Best Colleges in Oregon

Oregon College Guide – What You Need to Know

Expand in page Navigation

Oregon has more the 90 colleges, technical schools, universities, and community colleges. Most of the large colleges and universities are located near Portland the state’s largest city. In a state that has the University of Oregon and Oregon State, the largest college is Portland State University. Oregon also has many faith-based universities and colleges, and it has a rare Doctoral program in Nursing at the Oregon Health and Science University.

Oregon has a significant number of small colleges and universities as well. Some are located in the scenic vistas for which Oregon is famous and offer small classes and high-quality liberal arts education. These smaller schools include Reed College, George Fox University, and Willamette University. Oregon schools are institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

oregon_map_university.png

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Oregon?

Oregon students prefer humanities studies by a substantial margin over business, social sciences, and natural sciences. Psychology is also a strong entry in the list of favorites. Oregon is a state with vast natural resources from minerals to commercial forests; it also has a vibrant agricultural sector and is a state with a powerful set of environmental protection policies. However, the economic trends in the state are decidedly skewed towards technology. Degree choices reflect some of the overall trends in the Oregon economy and public policy. Healthcare is a priority in Oregon and students prepare for healthcare occupations with majors in healthcare and related medical fields.

Most popular Oregon degrees:

  • Business and Management majors are in demand in general business, finance, management, and accounting.
  • Health and Medical studies enable students to pursue higher education in medical professions and to work in the various fields of technical medical occupations and nursing.
  • Humanities & Teaching fields have many instances in Oregon from teaching specialties to business positions and leadership in the non-profit sector.
  • Natural Sciences include Forestry and biomedical research in which Oregon has strong sectors.
  • Psychology is a popular major in Oregon colleges and universities, and it is a foundation for a wide range of occupations and further graduate study.
  • Social Sciences studies prepare graduates for critical roles in public policy and social welfare.

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Oregon

Research surveys by government and private sources have shown strong evidence that educational achievement yields high salaries. Some studies show that high school graduates average about $30,000 per year, bachelor’s degree holders average about $50,000, and master’ degree earners get about $70,000 per year. While those figures suggest a large annual earnings gap, the difference is magnified when spread over a lifetime of earnings

The other effect of education goes to opportunities. Knowledge and expertise can combine with experience to help employees rise in their organization’s structure. Education can open doors to new opportunity in an existing field or new fields.

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Oregon

The Oregon economy has a strong public policy favoring conservation and environmental protection. The overall economic trend is toward technological adaptation and growth. The leading job growth areas include education, healthcare, finance, and financial services. Art-focused careers including digital media are on the rise as well.

Top Business Management Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Marketing Manager 4,670 $121,630
Financial Managers 8,050 $122,380
Accountant 11,890 $71,450
Management Analyst 6,650 $90,580
  • Marketing Managers lead their organization’s planning and activities to communicate with customers and potential customers. They develop and carry out marketing plans and marketing strategies that today typically involve digital platforms, and digital communications along with other marketing technologies.
  • Financial Managers control the finances of a company and try to make sure they have plans for future investments and budgets to keep the company making money.
  • Accountants play a crucial role in organizations business affairs by keeping official financial records of income and expenditures. They prepare reports that represent the financial books and ledger of the organization.
  • Management Analysts assess organizational operations to determine efficiency and effectiveness. They make recommendations for management improvement including costs and measure effectiveness against goals.

Best Oregon Schools for Business and Management

  • University of Oregon
  • Oregon State University
  • Portland State University
  • Willamette University
  • Lewis and Clark College
  • George Fox University

Top Humanities, English, Literature Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 1,330 $76,680
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 740 $71,580
Technical Writers 680 $68,320
Public Relations Specialists 3,410 $67,130
Travel Agents 1,000 $39,070
  • Art, Drama, and Music Teachers at the Postsecondary Level prepare graduates with a solid foundation and practical experience in classroom settings.
  • English Language and Literature Teachers for Postsecondary Education perform research, writing, and mentoring for graduate students in addition to college level instruction.
  • Technical writers provide writing services for complex documents, from training manuals to instruction sets.
  • Public relations specialists manage the public perception of a company or industry.
  • Travel agents work in the hospitality industry, but are also salespeople. They may go to the effort of gaining first-hand experience in the locations they sell trips for in order to be able to advise tourists and vacationers to the best of their ability.

Best Oregon Schools for Humanities, English, Literature

  • University of Oregon
  • Oregon State University
  • Portland State University
  • Willamette University
  • Lewis and Clark College

Top Natural Sciences Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Soil and Plant Scientists 550 $67,100
Biochemists and Biophysicists 80 $77,870
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 1,010 $72,800
Conservation Scientists 760 $76,000
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 1,440 $74,000
  • Soil and Plant Scientists study plants and food-producing crops and their growth in soils and other mediums.
  • Biochemists and Biophysicists use a multi-disciplinary approach to study life at all levels from microscopic forms to entire populations.
  • Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists use fieldwork to study animals and gather information in their natural habitats.
  • Conservation Scientists perform research to develop data and information to manage land quality. Their work concerns forests, rangelands, natural reserves, and a wide range of natural resources.
  • Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, perform research and studies that support more significant understanding of diseases and development of cures.

Best Oregon Schools for Humanities Occupations

  • University of Oregon
  • Oregon Institute of Technology
  • Oregon State University
  • Portland State University
  • Willamette University
  • Lewis and Clark College

Top Psychology Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Psychiatrist 220 $230,850
Physician Assistants 1,230 $113,210
Psychologists 180 $96,150
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists 1,030 $93,070
Nurse Practitioners 1,570 $112,870
  • Psychiatrists provide diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders
  • Physician Assistants can perform many of the functions of a medical doctor and work in psychotherapy and psychiatric settings.
  • Psychologists work in patient care settings to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
  • Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists provide diagnosis and treatment for emotional and behavioral disorders in clinical and school settings.
  • Nurse Practitioners can specialize in psychology and psychiatric disciplines to provide diagnosis, treatment, and support to patients and families.

Best Oregon Schools for Psychology

  • University of Oregon
  • Oregon State University
  • Portland State University
  • Willamette University
  • Lewis and Clark College

Top Social Sciences Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Rehabilitation Counselors 1,680 $43,400
Substance Abuse, Counselors 4,810 $57,400
Child, Family, and School Social Workers 3,440 $51,100
Social Workers, All Other 2,020 $53,400
Community Health Workers 770 $39,800
  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers provide counseling services to help resolve emotional and behavioral issues. In the school setting, they work with teachers, parents, and students.
  • Social Workers help persons in financial, emotional, and social distress.
  • Community Health Workers provide coordination and support for community-based solutions to local issues.
  • Rehabilitation Counselors work in several fields that help people with physical, emotional, and addiction disorders regain vocational readiness.
  • Substance Abuse Counselors provide critical support for families and individuals that suffer from addiction illnesses.

Best Oregon Schools for Social Science Occupations

  • University of Oregon
  • Oregon State University
  • Portland State University
  • Willamette University
  • Lewis and Clark College
Want to See All the Oregon Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Oregon

Occupation Growth Percentage Average Wage Jobs in 2027
Physicians Assistants 39.1% $93,000 1,807
Home Health Aides 35.2% $23,300 8,537
Software Developers, Applications 32.6% $70,600 17,570
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 30.5% $86,200 4,975
Personal Care Aides 25.4% $24,300 26,831
Medical Secretaries 23.9% $36,200 16,096
Forklift, Industrial Truck, and Tractors Operators 19.7% $34,700 12,869

Best Associate Degrees in Oregon

Best Associate Degrees in Oregon
See Methodology Get Ranking Seal

Open the gateway to career possibilities by earning your associate degree. There are many programs in the state for you to choose from including food and beverage, design, life sciences, technology, etc. If you're interested in obtaining a two-year degree, some of the best colleges in the state of Oregon can be found below. There’s no reason to wait until you get into your dream college or bemoan the fact that your grades aren’t as good as you want. Associate degrees are a great way to finish your first two years of college and improve your ability to get into a great bachelor’s program.

Sumner College
College Type
2-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
329		 Graduation Rate
85%		 Net Price
$17,835
Concorde Career College-Portland
College Type
2-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
404		 Graduation Rate
80%		 Net Price
$25,437
Pioneer Pacific College
College Type
4-year, Primarily associate's, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
740		 Graduation Rate
67%		 Net Price
$20,105
Southwestern Oregon Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,053		 Graduation Rate
37%		 Net Price
$9,200
American College of Healthcare Sciences
College Type
4-year, Primarily associate's, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
715		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$22,266
Tillamook Bay Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
521		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$4,996
Klamath Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,715		 Graduation Rate
30%		 Net Price
$7,322
Umpqua Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
2,458		 Graduation Rate
30%		 Net Price
$9,819
Treasure Valley Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,721		 Graduation Rate
29%		 Net Price
$6,959
Central Oregon Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,818		 Graduation Rate
24%		 Net Price
$11,492
Full Ranking Report

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Oregon

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Oregon
See Methodology Get Ranking Seal

If you're looking for bachelor's programs in the state of Oregon, some of the fields offered are agriculture, culinary arts and personal services, business, mechanic and repair technologies, transportation and distribution, and psychology. A bachelor’s degree is a great investment, but sometimes it’s hard to decide where you should attend school or what you should be studying. Take a look here to find some excellent options for colleges and universities available right here in your state.

University of Portland
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,254		 Graduation Rate
81%		 Net Price
$36,051
Lewis & Clark College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,223		 Graduation Rate
77%		 Net Price
$36,026
Reed College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,471		 Graduation Rate
76%		 Net Price
$32,069
Linfield College-McMinnville Campus
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,414		 Graduation Rate
74%		 Net Price
$29,521
University of Oregon
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
22,517		 Graduation Rate
74%		 Net Price
$16,080
Pacific University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,832		 Graduation Rate
69%		 Net Price
$29,432
Willamette University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,179		 Graduation Rate
69%		 Net Price
$36,223
George Fox University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,063		 Graduation Rate
68%		 Net Price
$30,827
Oregon State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
31,719		 Graduation Rate
67%		 Net Price
$19,273
Pioneer Pacific College
College Type
4-year, Primarily associate's, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
740		 Graduation Rate
67%		 Net Price
$20,105
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in Oregon

Best Master's Degrees in Oregon
See Methodology Get Ranking Seal

Earning an advanced degree gives you career opportunities and advantages that you cannot attain with a two or four-year degree. If you're looking to move ahead, here are some popular graduate programs in the state: educational leadership, human nutrition and functional medicine, sports in psychology, and business administration. You can even choose to create your own learning program in some graduate programs, in case you aren’t interested in letting someone else decide the course of your future. Check out the available programs below to see what’s near you.

University of Portland
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
456		 Graduation Rate
81%		 Net Price
$36,051
Lewis & Clark College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,288		 Graduation Rate
77%		 Net Price
$36,026
Reed College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
14		 Graduation Rate
76%		 Net Price
$32,069
University of Oregon
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,629		 Graduation Rate
74%		 Net Price
$16,080
Pacific University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,968		 Graduation Rate
69%		 Net Price
$29,432
Willamette University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
555		 Graduation Rate
69%		 Net Price
$36,223
George Fox University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,434		 Graduation Rate
68%		 Net Price
$30,827
Oregon State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,472		 Graduation Rate
67%		 Net Price
$19,273
Corban University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
154		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$22,160
Multnomah University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
270		 Graduation Rate
55%		 Net Price
$29,420
Full Ranking Report
Learn about MBA's in Oregon

Best Online Degree Colleges in Oregon (Distance Learning Only)

Online classes are a great option and enable you to earn a degree from your laptop or home computer without worrying about leaving your other responsibilities behind. Some of the best online programs available in Oregon are dental hygiene, radiologic science, healthcare management, applied psychology, and operations management. And there are plenty more where those came from; specifically, the incredible colleges and universities located in the state of Oregon. Check out the following list to get started looking for your school or choice.

American College of Healthcare Sciences
College Type
4-year, Primarily associate's, Private for-profit		 Student Population
715		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$22,266
Colorado Technical University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Student Population
27,232		 Graduation Rate
26%		 Net Price
$16,260
Purdue
College Type
4-year, Public		 Student Population
38,138		 Graduation Rate
27%		 Net Price
NA
Southern New Hampshire University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Student Population
113,514		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$39,743
Western Governors University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Student Population
136,139		 Graduation Rate
21%		 Net Price
$7,785
Capella University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Student Population
37,859		 Graduation Rate
NA		 Net Price
$17,368
Walden University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Student Population
48,420		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
NA

Cost of Oregon College Education & Salaries

Public colleges and universities typically charge tuition in a tiered system with separate rates for in-state students and out-of-state students. In-state rates are for residents of Oregon, and they reflect the financial support provided to public schools by the citizens and businesses in Oregon. In-state rates are lower than out-of-state rates, and they typically represent the best value in education. Out-of-state rates reflect the market value of high-quality education and out-of-state rates are higher than in-state rates but usually lower than private school rates.

Private schools in Oregon include faith-based institutions like the Catholic church-affiliated University of Portland, and Christian Schools Corban University, and George Fox University. In Oregon, private schools charge the same fees for in-state and out-of-state students but private school tuition prices are higher on average than public-school tuition prices.

Oregon is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange for students in Alaska, Hawaii, and the western states including Oregon, Washington, and California. The Western Student Exchange is an academic common market in which students from member states can attend schools out-of-state at in-state tuition rates. Some schools restrict this privilege to majors that are not available in the student’s state of residence. The exchange systems help Oregon students by expanding their potential choices of colleges and programs without adding to their costs.

College Cost Analysis - Oregon vs. National Averages

Average Oregon Tuition & Fees at Four-Year Public School

In-State Tuition - $10,750

National – $10,230

Out-of-State – $32,000

National – $26,290

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

State and federal agencies provide loans, grants, and scholarships to college students, specifically to those with financial need. Oregon ranks near the national average in federal grants at 38%, and it is near the national average in total funds per recipient at about $10,500.

Financial Aid Oregon Nationally
Received Federal Grants 38% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $10,473 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Oregon Students

Oregon students have an excellent opportunity to attend college and enhance their career opportunities and economic security. They also face the challenge of paying the high costs of high-quality education in Oregon and across the US. Scholarships and grants can reduce the need for personal and family expenses. Unlike student loan programs, students do not have to repay scholarships and grants. The federal government has grant programs available, notably the Pell Grant, and Oregon has the Oregon Opportunity Grant for needs-based funding assistance. Many scholarships come from private organizations, foundations, and individuals. Students should search for scholarships and apply for all of those for which they may be eligible.

TCS_logo

TCS

The Coolidge Scholarship

https://coolidgescholars.org/
Amount: Full tuition and expenses
Deadline: Varies
This grant is for those in STEM departments. The grants are also open to This unique and highly competitive scholarship provides a full four-year tuition scholarship that also covers required room and board, fees, and expenses. The Coolidge Foundation honors the memory and accomplishments of the 30th US President Calvin Coolidge. The Coolidge Foundation scholarship is a merit-based award that depends on academic achievement and demonstrations of a depth of commitment to academic pursuits. This is an annual scholarship with an application open date on or about October 1 of each year. Students must apply during their third year of high school. Winners will be Coolidge Scholar finalists. The finalists will attend an weekend event for interviews and an opportunity to meet other leading students.

PFS_logo

PFS

Point Foundation Scholarship

https://pointfoundation.org/point-apply/apply-now/
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January 28
The process of award requires a face-to-face interview in Los Angeles. The program emphasizes support for students that have had to overcome social barriers based upon the sexual identity or participation in the LGBTQ community. The scholars receive social and academic support in addition to the funding, as the program pairs them with fellow Point Scholars and mentors.

MKUS

Mark K Ulmer Scholarship

http://www.markulmerscholarship.org/index.html
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: February 1
This award supports Native American high school students seeking to attend accredited colleges or universities. The scholarships award up to $5,000 per student. Students must confirm Native American Heritage by tribal membership in a recognized tribe or other community connections that establish Indian identity. Applicants must be high school students with at least a 2.0 GPA that are enrolled to attend an accredited college or university. Students must demonstrate financial need. Applicant must be a student-athlete that has participated in the All-West Native American Basketball Tournament.

JBFS_logo.jpg

JBFS

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarships

http://www.jackierobinson.org/apply/
Amount: Up to $30,000 (Over four years)
Deadline: February 1
The Jackie Robinson Foundation honors the achievements and memory of one of America’s greatest athletes and leaders in the movement for equal rights. The foundation provides a four-year grant to attend the accredited college or university of their choice. The program consists of a grant of up to $30,000 over four years to meet any unmet financial need. Scholars get mentoring and attend events designed to promote leadership. JRF scholars get support in non-financial terms too. They get counseling, advice, and mentoring from successful business and social leaders. JRF scholars must perform community service during their term as scholars. Eligible applicants are graduating high school seniors that plan to attend a four-year accredited school. They must achieve a minimum combined SAT score of 1,000 on the math and critical reading sections or a composite ACT score of 21.

ADS_logo

ADS

Actuarial Diversity Scholarship

https://actfnd.academicworks.com/opportunities/144
Amount: $1,000 (freshman); $2,000 (sophomore); $3,000 (junior); $4,000 (senior)
Deadline: March 1
The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship is an activity of the Actuarial Foundation. The scholarship program promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship for students that are or directly descended from Black, African American, Hispanic, Native North American, and Pacific Islander peoples. The scholarship award supports full-time undergraduate students pursuing degrees leading to a career in the actuarial profession.

Each applicant must be of or a descendant of the designated minority groups. Applicants must express their intent to pursue a career in the actuarial professions. Applicants must be in the process of enrolling or enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at accredited U.S. educational institutions. They must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a four-point scale and have an emphasis on math or actuarial courses in their transcripts. First-year entering college students must have a minimum ACT math score of 28 or SAT math score of 620.

OCETG_logo

OCETG

Oregon Chafee Education and Training Grant

https://oregonstudentaid.gov/chafee-etg.aspx
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 1
The State of Oregon supports college and vocational education for young people that have been in foster care. The US Department of Health and Human Services awarded a Grant to the state of Oregon for students that are or that have been in foster care. Students are eligible at times before age 26. Qualifications require proof of foster welfare for 180 days or more after age 14 and that the student did not leave foster care until at least 16 years of age. Students can receive this ET Grant for up to five years.

MHNS_logo

MHNS

McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship

https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/community/hacer.html
Amount: $5,000 up to $100,000 (30 Awards)
Deadline: February 4
The scholarship program supports Hispanic students. Students must be high school seniors and legal residents of the US. They must be 21 or younger, have a 3.0-grade point average, and be eligible to attend a two-year or four-year institution in full-time courses of study. Eligible students will have one or more parents of Hispanic heritage. The program uses financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement as the primary selection criteria. Students can demonstrate need through the FAFSA.

RS

Redfin Scholarship

https://www.redfin.com/resources/scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January 31
Sponsored by the regional real estate brokerage firm, this award is open to Oregon students. Applicants must be legal US residents, age 18 or older, and a graduating high school senior or current first through third-year college student. Students must attend or plan to attend an accredited institution. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a four-point scale. The scholarship has a spring and fall award for a total of two awards per year. Applicants must complete the application within the open periods.

OLSF_logo

OLSF

Oregon Latino Scholarship Fund

http://hmccoregon.com/scholarship/
Amount: $2,000 up to $5,700
Deadline: January 31
This program supports Hispanic and Latino students in Oregon. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a four-point scale. Applicants must be residents of Oregon, currently attending an Oregon high school, and be enrolled in an accredited college. High school applicants must demonstrate community involvement, recommendations, and academic performance. Undergraduate and graduates must be currently enrolled in a two-year, four-year, or graduate program at an accredited school, college, or university.

sources: