Colleges in Oregon

Why go to College in Oregon?

With its lush forests, picturesque mountains, quirky culture, and relatively mild climate, Oregon is an ideal place to attend college. From large research universities like the University of Oregon to private liberal arts schools like Reed College, Oregon offers a broad selection of programs to help you meet your higher education goals. Oregon also has a dynamic economic landscape -- including the aptly named Silicon Forest -- that offers numerous opportunities for college graduates to find well-paying jobs.

Population

Oregon has an estimated population of just over 4 million, making it the 27th most populous state. The clear majority of residents live in the western part of the state between the Pacific Coast and Cascade Mountains.

Climate

The western portion of Oregon features a temperate, oceanic climate with mild summers and wet, cool winters. The eastern part of the state has a desert-like climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters.

Number of Higher Learning Institutions

There are 125 colleges and universities throughout Oregon. These include two-year and four-year schools, along with universities offering graduate-level programs. There are also numerous online colleges in Oregon, giving students the option to attend school completely off-campus.

Sporting Events

Oregon is a great place for sports, especially at the collegiate level. The University of Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers represent their schools in dozens of sports. A local favorite is the Portland Timbers, a Major League Soccer team that packs Providence Park with each home game.

Nightlife

The state is known for its diverse, eclectic, and quirky culture, and that bleeds into its nightlife. Portland has been a launchpad for many well-known musicians and features live music venues including Mississippi Studios and the Waypost.

What Options are Available for Colleges in Oregon?

Popular Degree Programs in Oregon

Oregon is known for its lush forests, pristine coastlines, and all-around natural beauty. It's also home to a progressive culture that values both people and the environment. Perhaps it is little surprise, then, that the most popular majors at both on-campus and online schools in Oregon are forestry and psychology.

• Forestry

  These programs, available through many online colleges in Oregon, prepare students to manage, sustain, and develop forests for ecological, economic, and recreational purposes. Common topics include mapping, harvesting, natural resource management, and public administration.

• Psychology

  This field of study focuses on both individual and collective behaviors and the treatment of behavioral disorders. Research methods, principles of psychology, and psychological assessment methods are all common components of these programs.

What are the Best Online Colleges in Oregon?

Selecting the right college is one of the most important decisions someone can make on both a personal and professional level. To help make your search easier, we have compiled a list of the best online colleges in Oregon. The list serves as a comprehensive guide to help you find the school that meets your needs when it comes to higher education. Since schools vary in terms of curricula, tuition rates, program requirements, and online delivery platforms, this guide can take some of the stress and uncertainty out of your college search.

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1	Corban University Salem, OR		ADMISSIONS RATE 31% GRADUATION RATE 59% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12% RETENTION RATE 80% DEFAULT RATE 4% Founded as a Baptist school in Arizona, Corban University is now a small, private university in Salem. Named after the Hebrew expression for “a gift dedicated to God,” Corban offers online degree programs in business or psychology. Ranked high among online schools in Oregon, Corban distinguishes itself with small class sizes and Bible study requirements. Online students at Corban can complete elective, general education, and major courses all remotely. Tuition is the same for all online learners regardless of residency status. Applicants should have a high school GPA of 2.7 or a transfer GPA of 2.0. All students must have a professed faith in Jesus Christ. Corban features an archaeology museum with an extensive collection. The school’s Salem campus is marked by verdant conifers and more than 100 species of birds.	Visit Site
2	Concordia University-Portland Portland, OR		ADMISSIONS RATE 51% GRADUATION RATE 48% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 75% RETENTION RATE 74% DEFAULT RATE 5% Founded in 1905 as a college for educators, Concordia University - Portland is a private school associated with the Lutheran Church. CU is located in the Concordia neighborhood of Portland on a small 13-acre campus. The school offers three online bachelor’s degrees: early childhood education, healthcare administration, and homeland security and emergency preparedness. CU Portland also offers online master’s degrees in business or education and an online doctorate of education. Courses are taught asynchronously with a cohort model. Class sizes range from six to 18. CU has a relationship with Portland Community College for student transfers. The majority of CU students are online learners.	Visit Site
3	Oregon State University Corvallis, OR		ADMISSIONS RATE 78% GRADUATION RATE 64% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 17% RETENTION RATE 85% DEFAULT RATE 5% With more than 30,000 students, Oregon State University is the largest university in Oregon. Located in the college town of Corvallis, OSU is one of only two universities in the US to have a land grant, sea grant, sun grant, and space grant. In addition to being one of the top online colleges in Oregon, OSU is known for its environmental science facilities, including an earthquake engineering simulator for tsunami research. OSU offers 22 bachelor’s degrees online, including political science, Spanish, psychology, and fisheries and wildlife science. Online programs are taught through the school’s Ecampus. Tuition rates are the same for all online students regardless of residency. OSU is home many notable alumni including Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling and U-Haul founder Leonard Shoen.	Visit Site
4	Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, OR		ADMISSIONS RATE 57% GRADUATION RATE 46% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 14% RETENTION RATE 78% DEFAULT RATE 5% The Oregon Institute of Technology was founded in in the 1940s to teach veterans vocational skills. Today, Oregon Tech is a public university specializing in applied science, health technology, engineering, and management. The only public polytechnical institution in the Northwestern US, Oregon Tech has several regional campuses in the state, including in Klamath and Wilsonville. Online students can complete undergraduate degrees or certificates in areas such as information technology or health informatics as well as graduate degrees in allied health or engineering. All applicants must submit transcripts. Transfer students must complete at least 45 credits through Oregon Tech.	Visit Site
5	University of Oregon Eugene, OR		ADMISSIONS RATE 74% GRADUATION RATE 71% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 1% RETENTION RATE 88% DEFAULT RATE 5% The University of Oregon is the flagship public research university in the Beaver State. Located in Eugene, UO provides education for nearly 25,000 students. The school is well known for its athletics programs, including the Ducks basketball team, a member of the PAC-12 Conference. With five colleges, seven professional schools, and more than 300 academic programs, UO offers students a wide range of educational options. UO provides a number of its classes online through Canvas learning platform. Tuition rates are much lower for in-state students. The university has produced many accomplished alumni, including 13 Pulitzer Prize winners and two nobel laureates. One of the best known graduates of UO is Nike founder Phil Knight, who still has a close relationship with the school.	Visit Site
6	Multnomah University Portland, OR	ADMISSIONS RATE 59% GRADUATION RATE 55% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 6% RETENTION RATE 70% DEFAULT RATE 3% Multnomah University is a private nondenominational Christian university. Located on a 17-acre campus in Portland, Multnomah is best known for its ministry and degree completion programs. Multnomah is connected to a number of ministries in Portland and other cities in Oregon. Online learners can earn a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology, business management, or theology. Multnomah offers multiple online seminary degrees, including a master’s of divinity and a master’s in Christian leadership. The school also offers an online master of arts in global development and justice. Online classes are taught through Canvas. Freshmen applicants should have a 2.5 minimum GPA to be considered. All online students pay the same tuition rates, with variants only between college and seminary credit prices. Adult learners with 48 transferable credits can enroll in the degree completion program.	Visit Site
7	George Fox University Newberg, OR	ADMISSIONS RATE 77% GRADUATION RATE 70% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 1% RETENTION RATE 81% DEFAULT RATE 3% George Fox University has quickly become known as one of the most religious online schools in Oregon. The private Christian university has nearly 4,000 students and is located in Newberg. Founded by Quakers in the 1880s, the school maintains the sect’s values, as well as a center for Quaker thought and a library collection on nonviolence. Students at George Fox can complete online or hybrid programs in management, education, and ministry. Most degrees at George Fox are face to face or hybrid. Among the school’s famous graduates are several businesspeople, authors, and athletes, including Richard Foster, Ken Carter, and Peggy Fowler. Former President Herbert Hoover attended the school briefly before enrolling at Stanford.	Visit Site
8	Linfield College-McMinnville Campus McMinnville, OR	ADMISSIONS RATE 84% GRADUATION RATE 63% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 0% RETENTION RATE 86% DEFAULT RATE 3% Linfield College is a private liberal arts institution with campuses in McMinnville and Portland. Linfield offers six online degree programs in accounting, business, information systems, management, marketing, and nursing. The school also offers 14 unique online certificates, including in yoga, wine marketing, and coaching. Linfield is geared specifically toward older students. Students have the opportunity to take a tutorial in online learning through the school’s website prior to applying. Classes are delivered through Blackboard.	Visit Site
9	Warner Pacific College Portland, OR	GRADUATION RATE 50%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 13%	RETENTION RATE 67%	DEFAULT RATE 8%	Located in southeast Portland, Warner Pacific College provides education for nontraditional students, including older students, parents, and working professionals. The private college was founded in the 1930s and is affiliated with the Church of God, a Christian denomination. The small college has four online degree programs in business, healthcare, and management. Applicants only need to submit their transcripts and fill out an application. Each potential student is assigned an enrollment counselor to help them through the application and orientation process. WPC features small class sizes, even for online students, and promotes Christ centered education. WPC’s campus is located at the bottom of Mount Tabor, a volcanic hill with a beautiful view.	Visit Site
10	Portland State University Portland, OR	ADMISSIONS RATE 86% GRADUATION RATE 42% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 6% RETENTION RATE 71% DEFAULT RATE 7% In the heart of Oregon’s most populous city, Portland State University is a large and diverse public research institution. The nearly 30,000 student university was founded after World War II for community education. The school now has community partnerships with a variety of businesses such as Intel, General Electric, and Portland public schools. PSU is one of the top online colleges in Oregon and offers a wide range of online degrees, mirroring the school's robust on campus academic catalog. Some of the online options include construction contracting, collaborative government, and the business of craft brewing. To apply, prospective freshmen should have a minimum 2.25 GPA and transfer students should have a minimum 2.00 GPA. Co-admission with a local community college is also possible. PSU has a strong sustainability effort on campus, including an ecology plaza and bike sharing for one of the best cycling cities in the US.	Visit Site

What are the Best Online Community Colleges in Oregon?

Both community colleges and universities can offer online programs in Oregon. Community colleges are two-year institutions that award associate degrees and certificates in order to train students for specific careers, or to help them fulfill general education courses that they can later transfer into four-year programs at another school. Universities tend to focus more on research, offer a broader variety of majors, and award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Below you will find a list of the best online community colleges in Oregon to help you find the right fit for your your needs.

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1	Portland Community College Portland, OR		GRADUATION RATE 15%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 17%	RETENTION RATE 59%	DEFAULT RATE 18%	Serving 73,000 students, PCC is the largest post-secondary institution and one of the largest online community colleges in Oregon. The school has four campuses located around the greater Portland area and offers more than 21 online degrees and certificates. Both online and on-campus students are required to complete an in-person placement test before taking classes. PCC’s online programs include associate degrees in management and supervisory development, gerontology, and health information management. The computer applications department offers an associate in administrative office work and a certificate in basic computer literacy and word processing. Some online coursework requires that students complete occasional lab activities or proctored exams at specific locations. Online students pay the same tuition as on-campus students.	Visit Site
2	Tillamook Bay Community College Tillamook, OR		GRADUATION RATE 24%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 15%	RETENTION RATE 45%	DEFAULT RATE 18%	Located on the Oregon coast, Tillamook Bay Community College is known for the TBCC Foundation, which engages the community and encourages philanthropic support for its students. As one of the most affordable online community colleges in Oregon, the school’s generous financial aid programs include a career scholarship, which covers full tuition for two years. TBCC offers a fully online associate of applied science in business administration. Students in this program can choose an accounting or management emphasis and can earn optional certificates in accounting and basic computer literacy. Online students at TBCC pay an online course fee in addition to regular tuition. TBCC supports transfer students by maintaining a degree partnership with Oregon State University, as well as connections to several other Oregon colleges.	Visit Site
3	Chemeketa Community College Salem, OR		GRADUATION RATE 15%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 17%	RETENTION RATE 54%	DEFAULT RATE 22%	With seven campuses in the state, Chemeketa focuses on providing financial and career resources for its students. As one of the largest and most affordable online community colleges in Oregon, the school’s Chemeketa Scholars program offers students free tuition for up to two years. Chemeketa Press also publishes low-cost textbooks for several academic fields. The school’s corrections education program helps inmates earn GEDs and college degrees and certificates. Chemeketa online offers ten degrees and 16 certificates. Online offerings include associate degrees in fire protection technology, hospitality and tourism management, supply chain management, speech-language pathology, and accounting. The school’s online Oregon Transfer Module prepares students to transfer to four-year colleges in the state and complete four-year degrees in any field. Chemeketa also offers an online writing center and tutoring services. Online coursework is taught synchronously and asynchronously.	Visit Site
4	Mt Hood Community College Gresham, OR		GRADUATION RATE 22%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 8%	RETENTION RATE 56%	DEFAULT RATE 22%	MHCC serves more than 33,000 students on three different campuses near Portland, which makes it one of the largest online community colleges in Oregon. The school focuses on equity and inclusion. MHCC is home to a large diversity resource center and offers undocumented student resources, diversity-based scholarships, and events that include cultural heritage celebrations and workshops. MHCC offers three fully online learning programs: an associate of arts Oregon Transfer degree, an associate of science degree, and an associate of general studies degree. The online associate of science program prepares students to earn bachelor’s degrees in engineering, science, math, or business at Oregon’s four-year universities. MHCC’s online coursework is taught asynchronously. Distance learners pay the same tuition as on-campus students.	Visit Site
5	Umpqua Community College Roseburg, OR		GRADUATION RATE 23%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12%	RETENTION RATE 44%	DEFAULT RATE 33%	UCC’s campus is nestled between the coast and Umpqua National Forest in southern Oregon. In addition to associate degrees and certificates, the college offers several apprenticeship, personal enrichment, health and safety, and professional skills programs. UCC also offers 12 online degrees and certificates. Online and on-campus students pay the same tuition rate, but the school’s exceptionally low tuition makes it one of the most affordable online community colleges in Oregon. UCC’s online programs include an associate in paralegal studies, an associate in medical office administration, and an associate of general studies. These associate programs are offered completely online. UCC’s Transfer Opportunity program offers extensive support and resources for students who plan to eventually transfer to a four-year university.	Visit Site

Education Trends in Oregon

Although Oregon's state spending on postsecondary education is lower than the national average, a slightly greater percentage of its residents have received associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees. Thus, even while the state government may not prioritize the needs of students, Oregonians possess a demonstrable thirst for higher education. These numbers are detailed in the chart below:

Paying for College in Oregon

The price of attaining your degree will be an important factor when deciding between programs. When researching traditional and online schools in Oregon, you should understand that tuition rates can vary considerably from one institution to the next. The tuition rate for public four-year schools, for example, is generally higher than the rate for public two-year schools, and Oregon charges slightly more in tuition than the average U.S. state.

Tuition Prices

Below are average tuition rates for public two-year and four-year colleges and universities in Oregon compared to rates in the U.S. overall. Note that these numbers do not include other costs, such as transportation, books, technology, housing, and child care.

Financial Aid

No matter where you attend college, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After completing the FAFSA, you may be offered grants, work-study awards, subsidized loans, and/or unsubsidized loans. Since they don't have to be paid back, you should always accept grants and scholarships first, followed by work-study awards that allow you to take part-time jobs on campus. When it comes to loans, you should accept any subsidized loans first, as the government pays the interest on them while you're attending college. Unsubsidized loans sometimes come with low interest rates, but interest will continue to build while you're in school.

Cost of Living by Region

As you look at potential colleges, remember to consider cost of living in your search. Rent and other housing costs vary greatly depending on where you live. Attending school in an expensive market will add significantly to the cost of your education and may also limit career options after you graduate. The table below features average housing costs in Portland and Eugene compared to other cities in the western United States.

Cost for Online Programs in Oregon

In general, you will have access to the same financial aid benefits no matter whether you are enrolled in on-campus or online schools in Oregon. Online programs tend to charge about the same tuition rates as their on-campus counterparts, although you may be able to save money on fees, transportation, books, child care, and other costs associated with attending classes in person. Be sure to factor in all the costs of pursuing your degree, beyond just tuition.

Scholarships for Oregon College Students

BBB Foundation Students of Integrity Scholarship

$10,000; must reside in Oregon and demonstrate and communicate ethics in the real world.

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Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship

$10,000; must have demonstrated leadership while in high school and plan on attending an Oregon college or university.

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Pride Foundation Scholarship

$10,000; available to members of the LGBTQ community in Oregon.

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A. Victor Rosenfeld Scholarship

$10,000; must be an Oregon resident and employee of Calbag Metals.

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Oregon Space Grant Consortium Scholarship

$8,000; available to students with excellent academic records who plan on pursuing degrees in STEM-related fields.

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Cancer for College Henry Streuli Scholarship

$5,000; open to any cancer survivor enrolled in college. Students must be from Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Washington.

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Henry & Joyce W. Sumid Scholarship

$5,000; must have minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. Must also have an interest in studying theater arts.

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Education First Scholarship

$4,000; available to low-income high school seniors who are enrolling in a two-year or four-year institution. Preference is given to first-generation college students.

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NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarships (Region IV)

$3,500; must have a record of outstanding academic achievement and excellent scores on the ACT or SAT.

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Oregon Chafee Education and Training Grant

$3,500; must currently be in or were in foster care for at least six months after your 14th birthday.

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Sharon D. Banks Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship

$3,500; must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and be a woman who graduated from high school in Oregon or southwest Washington.

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WTS Leadership Legacy Scholarship for Graduates

$3,500; must have minimum GPA of 3.0. Open to all women who plan to go into a transportation-related field.

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Beat the Odds Scholarship

$2,500; three awards available to college-bound high school seniors in Oregon. Minimum GPA of 3.0 required.

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NSHSS Tesoro Youth Leadership Awards

$2,500; must have minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.

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Oregon Opportunity Grant

$2,100; must be an Oregon resident and enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate student.

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Alyce Marcus Scholarship

$1,000; must be a graduate of a Portland-area high school with a minimum GPA of 2.75. A one-page essay is also required of all applicants.

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Mike Hopper Memorial Scholarship

$1,000; must have minimum 2.0 GPA, be a resident of Umatilla County, Oregon, and be in pursuit of an agriculture-related degree.

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OSWILG/Harry S. Chandler Memorial Scholarship

$1,000; must be a resident of Clackamas, Clark, Columbia, Coos, Marion, Multnomah, Umatilla, or Washington counties in Oregon.

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Alice and Mason White Memorial Scholarship

Award amount varies; must have minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.

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Oregon Ford ReStart Program Scholarship

Award amount varies; must be at least 25 years old and starting or returning to a post-secondary institution. Must also be a resident of Oregon and have a high school diploma or certificate.

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Can all Scholarships be Used for Online Programs?

In most cases, you may use scholarship funds to pay for school expenses at any of the accredited online colleges in Oregon. However, some scholarships come with specific program requirements. Be sure to check with the organization awarding each scholarship to make sure you can use the funds to cover tuition or related expenses for your program.

Employment Outlook in Oregon

Oregon benefits from a healthy economy, with an unemployment rate that's slightly lower than the U.S. average. The annual mean wage in the state is slightly higher than what workers earn in most other parts of the country. The state's economy has also experienced notable growth in the healthcare, technology, and education sectors over the past several years. This makes Oregon a great place to earn a degree and land a job after you graduate.

Top Employers and Industries in Oregon

Accreditation for Colleges in Oregon

As you look at different online colleges in Oregon, one thing to be aware of is the importance of accreditation. When a school is accredited, it means it has met stringent standards for academic quality. There are two main types of accreditation: regional and national. Regional accreditation is generally considered more desirable, and schools must meet rigorous standards to achieve it. National accreditation usually applies to vocational and technical schools.

In general, there are no differences in accreditation for online programs versus more traditional on-campus options. To be sure a school is properly accredited, be sure to check that the school is listed with the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, which oversees regional accreditation bodies in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. For online schools in Oregon, you should look for accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.