Organizer Information
Reed College is a private liberal arts college in Portland, Oregon, offering undergraduate programs across the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies, as well as the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS). Relevant arts-related academic areas include Art, Film and Media Studies, Theatre, Music, Dance, and interdisciplinary programs.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Reed College
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate; Graduate
- Degrees Offered: BA; MA
- Academic Fields: Art, Art History, Studio Art, Film & Media Studies, Theatre, Music, Dance, Liberal Studies
- Relevant Programs: Art Major (Art History or Studio Art); Film and Media Studies Major; Theatre Major; Music Major; Dance Major; Literature-Theatre Major; Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Early Decision I / Early Action; Early Decision II; Regular Decision
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026; 15 January 2027
- Start of Studies: 30 August 2027
- Application Fee: $0
- Tuition: $73,960 per academic year for full-time undergraduate students
- Funding: Need-based financial aid; international students may qualify.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Reed's Art Major combines Art History and Studio Art, with students choosing an emphasis while studying both areas. Studio Art coursework includes drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and digital media.
- The Film and Media Studies Major focuses on the history, theory, and criticism of cinema and other communications media, including national cinemas, film analysis, media history, and the relationship between media and society.
- Reed also offers undergraduate majors in Theatre, Music, and Dance, as well as interdisciplinary options such as Literature-Theatre.
- The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary graduate program spanning arts, humanities, history, social sciences, mathematics, and sciences, with a thesis component.
General Eligibility
- Reed accepts international applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor U.S. permanent residents. First-year applicants apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application; transfer applicants use the Common Application.
- Admission requirements differ according to applicant type. International first-year applicants must provide the required school and academic documentation described below.
Educational Background
- First-year applicants must submit an official secondary-school transcript. Applicants who have attended a college or university must also submit official college transcripts. International secondary-school and college/university records must be translated into English.
- Transfer applicants must submit official high-school and college transcripts and a College Report from their most recent college. Two recommendation letters are required, including one academic recommendation.
Language Requirements
International applicants may submit TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, or documentation showing attendance at an English-medium school or program. English-proficiency testing is not required when the applicant attended an English-medium school or program. Reed states that there is no minimum English-proficiency score, while reporting typical scores of IELTS 7+, TOEFL 5.0+ under the current scoring system (110+ under the previous system), and Duolingo 145+.
Application Fee
| Applicant Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| First-year applicants | $0 |
| Transfer applicants | $0 |
Reed states that it has waived application fees.
Tuition
| Study Level / Program | Applicant Type | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time undergraduate | All applicants | $73,960/year | $36,980/semester | $310 annual Student Body Fee |
| Part-time undergraduate | All applicants | $6,265–$30,925/semester depending on units | Per semester | Student Body Fee not charged |
| MALS | Graduate | $2,830–$14,150/semester depending on units | Per semester | Student Body Fee and tuition insurance not charged |
For 2026–27, full-time undergraduate direct costs are $73,960 tuition plus a $310 Student Body Fee. Housing and board are additional. International undergraduate health insurance is listed at $3,654 annually unless waived through approved comparable coverage.
Funding & Financial Support
- Reed awards financial aid based on demonstrated financial need and states that it meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students. Reed does not offer academic or athletic scholarships.
- International applicants seeking financial aid must indicate their intention to apply for aid during admission and submit the CSS Profile. An International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) may be used when the CSS Profile cost would create financial hardship.
- Beginning with the fall 2026 entering class, Reed intends to offer full-tuition Continental Scholarship awards to two students from each continent. Admitted UWC students automatically receive a $30,000 annual UWC Davis–Reed award, subject to the program's stated conditions.
University Services & Academic Support
- Reed provides academic support through peer tutoring, writing support, workshops, and individualized academic coaching. Current undergraduates can access individual tutoring and writing tutoring, subject to the stated service conditions.
- Art students can undertake research with faculty, participate in study-abroad opportunities, and access grants and fellowships supporting research.
Application Requirements
First-year applicants must submit:
- Common Application or Coalition Application
- Reed writing supplement
- School report
- Counselor recommendation
- Official secondary-school transcript
- Two teacher evaluations from different academic disciplines
- Official college transcripts, if applicable
SAT and ACT scores may be self-reported if available, but Reed states that they are neither required nor used in admission evaluation.
International applicants must also meet the international-document requirements, including English-proficiency documentation where applicable, translated official transcripts, and the CSS Profile when applying for financial aid.
An admission interview is optional. International applicants may arrange an interview through InitialView or Vericant.
No general portfolio requirement was identified in the current official undergraduate admission requirements reviewed.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision I / Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Early Decision II Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Regular Decision Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Early Decision I / Early Action Financial Aid Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Early Decision II / Regular Decision Financial Aid Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Fall 2027 Classes Begin: 30 August 2027
Location
Reed College — Portland, Oregon, United States
Additional Details
International students requiring financial assistance must apply for aid at the same time as admission; students admitted without applying for financial aid are not eligible to receive Reed financial aid later during their enrollment.
For international students, degree-seeking students attending Reed for four years enter the United States on an F-1 student visa. Reed requires an International Student Certification of Finances and supporting documentation before issuing the documents needed for the visa process.