Best Colleges in Oregon 2023

Best Colleges in Oregon 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

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  1. University of Oregon
    2. 61%
  2. Oregon State University
    3. 56%
  3. Reed College
    4. 53%
  4. Portland State University
    5. 46%
  5. University of Portland
    6. 42%
  6. Willamette University
    7. 42%
  7. Lewis & Clark College
    8. 35%
  8. Bushnell University
    9. 33%
  9. Pacific University
    10. 31%
  10. Southern Oregon University
    11. 29%
  1. Portland State University
    2. 98%
  2. Eastern Oregon University
    3. 98%
  3. University of Oregon
    4. 93%
  4. Western Oregon University
    5. 92%
  5. Pacific University
    6. 91%
  6. Oregon Institute of Technology
    7. 91%
  7. Southern Oregon University
    8. 90%
  8. Oregon State University
    9. 89%
  9. Linfield University
    10. 85%
  10. George Fox University
    11. 83%
  1. Southern Oregon University
    2. 20 to 1
  2. Portland State University
    3. 19 to 1
  3. University of Oregon
    4. 18 to 1
  4. Oregon State University
    5. 18 to 1
  5. Oregon Institute of Technology
    6. 16 to 1
  6. Bushnell University
    7. 15 to 1
  7. Eastern Oregon University
    8. 15 to 1
  8. George Fox University
    9. 13 to 1
  9. Western Oregon University
    10. 13 to 1
  10. Corban University
    11. 13 to 1
  1. Reed College
    2. $62,730
  2. Lewis & Clark College
    3. $57,404
  3. Pacific University
    4. $50,070
  4. University of Portland
    5. $49,864
  5. Linfield University
    6. $46,032
  6. Willamette University
    7. $44,234
  7. George Fox University
    8. $38,520
  8. Corban University
    9. $34,756
  9. Bushnell University
    10. $32,320
  10. Warner Pacific University
    11. $19,860
  1. Willamette University
    2. $43,735
  2. Pacific University
    3. $35,909
  3. University of Portland
    4. $23,868
  4. Eastern Oregon University
    5. $17,928
  5. Lewis & Clark College
    6. $17,910
  6. Bushnell University
    7. $17,640
  7. Western Oregon University
    8. $16,560
  8. Linfield University
    9. $16,560
  9. University of Oregon
    10. $15,714
  10. Portland State University
    11. $14,817
  1. Corban University
    2. 20%
  2. Linfield University
    3. 23%
  3. Eastern Oregon University
    4. 24%
  4. George Fox University
    5. 25%
  5. Oregon Institute of Technology
    6. 25%
  6. Warner Pacific University
    7. 26%
  7. Western Oregon University
    8. 27%
  8. Southern Oregon University
    9. 29%
  9. Pacific University
    10. 31%
  10. Bushnell University
    11. 33%
  1. Corban University
    2. 38%
  2. Reed College
    3. 44%
  3. Bushnell University
    4. 68%
  4. Warner Pacific University
    5. 76%
  5. Lewis & Clark College
    6. 79%
  6. Willamette University
    7. 80%
  7. University of Portland
    8. 81%
  8. George Fox University
    9. 83%
  9. Linfield University
    10. 85%
  10. Oregon State University
    11. 89%
  1. Reed College
    2. 9 to 1
  2. Pacific University
    3. 10 to 1
  3. Warner Pacific University
    4. 10 to 1
  4. Willamette University
    5. 10 to 1
  5. Lewis & Clark College
    6. 11 to 1
  6. University of Portland
    7. 11 to 1
  7. Linfield University
    8. 11 to 1
  8. George Fox University
    9. 13 to 1
  9. Western Oregon University
    10. 13 to 1
  10. Corban University
    11. 13 to 1
  1. Southern Oregon University
    2. $7,236
  2. Eastern Oregon University
    3. $7,830
  3. Portland State University
    4. $8,106
  4. Western Oregon University
    5. $8,460
  5. Oregon Institute of Technology
    6. $9,572
  6. Oregon State University
    7. $10,065
  7. University of Oregon
    8. $11,458
  8. Warner Pacific University
    9. $19,860
  9. Bushnell University
    10. $32,320
  10. Corban University
    11. $34,756
  1. Warner Pacific University
    2. $8,940
  2. Corban University
    3. $9,760
  3. Oregon Institute of Technology
    4. $13,209
  4. Oregon State University
    5. $13,446
  5. Southern Oregon University
    6. $13,635
  6. George Fox University
    7. $14,158
  7. Portland State University
    8. $14,817
  8. University of Oregon
    9. $15,714
  9. Western Oregon University
    10. $16,560
  10. Linfield University
    11. $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?

Oregon’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Oregon' Best Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Colleges in Oregon 2022

  2. #2

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    What is Reed College known for?

    Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  4. #4

    Portland State University

    Portland , OR
    #3 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2023 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/20

    What is Portland State University known for?

    Portland State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  14. #12

    Oregon Institute of Technology

    Klamath Falls , OR
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2023 #7 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2023 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2023 #9 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    What is Oregon Institute of Technology known for?

    Oregon Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #14

    George Fox University

    Newberg , OR
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2023 #5 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2023 #5 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2023 #7 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    What is George Fox University known for?

    George Fox University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  17. #15

    Corban University

    Salem , OR
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2023 #8 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2023 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    38%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    What is Corban University known for?

    Corban University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
  19. #16

    Bushnell University

    Eugene , OR
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2023 #9 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1097/20

    What is Bushnell University known for?

    Bushnell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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Oregon’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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.

  1. Reed College
  2. Lewis & Clark College
  3. University of Oregon
  4. Willamette University
  5. Oregon State University
  6. Pacific University
  7. Linfield University
  8. University of Portland
  9. Portland State University
  10. Oregon Institute of Technology
  11. George Fox University
  12. Warner Pacific University
  13. Corban University
  14. Bushnell University
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