four-year degree from a private, nonprofit college was $226,512, and it cost $108,584 for in-state students attending a public university, according to the Education Data Initiative.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2025-26

During the 2025-26 academic year, Reed College tuition and fees were $71,770. This cost is for in- and out-of-state, first-time undergraduate students who attended the school full time. Reedies who live on campus pay $18,228 for room and board.

For comparison, the national average tuition and fees at a private, nonprofit four-year college is about $45,000 per year, while students pay about $12,639 per year for on-campus room and board.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2025-26

Reed College offers one graduate program. Interested students can earn a Master of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies. The program differs from traditional master’s degrees in that it’s a broad program, and students can choose from a wide range of courses. Reedies in the graduate program are required to complete nine units of coursework to graduate, and tuition costs an estimated $50,940; they do not pay a student body fee like undergrads.

For comparison, the average cost of a master’s degree is $62,820, according to the Education Data Initiative. To help pay for this hefty cost graduate loans are one option for students who need to finance their advanced degree.

Cost per Credit Hour

Students who choose to attend Reed College part time can pay for classes per unit. The cost of one undergraduate unit in 2026-27 is $12,430. A minimum of 30 units is required for graduation.

Campus Housing Expenses

Costs for 2025-26

On-campus housing at Reed College is segmented into neighborhoods based on class level. First-year students are required to live in the freshman housing complex on campus. There is a dedicated sophomore neighborhood, an upper-division neighborhood, and one mixed sophomore and upper-division housing option.

Additionally, off-campus housing is an option for students, but first- and second-year students are generally required to live on campus under the college’s two-year residency requirement. The average cost of rent for a 745-square-foot unit in Portland, Oregon, is $1,716 per month, according to RentCafe. Unlike on-campus housing costs, which typically only require students to pay rent during the academic year, off-campus housing generally requires a 12-month lease.

Reed College Acceptance Rate

Fall 2025

The Reed College acceptance rate in fall 2025 was 29%, which makes it a competitive school. More than 9,600 students applied to attend Reed for the fall of 2025, and the school accepted 2,804.

Admission Requirements

Students who are interested in applying to Reed College for the fall term under the Early Decision II or Regular Decision plan must submit their applications by January 15. You can apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application. You are required to submit:

•  Reed writing supplement

•  Personal essay (Common Application only)

•  School report (completed by your counselor)

•  Official high school transcripts

•  Counselor recommendation

•  Two teacher evaluations

SAT and ACT Scores

Reed College applicants aren’t required to submit standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, and the scores aren’t considered in the acceptance process. However, some prospective students still choose to provide their test scores.

Popular Majors at Reed College

Undergraduate students enrolled at Reed College can choose from 38 majors across 26 departments. Thirteen of the majors are interdisciplinary. Students may also choose to create their own majors once they have the approval of the college.

1. Political Science and Government

One of the most popular majors at Reed College is political science. Students gain a theoretical and practical understanding of social and political issues. Courses are taught by renowned faculty and include classes on political philosophy, public policy, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2024-25: 17

2. Psychology

Reed’s psychology program is another popular major. Students receive a foundational learning in psychological science and can select from five allied fields as part of the curriculum requirement.

Undergraduate degrees in 2024-25: 37

3. Mathematics

Reed mathematics majors can focus on theoretical mathematics, do a concentration in statistics, or pursue an interdisciplinary study in math and computer science. In addition to the learning calculations, they acquire the analytical and research skills necessary for jobs in the public and private sectors.

Undergraduate degrees in 2024-25: 27

4. English Language and Literature

English majors learn and analyze various literary works, including the classics, contemporary writing, and more. Students develop their writing, communication, and critical thinking skills throughout the curriculum. According to the college, many of the students who earn a bachelor’s degree in English go on to earn a doctorate degree.

Undergraduate degrees in 2024-25: 43

5. Art/Art Studies

Reed College art majors study both art history and studio art. Students learn about the various art periods throughout history, study different artistic methods and movements, and perform research.

Undergraduate degrees in 2024-25: 19

6. Sociology

Sociology majors study patterns, relationships, and issues in social structures. They study theories and perform research to better understand nuanced dynamics within society today.

Undergraduate degrees in 2024-25: 7

7. Anthropology

Reed’s anthropology undergraduate program offers students a deep dive into human life, and students can choose from a linguistic or cultural discipline. The college encourages students toward interdisciplinary studies — such as by pursuing concentrations in linguistic anthropology or science, environment, and technology — to achieve a well-rounded education.

Undergraduate degrees in 2024-25: 18

8. Biology/Biological Sciences

Biology majors get to plan, execute, and analyze their own research project at the end of the curriculum. Students learn how to research independently, apply foundational knowledge about biology, and produce research papers defending their findings.

Undergraduate degrees in 2024-25: 34

9. Environmental Studies

Environmental studies majors at Reed receive interdisciplinary training in natural and social sciences, with students choosing a primary focus in biology, chemistry, economics, history, or political science.

Undergraduate degrees in 2024-25: 21

10. Neuroscience

Neuroscience majors merge curriculums from biology and psychology to earn this interdisciplinary degree. Students learn about the physiological mechanics of the brain and its effects on animal and human behavior.

Undergraduate degrees in 2024-25: 23

Graduation Rate

Generally, more than half of Reed students graduate within four years. Undergraduate students who enrolled at Reed College full-time beginning in fall 2019 graduated at the following rates:

•  59% in four years

•  72% in five years

•  73% in six years

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

According to NACE data, the average starting salary for a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree for the class of 2025 is estimated to be about $68,680. Students who graduate Reed College earn a median salary of $44,518.