University of Western States
About
The University of Western States (UWS) is a prominent institution located in Portland, Oregon, known for its focus on health sciences and a commitment to student-centered education. Established in 1904, UWS has a rich heritage and has evolved into a leader in professional training, particularly in chiropractic care, sports medicine, and health and wellness. The university's mission emphasizes the enhancement of health and well-being through innovative education and research, making it an ideal choice for students pursuing careers in the health and wellness sectors.
UWS boasts a well-rounded campus culture that encourages both academic excellence and community engagement. The university's facilities are state-of-the-art, featuring modern classrooms, research labs, and clinical spaces that provide students with hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, UWS has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a supportive environment where students can engage with faculty who are leaders in their respective fields. The university's commitment to student life is evident through various extracurricular activities, sports programs, and wellness initiatives, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle. With a dedicated faculty and a vibrant campus atmosphere, the University of Western States prepares its graduates to excel in their chosen professions and make meaningful contributions to society.
Analysis of Tuition, Student Enrollment, and Gender Ratios at University of Western States
The University of Western States, a private institution, has displayed significant changes in tuition fees over the years. From 2014 to 2024, graduate tuition has escalated from approximately $6,635 to $11,150, marking a staggering increase of nearly 68%. This rise in tuition could pose challenges for prospective students, especially in an era where student debt is a pressing issue. As tuition continues to rise, it is crucial for the university to evaluate the value it provides to its students and consider measures to ensure affordability.
In terms of student enrollment, there has been a noteworthy decline in the number of undergraduate students, dropping from 61 in 2014 to just 2 in 2023. This 97% reduction raises concerns about the university's attractiveness and viability for undergraduate programs. Conversely, graduate enrollment has generally increased, peaking at 1,154 in 2021, although it has since seen a slight decrease. The disparity between undergraduate and graduate enrollment could indicate a shift in academic focus or a need for the institution to bolster its undergraduate offerings.
The gender ratio among undergraduates has also seen dramatic shifts. In 2023, the undergraduate population was entirely male, contrasting sharply with the more balanced ratios observed in previous years where female students comprised a significant majority. This shift may reflect broader societal trends or specific recruitment challenges faced by the university.
Overall, these trends highlight critical areas that the University of Western States must address to maintain its competitive edge and fulfill its educational mission. The institution should consider strategies to enhance undergraduate enrollment while managing the rising costs of education to ensure it remains accessible to a diverse student body.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Portland
- Nearest international airport
- Portland International Airport (PDX), about 4 mi
- Also known as
- Western States Chiropractic College
- Academic calendar
- Quarter
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Nathan Long (President)
- Phone
- 9714499287
- Address
- 8000 NE Tillamook Street, Portland, OR 97213
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Chiropractic · Doctoral128 (40% international)
- Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist · Master's104 (9% international)
- Performance and Sport Psychology · Master's44 (18% international)
- Performance and Sport Psychology · Doctoral29 (7% international)
- Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist · Doctoral22 (0% international)
- Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's11 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at University of Western States
The graduation data from the University of Western States for 2023 reflects significant trends, particularly in the fields of health and psychology. Notably, the Chiropractic program stands out with 154 doctorate graduates, of which 63 are international students. This indicates a robust interest in advanced chiropractic education, likely driven by the increasing demand for holistic healthcare practitioners in the U.S. and globally.
In contrast, the Biological and Biomedical Sciences program produced 131 bachelor's graduates, with 63 being international students. This suggests a strong international appeal in the life sciences, aligning with the growing emphasis on global health initiatives and research. However, the absence of master's or doctoral graduates in this field may indicate a trend where students are opting to enter the workforce after their bachelor’s degree instead of pursuing further education.
The data also highlights the Mental Health Counseling program, producing 24 master's graduates, although none pursued a doctorate. This could reflect a growing awareness and demand for mental health professionals, particularly in light of the mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interestingly, several other fields showed no bachelor or doctorate graduates, which could suggest either a lack of interest or limitations in program offerings. Overall, the data illustrates the evolving landscape of higher education, emphasizing the importance of health-related fields, while also raising questions about the future of other disciplines at the university.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic. | $72,789 | |||
| Mental Health Counseling/Counselor. | - | |||
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other. | - | |||
| Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist. | $50,239 | |||
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | $69,368 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance and Sport Psychology. | - |
Students
959 students in 2025
- Graduate students 959
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at University of Western States in 2023
In 2023, the University of Western States presents an intriguing picture of its student demographics. The data indicates a small number of undergraduate seniors, with only two students enrolled, all of whom are male. This stark gender disparity raises questions about the factors influencing senior enrollment, which could include academic challenges, personal circumstances, or institutional support systems for students nearing graduation.
On the other hand, the graduate program shows a robust enrollment of 1,094 students, with a notable gender distribution. The proportion of male students is 34.2%, while female students represent a significant 65.8%. This higher female representation in graduate studies aligns with national trends, where women have increasingly pursued advanced degrees across various fields. The reasons behind this shift may include greater encouragement for women to pursue higher education, as well as the expanding role of women in professional environments.
Additionally, a closer examination of the ethnic breakdown within the graduate program reveals that the majority (580) of the graduate students are white, constituting 30.2% of the total graduate enrollment, while other ethnic groups such as Asian, Latino, and African American students are also represented. Understanding the diversity within the student body is crucial for fostering an inclusive academic environment.
Overall, these demographic insights shed light on the current landscape of student enrollment at the University of Western States, highlighting both the successes and areas that may require further attention to enhance diversity and support for all students.
Age Distribution of Students at the University of Western States in 2023
The age distribution data of students at the University of Western States reveals some interesting trends in the demographics of the student body. The data indicates a strong presence of students in the 22-24 and 25-29 age brackets, which collectively account for a significant portion of the undergraduate and graduate population. Notably, the 22-24 age group comprises 89 male and 151 female students, while the 25-29 age group shows a balanced representation with 196 males and 230 females.
In contrast, participation significantly drops for older age categories. For instance, the 30-34 age group has only 65 male and 112 female students, indicating a clear decline in enrollment as age increases. This trend continues with the 35-39 age group, where there are just 31 males and 72 females enrolled, and the 40-49 age group, which shows 32 males and 92 females.
Interestingly, the data shows there are virtually no students in the younger (20-21) and older (>65) categories, suggesting that the institution may be attracting a more traditional college-age demographic while also appealing to mature students looking to advance their education.
This age distribution pattern highlights the importance of understanding student demographics for academic institutions. As the job market evolves and lifelong learning becomes increasingly essential, universities might need to adapt their offerings to cater to various age groups and their specific educational needs. The combination of younger and older students can enrich the learning environment, promoting diverse perspectives and experiences.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
1 in 2023 · 0.0% in 2016
230 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at University of Western States
The data on international students at the University of Western States reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in the graduate program. Between 2017 and 2023, the percentage of international students in the graduate program has shown a remarkable increase, peaking at 29.69% in 2019 before stabilizing around the 20% mark in subsequent years. This indicates a growing attractiveness of the university for international graduate students, which may be attributed to various factors such as the quality of education, diverse academic programs, and supportive services for international students.
Conversely, the undergraduate program appears to have fluctuated considerably. Although there was a notable increase in the proportion of international students in 2023, reaching 50%, the total count of undergraduate students is significantly lower compared to graduate students. This discrepancy could suggest that the university is becoming more appealing to graduate students, while undergraduate enrollment remains stagnant or lower due to factors like competition from other institutions, economic conditions, or changes in visa policies affecting international students.
Overall, the growth in international graduate enrollment reflects a broader trend in higher education, where universities are increasingly recognizing the importance of global perspectives and diversity in their student bodies. As institutions adapt to changing demographics and market demands, the University of Western States may need to strategize further on attracting international undergraduates to balance its enrollment figures across programs.
Cost
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$29.3M
Expenses$31.7M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Reed CollegePortland · 4.5 mi
Liberal Arts #60
-
Portland State UniversityPortland · 5.4 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Lewis & Clark CollegePortland · 7.3 mi
Liberal Arts #97
-
George Fox UniversityNewberg · 24.7 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Pacific UniversityForest Grove · 25.6 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Willamette UniversitySalem · 46.9 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Oregon State UniversityCorvallis · 75.3 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of OregonEugene · 105.9 mi
U.S. News #116
-
University of Puget SoundTacoma · 119.4 mi
Liberal Arts #100
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding the University of Western States:
-
Reed College - Ranked 67th in the 2024 US News rankings, Reed College is a liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.
-
Portland State University - With a rank of 280, Portland State University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its commitment to urban sustainability and community engagement.
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Lewis & Clark College - Ranked 93rd, Lewis & Clark College is a liberal arts institution that emphasizes experiential learning and a strong connection to environmental stewardship.
-
University of Oregon - This university is ranked 98th and is recognized for its research programs and vibrant campus culture, offering a broad spectrum of degrees.
-
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Ranked 40th, the University of Washington is a major public research university known for its extensive academic offerings and impactful research initiatives.
These institutions contribute to a rich educational environment in the vicinity of the University of Western States.
Peer median 5.3 · all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Trends in Campus Crime at the University of Western States
The data from the University of Western States reveals significant fluctuations in crime rates over the past decade. Notably, 2016 saw a sharp increase in criminal incidents, peaking at a rate of 21.45 per 1000 students. This spike raises concerns about campus safety and the effectiveness of crime prevention measures during that period. In contrast, the years following 2016 show a remarkable decrease in crime rates, with 2020 reporting a complete absence of recorded crimes, suggesting successful interventions or a shift in campus culture.
Despite the overall downward trend, certain types of crimes such as gun-related incidents and drug arrests still warrant attention. The occasional rise in these offenses indicates that while progress has been made, challenges remain in ensuring a safe environment for students. The data also highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures to address specific crime trends. For example, the consistent reporting of domestic violence and stalking incidents calls for targeted educational programs and support services on campus.
Ultimately, while the University of Western States has experienced periods of both high and low crime rates, the overarching trend appears positive. However, the administration must remain vigilant, adapting strategies to foster a safer campus environment for all students. The importance of community engagement and awareness cannot be overstated, especially in light of recent national conversations surrounding campus safety and student well-being. For further understanding of crime rate calculations, refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.