Reed College
Reed College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Reed College at a Glance
Reed College is a private liberal arts college in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1908, Reed is a residential college with a campus in the Eastmoreland neighborhood, Tudor-Gothic style architecture, and a forested canyon nature preserve at its center. Reed alumni include 32 Rhodes scholars, 123 Fulbright Scholars, 73 Watson Fellows, and three Churchill Scholars.
1908
118 years old
$877M
$876.8 million (2025)
1,278
1,267 undergrad · 11 grad
164
116 acres
Identity
Is Reed College Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, Reed College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $62,927 — 17% above average — while paying $33,013/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 74% graduation rate means roughly 26% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Admission is competitive with a 25% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Reed College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Reed College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #11 of 23 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carleton College | 67 | $25,407 | $75,525 |
| #2 | Bryn Mawr College | 49 | $31,759 | $75,217 |
| #3 | Franklin and Marshall College | 44 | $36,425 | $76,124 |
| #4 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #5 | Pitzer College | 42 | $34,191 | $69,512 |
| #6 | Colorado College | 42 | $33,375 | $65,222 |
| #11 | Reed College | 35 | $33,013 | $62,927 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Reed College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Reed College
The highest-earning program at Reed College is English Language and Literature, General at $16,700/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a English Language and Literature, General graduate from Reed College earns $16,700, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $16,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: English Language and Literature, General graduates carry $13,500 in median debt vs. $13,500 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $33,013/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General | $16,700 | $16,700 | $13,500 |
Similar Colleges in OR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Portland, OR
- Student Body
- 1,320 students
- Admission Rate
- 25%
- Graduation Rate
- 74%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $33,013
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,927
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500