Where Ducks Pride Powers Your Business Dreams
University of Oregon scores 75/100, placing it in GOOD FIT territory with significant strengths but important concerns. The school excels in...
AI Recommendation
University of Oregon scores 75/100, placing it in GOOD FIT territory with significant strengths but important concerns. The school excels in areas most important to this student: exceptional school spirit and Ducks athletics culture, strong business/marketing programs with unique Nike/sports business connections, vibrant non-commuter campus life, Division I dance team with walk-on opportunities, and outstanding nature access. The 90%+ career placement for business graduates and experiential learning opportunities are exceptional. However, three significant concerns prevent this from being a STRONG FIT: (1) MAJOR ISSUE - weather directly conflicts with 'loves sunshine' preference with only 155 sunny days and very gray, rainy winters 6-7 months per year; (2) large lower-division class sizes (100-300 students) conflict with need for teacher support and smaller classes for first 1-2 years; (3) Eugene is a small college town, not truly urban. The weather concern is most serious and student should visit during winter/spring to assess tolerance for Pacific Northwest gray skies. If student can accept the climate trade-off for outstanding school spirit, business opportunities, and nature access, this could be excellent. If sunshine is non-negotiable, this is not the right choice despite other strong matches.
Quick Actions
Performance vs. Average College
Score Breakdown
Top Strengths
6
- 1 Exceptional school spirit and Ducks athletics culture - among the best in the nation for campus pride and game day atmosphere
- 2 Outstanding business/marketing programs with unique Nike/sports business connections and 90%+ career placement
- 3 Vibrant, engaged campus that is definitely NOT a commuter school with active weekend social scene
- 4 Division I dance team with walk-on tryout opportunities at high-profile Pac-12 program
- 5 Exceptional nature access with mountains, coast, hiking, and outdoor recreation within an hour
- 6 Strong internship culture and experiential learning, especially in sports business and brand management
Things to Consider
6
- 1 MAJOR RED FLAG: Weather directly conflicts with 'loves sunshine' - only 155 sunny days with gray, rainy conditions October-May (6-7 months per year)
- 2 Large lower-division class sizes (100-300 students) conflict with need for teacher support and smaller classes during first 1-2 years
- 3 Eugene is small college town (175K population), not urban environment - 2 hours from Portland
- 4 High out-of-state tuition ($39-40K annually) if not Oregon resident
- 5 Very liberal political climate in Eugene may feel homogeneous
- 6 Pre-physical therapy has no guaranteed pathway to PT program
Detailed Research
Internships
Strong internship culture, especially in business. Portland proximity provides opportunities. Career Center facilitates connections. Sports business internships particularly strong given Nike headquarters nearby and Ducks athletics connection.
Avg Class Size
Lower-division classes often 100-300 students in lectures. Upper-division business and major courses typically 20-40 students. Lundquist College emphasizes smaller cohort model for business students.
Teaching Style
Mix of lecture-based (especially lower-division) and applied learning. Business school emphasizes case studies, group projects, and experiential learning. Psychology leans research-focused with lab opportunities.
Academic Support
Academic support available through Tutoring and Academic Engagement Center, writing center, supplemental instruction. Business school has dedicated advising. Class sizes in lower-division may limit individual attention initially.
Career Placement
Lundquist College reports 90%+ employment or grad school placement within 6 months for business graduates. Overall university statistics less publicized but career services actively engaged.
Program Rankings
- No specific pre-law major but strong advising through Pre-Law Advising Office. Political Science and Philosophy are common pre-law paths. Acceptance rate to law schools is competitive.
- Lundquist College of Business is AACSB-accredited and ranked in top 100 undergraduate business programs nationally. Strong in sports marketing and entrepreneurship.
- Well-regarded marketing program within Lundquist College. Known for sports business and brand management focus.
- Solid psychology department with BA and BS options. Research-active faculty. Not top-ranked nationally but respectable regional program.
- Human Physiology major is primary pre-PT track. Department of Human Physiology is well-established. No guaranteed PT program but good preparation pathway.
Student Faculty Ratio
17:1
Greek Life
Approximately 20-25% of students involved in Greek life. Visible presence but not dominant. Social scene exists outside Greek system. Sororities and fraternities contribute to social options but not required for social life.
Social Scene
Vibrant and diverse social scene. Mix of athletic events, parties, outdoor activities, Eugene music/arts scene, campus events. College town atmosphere with student-oriented businesses and nightlife on 13th Avenue.
School Spirit
EXCEPTIONAL school spirit. Oregon Ducks athletics (especially football and track) are central to campus culture. Autzen Stadium known as one of loudest in nation. Yellow and green everywhere. Strong traditions including 'O' hand sign, duck mascot presence, and game day atmosphere.
Retention Rate
84% freshman retention rate
Graduation Rate
72% six-year graduation rate
Weekend Activity
Very active campus on weekends, especially during football season (fall). Greek life, athletics events, outdoor recreation keep students engaged. Not a commuter school - most students stay on/near campus.
Political Climate
Predominantly liberal/progressive. Eugene known as very liberal city. Conservative students present but minority. Active student advocacy and social justice presence on campus.
Setting
College town/small city setting. Eugene population ~175,000. Campus is defined and walkable. Urban amenities available but not major metropolitan area. 2 hours from Portland.
Sunny Days
Approximately 155 sunny days per year. Eugene receives significant rainfall (46 inches annually), especially October-May. Winters are gray and wet. Summers are beautiful and dry (June-September).
Nature Access
OUTSTANDING nature access. Cascade Mountains 1 hour east, Oregon Coast 1 hour west. Willamette River runs through Eugene. Spencer Butte hiking within city limits. Numerous trails, rivers, and outdoor recreation immediately accessible. Skiing, surfing, hiking all within reach.
Transportation
LTD bus system provides free transit for students throughout Eugene-Springfield. Walkable/bikeable campus and surrounding area. Car helpful but not essential. Bike-friendly city with extensive paths.
Nearest Airport
Eugene Airport (EUG) - 15 minutes from campus. Smaller regional airport with limited direct flights. Portland International Airport (PDX) - 2 hours north, much larger with more flight options.
Surrounding Area
Eugene is quintessential Pacific Northwest college town. Progressive, environmentally-conscious, outdoorsy culture. Farmers markets, local breweries, coffee shops, music venues. Track Town USA heritage. Saturday Market popular. Springfield (adjacent city) more working-class. Overall laid-back, casual vibe.
Dance Team
Oregon Ducks Dance Team exists and performs at football and basketball games. Division I level (Pac-12 conference). Team holds tryouts annually, typically in spring. Walk-on opportunities available through open tryouts. Competitive team with technique and performance requirements. Also club dance teams available for less competitive options.
Recreation
Excellent recreation facilities. Student Recreation Center (SRC) has climbing wall, pools, fitness equipment, group classes. Intramural sports very active (flag football, basketball, soccer, etc.). Outdoor Program offers rentals and trips. Access to Ducks athletic facilities for students. Strong recreation culture.
Food Quality
Generally positive reviews. Multiple dining halls with variety. Carson Dining Hall recently renovated. Global Scholars Hall dining well-regarded. Meal plan flexibility. Food trucks on campus add variety. Eugene restaurant scene accessible off-campus.
Campus Beauty
Beautiful campus with classic collegiate architecture, brick buildings, and extensive green spaces. Mature trees throughout. Backdrop of mountains visible on clear days. Well-maintained grounds. Memorial Quad is scenic centerpiece. Pacific Northwest aesthetic with natural landscaping.
Housing Quality
Variable quality. Newer residence halls (Global Scholars Hall, Kalapuya Ilihi) are excellent with suite-style living. Older dorms more traditional and basic. Living-Learning Communities available. Most students move off-campus after freshman year to nearby apartments. Housing guaranteed for freshmen.
Dance Team Contact
Oregon Spirit Program - Contact through UO Athletic Department: 541-346-5481 or via Athletic Department website. Dance team typically managed under Cheer/Spirit programs. Recommend contacting Spirit Program Coordinator directly for tryout information.
Similar Colleges
Colleges with scores within ยฑ10 points
Top colleges in the same state