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Top Schools in the Northwest - See the Rankings

There are many lists out there that rank colleges and universities. It is important to know the source of this information and what the criteria of the survey. In this article we will list some of the top colleges located in the Northwest region of the US. They are not listed in any particular order. We have also listed some of the rankings that they have earned and why they are considered one of the top colleges in the Northwest. These ranking lists were conducted by the Princeton Review in their review of 224 colleges and universities in 2006.

Top Colleges in the Northwest

1. University of Oregon in Eugene, OR

#6 Best Quality of Life

2. Seattle University in Seattle, WA

#17 Best Quality of Life

3. Albertson College of Idaho in Caldwell, ID

#16 Professors Get High Marks

4. Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA

#7 Students Pack the Stadiums

5. Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR

#5 Most Politically Active

#7 Great College Towns

#17 Birkenstock-Wearing, Tree-Hugging, Clove-Smoking Vegetarians

6. Reed College in Portland, OR

#1 Best Overall Academic Experience

#7 Class Discussions Encouraged

#9 Professors Get High Marks

#1 Their Students Never Stop Studying

#18 Gay Community Accepted

#19 Best College Radio Station

#6 Birkenstock-Wearing, Tree-Hugging, Clove-Smoking Vegetarians

7. The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA

#20 Best College Radio Station

#4 Birkenstock-Wearing, Tree-Hugging, Clove-Smoking Vegetarians

8. University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA

#12 Best College Radio Station

9. Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA

#5 Best College Library

#15 Best Overall Academic Experience

#2 School Runs Like Butter

#20 Their Students Never Stop Studying

#12 Lots of Race/Class Interaction

#13 Best College Radio Station

#10 Best College Theatre

#5 Best Quality of Life

#10 Dorms Like Palaces

#2 Happiest Students

As you can see there are many different ways to rate and rank colleges and universities. You have to choose the criteria that are most important to you when you are choosing a school for your advanced education. What makes a college or university the best choice for you does not necessarily make it the best choice for your friend, cousin, or another student. This is why it is important to research schools that fit into the criteria that you set and demand for yourself and your own education. Once you are able to narrow down your choices based on your own criteria, you will find yourself with a much shorter list of college options that will permit you to make a more educated decision on which school is best for you, your personal goals, and your professional goals.

About the Author

Review more industry related articles by Kristie Lorette at CareersandEducation.com. Kristie Lorette is a feature writer and often covers topics related to Campus degree programs and Career Advice.

Spokane Portland Seattle

I want to take a trip and I will be traveling alone. Which of these options would offer the most to do?

I enjoy restaurants/bars, culture, zoos/aquariums, shopping, outdoor adventures or just hiking/biking through a park, some history and I love sight-seeing & visiting city icons like the St. Louis Arch, the Space Needle or a famous port or pier. I am in my early 30's. Here are the options:
Baltimore
Chicago
Denver
Hartford, CT
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Portland
Providence
Reno/Tahoe
Salt Lake City
Seattle/Tacoma
Spokane
I would also like to hear suggestions about what to do in these places. I would like a city with good infrastructure, where it is fairly easy to get along, and I would like a city with a friendly culture, should I need directions or help getting around. Nice weather would be good (traveling near the end of September), but I don't mind some rain here and there.
If it's not on the list, then it's not an option. Plus I've already been to Philly.

What, no Boston?

Added: Well, since Boston is out... Chicago has tons to do. Amazing architecture. Blues clubs, good transit, fine museums. Take the architectural boat ride. Very friendly. Go up the Hancock or the Sears Tower. Sept is perfect -- winter is brutal, summer is sweltering.

Denver is good for a short trip. Friendly people, day trips to the mountains, good downtown. Very dry if you are from the lowlands, take eyedrops and chapstick.

Providence is good for a day or two, then go to Newport for the mansions and some of the beaches down state for hiking/nature. Great restaurants in Providence, the Design Museum is cool. Otherwise not much.

Reno is also good for a base. If you don't gamble, the casino hotels are a great bargain. Virginia City and Carson City are a good day trip. Tahoe is wonderful for hiking, boating, etc. Great scenery.

Seattle is good on its own. Wonderful food, great bookstores. Side trip down to Tacoma to see the glass museum.

I'd skip Hartford, not much there. Haven't been to the others for longer than it takes for the train to stop or to transfer planes.