Portland State University Ranks In Top 10 Best College Locations Nationwide

In a new ranking of colleges across the U.S., the location of the schools was one of the criteria that revealed that most top locations for colleges are on the East Coast, but one Oregon school was in the top ten.

Oregon School Rated In Top 10 College Locations

The school ranking and review website, Niche recently made their 2025 Best College Locations in America available. The list covers factors such as the location’s nightlife, dining, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions.

Boston, Massachusetts’s Emmanuel College scored an overall “C” Niche grade, and an “A+” for location, making it the best location in America while Boston’s Simmons University Boston University also placed in the top 5. The New School in New York also made it to the top 5.

Portland State University (PSU) in the Pacific Northwest is in the number 10 spot for best college towns. PSU ratings included:

• Overall Niche grade: B
• Diversity: A
• Academics, Campus & Party Scene: B
• Location: A+

Reasons Why Portland Is One Of The Best College Locations In The U.S.

As a college town, Portland, Oregon is a great place to live, work and study. The downtown campus of Portland State University (PSU) is in the middle of a thriving city that lies between the beach and the mountains. PSU students have easy access to the best of what the Pacific Northwest offers, including:

• Arts & Culture: The Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Historical Society, a performing arts complex, and a concert hall are all within walking distance of the campus.
• City Life: One of the best public transit systems in the U.S. provides transport to many of the nation’s top companies that offer internships and an array of vibrant nightlife activities.
• Columbia River Gorge: 80 miles of cliffs and waterfalls start just 20 minutes from Portland. Hiking trails, bike routes, or the Multnomah Falls’ 620-foot waterfall are close by and the Hood River is the windsurfing capital of the world.
• Desert: Beyond the Cascade mountains, the climate and landscape change dramatically and become painted hills, lava rock, and fossil beds.
• Food: International food carts, farmers’ markets, and farm-to-table restaurants offer locally roasted coffee, unusual ice cream flavors, and more.
• Forest Park: The biggest city park in the U.S. has 70 miles of trails through forested hills. A zoo, gardens, museums, an arboretum, and memorials can be found in neighboring Washington Park. A train, trail, tram, and trolley loop through the forest and the city has the best views on the 4T Trail.
• Live Music: Every night, music festivals like the Waterfront Blues Festival play, and various bands, from jazz to rock are on offer in Portland.
• Mountains: Crater Lake National Monument, the Coast Range, Steens Mountain, and the Three Sisters are spectacular.
• Mount Hood: A skier’s paradise, with downhill slopes and cross-country trails, campers pitch their tents on glassy mountain lakes along the Pacific Crest Trail in summer and ski down or take in the view from Timberline Lodge, 7,000 feet above sea level.
• Nature: Skiing, climbing, biking, hiking, camping, or beach activities are all within 90 minutes of the campus.
• Pacific Ocean: Portland is a year-round destination for adventure-seekers and beachcombers.
• Sports Teams: With a loyal following, the Timbers and Thorns soccer teams often sell out their outdoor stadium while the Trail Blazers regularly make the NBA playoffs. The PSU Vikings are also a local favorite.
• Walkable Neighborhoods: Thriving neighborhoods filled with restaurants, bars, art galleries, and more can be found between an abundance of movie theaters (some even serve pizza and beer), bookstores, coffee shops, and clubs.
• Water: Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, waterskiing, fishing, or floating in the water are activities available on Oregon’s vast network of rivers, lakes, and streams. In addition, 200 miles of coastline offer their own water fun.
• Willamette River: Portland’s summer playground for water sports, including kayaking, water skiing, and Dragon Boats.