The University of Oregon is a public research university in Eugene, Oregon, known for its strong programs in architecture, journalism, and sports business, bolstered by a close partnership with Nike and its co-founder Phil Knight. Set in the scenic Willamette Valley, UO offers a culture that blends academic inquiry with outdoor recreation and environmental awareness.
Mascot: Duck
Notable Alumni
Phil Knight (co-founder of Nike)•Ty Burrell (Emmy-winning actor)•Steve Prefontaine (legendary distance runner)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
UO's social identity revolves around Ducks football, the outdoors, and a laid-back Pacific Northwest ethos — Eugene is a college town through and through, and game days transform campus. Greek life draws roughly about 11% of students and provides the main party infrastructure, but the school is big enough that plenty of students build social lives around dorms, clubs, and the vibrant downtown scene. Academics have strengthened in recent years, particularly in business, journalism, and the sciences.
Towering Douglas firs and lush Pacific Northwest landscaping create a park-like atmosphere, with ivy-covered brick buildings and the scenic Millrace canal adding distinctive character.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
UO Police operate 24/7 with campus patrols, emergency call boxes, and well-lit walkways. The campus maintains relatively low crime rates for a university of its size.
Eugene's overall violent crime rate is slightly above the state average, and downtown Eugene has higher incident rates. Bike theft and property crime are the most common concerns.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays during academic year. Duck Days events on select Fridays in February-April. Events fill to capacity.
Duration: ~2 hours (30-min info session + 90-min walking tour)
Specialized academic tours available for architecture, art, business, education, honors, journalism, music/dance, product design, and STEM on select weekdays. Wait for confirmation email before making travel plans — events fill quickly.
Book a TourPick up a tour map at the Student Welcome Center, then begin outside Matthew Knight Arena at 1776 E 13th Ave. Campus Planning also offers downloadable self-guided tour resources.
Tour ResourcesLate September through October for dry weather and peak fall foliage against the campus's 4,000+ trees. April-May is also lovely for spring blooms. Avoid January-February (heavy rain, gray skies) and summer break. Duck Days in spring are the best structured visit events.
Weekdays: park in the 13th Avenue Garage at 1355 Columbia St. ($2/hr at kiosks). Weekends: free parking in Lot 37 west of Ford Alumni Center. Eugene Airport (EUG) is 15 minutes from campus. Portland International (PDX) is 2 hours north. Amtrak and Greyhound serve Eugene station downtown.
Location
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