PORTLAND, Ore. — The University of Portland is offering some high school seniors a way to skip the grueling application process and the headaches of filing for financial aid.
In a first-of-its-kind program, the University of Portland Moreau Pathway Program offers guaranteed direct enrollment and scholarships for students from eight Catholic high schools in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Students will qualify for direct admission if they are in good standing at their participating high school and carry at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA.
Saint Mary’s Academy in Portland signed an agreement Thursday to become the first official program participant.
University leaders said other high schools — including Central Catholic, De La Salle North, La Salle Prep, Jesuit, Marist, Seton Catholic and Valley Catholic — also agreed to participate.
They said the program includes guaranteed scholarship money “in recognition of students’ academic talents.” In addition, students will have direct entry to their chosen academic programs.
Saint Mary’s Academy President Emily Becker said the Moreau Pathway Program will help make the jump to college much simpler for students who tend to get bogged down with admission applications and financial aid forms.
“It provides them access to some of the most competitive programs,” Becker said, “including Nursing and Engineering, which are highly competitive.”
University of Portland President Robert Kelly said the program has benefits for both students and university staff.
“It gives us more time to get to know them, and they know they have a quality option right here in their hometown,” he said.
Direct admission is set to begin with the 2025 incoming class.
If it’s successful, Kelly said the university will consider expanding the program to students at additional Catholic high schools in and around Oregon.