University of Oregon

Also known as UO, Oregon, U of O, uoregon.edu, UOregon

public research university in Eugene, Oregon, USA

Key facts

Former names: Oregon State University (1876–1877)
Motto: Mens agitat molem ( Latin )
Motto in english: "The Mind Moves Mountains" / (lit.) "Mind moves the mass"
Type: Public research university
Established: October 12, 1872 ; 153 years ago ( October 12, 1872 ) (established), October 16, 1876 ; 149 years ago ( October 16, 1876 ) (opened)
Accreditation: NWCCU
Academic affiliations: AAU APRU HECC URA Space-grant
Endowment: $1.84 billion (2025)
Budget: $1.45 billion (2024–25)
President: Karl Scholz
Students: 24,448 (fall 2025)
Undergraduates

~40 min read

Article

The University of Oregon (UO, U of O or Oregon) is a public research university in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1876, the university is organized into nine colleges and schools and offers 420 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university also operates the Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health in Portland, Oregon; the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology in Charleston, Oregon; and Pine Mountain Observatory in Central Oregon.

UO's 295-acre campus is situated along the Willamette River. Most academic programs follow the 10-week quarter system. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and is a member of the Association of American Universities. Since July 2014, UO has been governed by its own board of trustees.