Why Choose OHSU for Your Education
With programs in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, public health and specialized health professions, OHSU is a destination for transformational learning.
What makes OHSU unique?
OHSU is Oregon’s only academic health center, where scientists, health care providers and public health experts come together to change the world.
- 55+ programs across five schools. Many offered nowhere else in Oregon.
- Flexible learning options. Main campuses in Portland, regional nursing campuses and training across Oregon, plus online and hybrid options.
- Small classes, personal attention. With over 3,600 faculty and fewer than 3,000 students, you'll get the support you need.
- Research that changes lives. Work in top-funded labs on groundbreaking research.
- Real-world clinical training. Get experience at hospitals, clinics and rural sites across Oregon — OHSU arranges it all for you.
Financial aid and scholarships
We offer financial aid, including:
- Lower tuition rates in many programs for Oregon residents
- Over $32.1 million awarded in scholarships and grants in 2023-2024
- Educational debt counseling services to help you manage student finances
Learn from expert faculty
Study with health and science leaders:
- Medical and scientific minds known worldwide for research and clinical innovations
- Clinicians who connect classroom learning to real patient care
- Low student-to-faculty ratios for small class sizes
Hands-on training
Develop clinical skills through:
- A state-of-the-art simulation center where you can safely practice new skills in a realistic setting
- Supervised practice at hospitals, community clinics and rural health sites
- Training in underserved and urban settings so you understand health disparities and patient diversity
- Clinical placements arranged by OHSU so you can focus on patient care and skill-building
Top-funded research
Research is a critical part of OHSU’s mission, in every school and program. Read about our research breakthroughs.
- The School of Dentistry ranks 12th in the nation in NIH NIDCR research funding.
- Scientists at the School of Medicine attracted $411.9 million in research funding during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
- At the School of Nursing, faculty members are studying health equity, patient responses to illness and treatment, safe care delivery and more.
High exam pass rates and residency matches
An OHSU education prepares you for success:
- First-try pass rates for senior-level credentialing exams: 99% for M.D. and 93% for nursing (4% above the national average)
- At or above average for exams for dentists, pharmacists, dietitians and more
- 100% of OHSU medical school graduates matched for residencies in 2025 — and more than a third are staying in Oregon
Academic and wellness support
We support your success both in and out of the classroom. Resources include:
- A student health clinic with primary care, mental health care, mindfulness and more.
- Academic support like workshops and one-on-one consultations.
- Career support to plan your next steps to meet your goals.
Unique learning environment
Your path is your own. With five schools and dozens of programs, it’s easy to follow your curiosity and goals wherever they take you. You’ll find:
A flexible approach to earning a Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences. You’ll experience different disciplines and meet faculty, then choose the research focus and mentor that are right for you.
Master’s and certificate programs in research, public health and health care administration that you can earn on their own or combine with earning an M.D., Ph.D., D.M.D. or D.N.P.
An interprofessional education model that lets you learn about, from and with other students. Students across programs, schools and institutions take a foundational course together. You’ll learn about communication, ethics, patient safety and collaborative care.
Where all are welcome
Everyone is welcome at OHSU. We are committed to recognizing and dismantling racism in our structures and systems. We cultivate a safe and inclusive learning environment, and encourage students to apply who can enrich the diversity of our student body. This includes students who:
- Come from racial or ethnic backgrounds other than white
- Come from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Come from rural areas
- Are first-generation college students
Students
27% of students are from under-represented racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Faculty
About 1 in 4 faculty are from racial or ethnic backgrounds other than white.
Fact book
Check out our fact book to learn more.
OHSU is committed to anti-racism and social justice. Learn about our priorities:
- OHSU Anti-Racism Action Plan
- Foster Respectful and Equitable Education (FREE)
- School of Medicine diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism strategic action plan
- School of Nursing commitment to anti-racism
Meet Kiara, B.S. in nursing student
Since joining OHSU's School of Nursing, Kiara earned a cancer research internship and became president of the Oregon Student Nurses' Association. She believes that “if you're a nursing student, you're already a leader.”