Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
Here are the best colleges and universities in Oregon. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.
10 Best Colleges in Oregon
- University of Oregon
- Reed College
- Oregon State University
- Portland State University
- Willamette University
- University of Portland
- Lewis & Clark College
- Southern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Pacific University
- University of Oregon
- Oregon State University
- Reed College
- Portland State University
- University of Portland
- Willamette University
- Lewis & Clark College
- Bushnell University
- Pacific University
- Southern Oregon University
- Portland State University 98%
- Eastern Oregon University 98%
- University of Oregon 93%
- Western Oregon University 92%
- Pacific University 91%
- Oregon Institute of Technology 91%
- Southern Oregon University 90%
- Oregon State University 89%
- Linfield University 85%
- George Fox University 83%
- Southern Oregon University 20 to 1
- Portland State University 19 to 1
- University of Oregon 18 to 1
- Oregon State University 18 to 1
- Oregon Institute of Technology 16 to 1
- Bushnell University 15 to 1
- Eastern Oregon University 15 to 1
- George Fox University 13 to 1
- Western Oregon University 13 to 1
- Corban University 13 to 1
- Reed College $62,730
- Lewis & Clark College $57,404
- Pacific University $50,070
- University of Portland $49,864
- Linfield University $46,032
- Willamette University $44,234
- George Fox University $38,520
- Corban University $34,756
- Bushnell University $32,320
- Warner Pacific University $19,860
- Willamette University $43,735
- Pacific University $35,909
- University of Portland $23,868
- Eastern Oregon University $17,928
- Lewis & Clark College $17,910
- Bushnell University $17,640
- Western Oregon University $16,560
- Linfield University $16,560
- University of Oregon $15,714
- Portland State University $14,817
- Warner Pacific University
- Bushnell University
- Corban University
- George Fox University
- Linfield University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Eastern Oregon University
- Pacific University
- Western Oregon University
- Southern Oregon University
- Corban University
- Linfield University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Eastern Oregon University
- Warner Pacific University
- Western Oregon University
- George Fox University
- Southern Oregon University
- Pacific University
- Bushnell University
- Corban University 38%
- Reed College 44%
- Bushnell University 68%
- Warner Pacific University 76%
- Lewis & Clark College 79%
- Willamette University 80%
- University of Portland 81%
- George Fox University 83%
- Linfield University 85%
- Oregon State University 89%
- Reed College 9 to 1
- Warner Pacific University 10 to 1
- Pacific University 10 to 1
- Willamette University 10 to 1
- Lewis & Clark College 11 to 1
- University of Portland 11 to 1
- Linfield University 11 to 1
- George Fox University 13 to 1
- Western Oregon University 13 to 1
- Corban University 13 to 1
- Southern Oregon University $7,236
- Eastern Oregon University $7,830
- Portland State University $8,106
- Western Oregon University $8,460
- Oregon Institute of Technology $9,572
- Oregon State University $10,065
- University of Oregon $11,458
- Warner Pacific University $19,860
- Bushnell University $32,320
- Corban University $34,756
- Warner Pacific University $8,940
- Corban University $9,760
- Oregon Institute of Technology $13,209
- Oregon State University $13,446
- Southern Oregon University $13,635
- George Fox University $14,158
- Portland State University $14,817
- University of Oregon $15,714
- Western Oregon University $16,560
- Linfield University $16,560
Colleges and Universities in Oregon
Oregon is home to over 40 higher education institutions, including Oregon State University, the largest in the state. More than 30,000 students are enrolled at this public research institution in Corvallis, and with a tuition of $11,000, the school comes in slightly above the national average. Students attending the next largest, the University of Oregon, will join in on a friendly intrastate rivalry against Oregon State. Though the tuition is higher at $12,000, the school boasts a student-faculty ratio of 16:1.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Of the 21 private institutions, 10 are religiously based. Concordia University has the largest student population at just under 5,000 and a tuition of $31,000. Students who attend this private Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod university can study fields such as chemistry, psychology, and history. Oregon’s community colleges range in tuition from $4,000 to $6,000. The least expensive four-year institution in the state, Portland State University (PSU), comes in at $8,000. Students attending PSU can study a range of fields, including environmental engineering, film, and international business, right in the heart of the city.
Gaze at the Pacific Ocean from the Oregon Coast Highway, which travels along the entire coastal edge of the state. Taste Pacific Northwest wines from the Willamette Valley, or take a bike ride through the streets of Portland. Students looking to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in The Beaver State can enjoy a great higher education experience set against a stunning natural backdrop.
Discover what Oregon has to offer, and find a college that fits your career interests as well as your budget.
What are Oregon’s Colleges & Universities?
- 6 Research Universities
- 12 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 5 Graduate Schools
- 7 Public Colleges & Universities
- 10 Private Colleges & Universities
- 6 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 14 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 8 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 17 Community Colleges
- 4 Online Colleges
Oregon’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
We’ve identified 17 colleges and universities in Oregon that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Oregon below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Oregon.
Best Colleges in Oregon 2023
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
74%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1190/25
Career Outlook for degree at University of Oregon
Cost of Degree: $14,112Expenses: $18,585Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Oregon known for?
University of Oregon’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Communications
- History
- Business
- Education
- Social Work
- Literature
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
Other Rankings
- #18 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
44%
Graduation
73%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Reed College
Cost of Degree: $64,760Expenses: $18,550Starting Salary: $52,700Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Reed College known for?
Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Physics
- Economics
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
- #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
- #1 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
- #7 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
- #8 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #9 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #17 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
68%
Student body
39K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/25
Career Outlook for degree at Oregon State University
Cost of Degree: $12,664Expenses: $17,679Starting Salary: $56,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oregon State University known for?
Oregon State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #24 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #6 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
- #8 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #20 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
54%
Student body
29K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/20
Career Outlook for degree at Portland State University
Cost of Degree: $10,206Expenses: $18,639Starting Salary: $50,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Portland State University known for?
Portland State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Literature
- Business
- History
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Portland State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Technology And Analytics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Technology And Analytics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Resources Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Human Resources Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management And Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Management And Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Supply And Logistics Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminology And Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Arts And Letters
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Cultural History Of The Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health Studies: Aging
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Health Studies: Aging
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health Studies: Community Health Promotion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Health Studies: Community Health Promotion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
72%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Willamette University
Cost of Degree: $45,260Expenses: $16,852Starting Salary: $57,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Willamette University known for?
Willamette University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2024
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
81%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Portland
Cost of Degree: $51,812Expenses: $21,004Starting Salary: $62,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Portland known for?
University of Portland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Business
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Biology
- Education
- Communications
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$57K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
74%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1289/29
Career Outlook for degree at Lewis & Clark College
Cost of Degree: $59,684Expenses: $17,486Starting Salary: $55,000Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lewis & Clark College known for?
Lewis & Clark College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
41%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/21
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Oregon University
Cost of Degree: $11,691Expenses: $18,318Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Oregon University known for?
Southern Oregon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Communications
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Business
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
48%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1072/19
Career Outlook for degree at Western Oregon University
Cost of Degree: $10,602Expenses: $14,556Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Oregon University known for?
Western Oregon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- History
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
71%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/24
Career Outlook for degree at Pacific University
Cost of Degree: $52,072Expenses: $17,258Starting Salary: $51,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pacific University known for?
Pacific University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
38%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Oregon University
Cost of Degree: $10,196Expenses: $15,465Starting Salary: $44,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Eastern Oregon University known for?
Eastern Oregon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Economics
- Education
- Business
- History
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
56%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/23
Career Outlook for degree at Oregon Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $12,122Expenses: $15,321Starting Salary: $57,800Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oregon Institute of Technology known for?
Oregon Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
67%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/23
Career Outlook for degree at Linfield University
Cost of Degree: $49,417Expenses: $17,400Starting Salary: $60,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Linfield University known for?
Linfield University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
69%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/23
Career Outlook for degree at George Fox University
Cost of Degree: $39,540Expenses: $16,850Starting Salary: $51,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is George Fox University known for?
George Fox University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- History
- Literature
- Engineering
- Communications
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
George Fox University’s Online Degrees
BS in Management And Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Project Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social And Behavioral Studies
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
38%
Graduation
64%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/20
Career Outlook for degree at Corban University
Cost of Degree: $35,767Expenses: $15,688Starting Salary: $40,200Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Corban University known for?
Corban University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Corban University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Leadership And Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Family Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
60%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1097/20
Career Outlook for degree at Bushnell University
Cost of Degree: $33,220Expenses: $13,780Starting Salary: $45,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bushnell University known for?
Bushnell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Social Work
- Medical
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Communications
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
34%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Warner Pacific University
Cost of Degree: $20,240Expenses: $12,672Starting Salary: $45,200Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Warner Pacific University known for?
Warner Pacific University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Oregon’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.