Understanding the college options in Portland

I've been interested in possibly heading over to the Pacific Northwest for college and Portland is one area that caught my eye. Can anyone fill me in on what the different colleges and universities in Portland are like? Like, the pros, cons, vibes, and opportunities at each one?

Portland indeed has diverse educational institutions that vary in size, focus, and atmosphere. Here's a quick rundown:

Portland State University (PSU):

Pros: PSU offers a wide range of degree programs and is well-known for areas of study such as urban planning and sustainability. Its urban campus puts you right in the heart of the city, and many students appreciate the school's diversity.

Cons: Because it is a commuter campus, some students note that the social aspect can be less traditional than other universities.

Vibe: Very urban, diverse, "green".

University of Portland (UP):

Pros: UP is a Catholic university with robust nursing and engineering programs. The class sizes are smaller, which allows for closer interaction with professors.

Cons: Being a religious institution, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Also, the campus is a bit removed from downtown Portland.

Vibe: More traditional campus, strong community, faith-centric.

Lewis & Clark College:

Pros: Known for programs in international affairs and environmental law, this liberal arts college offers small class sizes, an idyllic campus, and opportunities for overseas study.

Cons: Some students feel it is secluded from the city center, as it's situated in a more suburban area.

Vibe: Active, outdoorsy, liberal-leaning, international focus.

Reed College:

Pros: Renowned for its rigorous academics and distinctive humanities program. Known for its intellectual and independently-minded students.

Cons: The academic pressure can be intense, and Reed has a unique grading policy where grades are recorded but not routinely distributed to students.

Vibe: Intense academics, quirky, liberal-leaning, non-conventional.

Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA):

Pros: For artists, designers, and creatives, PNCA is an exciting choice. Its connections with the local arts community provide a wealth of opportunities for students.

Cons: As a specialized institution, it has less academic diversity. Focus can be heavily weighted towards art and design.

Vibe: Artistic, creative, innovative.

These are brief notes, so doing further research on each, visiting campuses (if possible), and speaking with current students or alumni would provide a clearer picture of what each school offers.