Best Community Colleges in Oregon 2025
Key Takeaways
- Seventeen schools in Oregon meet our criteria for the best community colleges in the state.
- Community colleges in Oregon offer more affordable tuition rates than a traditional four-year college.
- Graduates with an associate degree can often transfer their credits into an accredited bachelor’s degree program.
Best Community Colleges in Oregon in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best community colleges in Oregon saw a few changes. Mt. Hood Community College gained the most ranking positions as the school expanded its career and technical education programs, particularly in high-demand fields like healthcare, renewable energy, and information technology, providing more hands-on training opportunities.
Additionally, Mt. Hood has enhanced its online learning platforms, offering more flexible and accessible options for remote students. The campus has also undergone significant upgrades, including new student spaces and eco-friendly facilities, promoting a modern and sustainable environment that aligns with student interests in environmental responsibility and campus life.
The top-rated community colleges offer an accessible intro into higher education, with high-quality two-year degree programs in a wide range of disciplines. The best community colleges in Oregon offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs.
Colleges and Universities in Oregon
Oregon has numerous excellent and highly respected community colleges. Many of these top Oregon schools are noted for their affordability as well.
Students attending community colleges in Oregon can earn an associate degree in popular subjects like business management, health services administration, health sciences, and criminal justice. Oregon is also noted for an extensive technical college system, where students can pursue a wide range of on-campus and online degree programs. The average tuition for a year at one of Oregon’s 17 community colleges is $5,000.
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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
We’ve identified 17 community colleges in Oregon. The following list shows the best community colleges and primarily associate degree granting colleges in Oregon.
Best Community Colleges in Oregon
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
18%
Student body
37K
Career Outlook for degree at Portland Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,040Starting Salary: $41,200What is Portland Community College known for?
Portland Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Portland Community College is the largest postsecondary college in Oregon committed to educating a skilled workforce and preparing students for transfer to bachelor’s degrees.
What we love about Portland Community College:
PCCC offers credit programs, community education, professional training, and high school equivalency programs.
Portland Community College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a college that has a dual enrollment program.
Portland Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Would rather choose a small college in a rural location.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
19%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at Chemeketa Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,210Starting Salary: $35,600What is Chemeketa Community College known for?
Chemeketa Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Chemeketa Community College is a gathering place of peace where everyone is welcome. It is also a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution.
What we love about Chemeketa Community College:
CCC is the first college in Oregon to award grants to degree-seeking Hispanics and low-income students.
Chemeketa Community College is ideal for students who:
Prioritize a school that allows them to start college in high school.
Chemeketa Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Want a school with a community that shares the same religious affiliation as them.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
24%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at Lane Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,879Expenses: $16,270Starting Salary: $35,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lane Community College known for?
Lane Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Lane Community College enrolls 25,000+ students each year, providing career technical, transfer, and personal enrichment programs.
What we love about Lane Community College:
LCC has greatly impacted the local economy, generating millions of dollars every year.
Lane Community College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a college that lets them transfer, earn a degree, or launch a new career.
Lane Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a small college with a yearly enrollment of more than 6,000 students.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
22%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Central Oregon Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,705Expenses: $18,582Starting Salary: $36,900Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Oregon Community College known for?
Central Oregon Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Central Oregon Community College is the oldest two-year college in the state that offers two-year associate, career, transfer, and technical degrees and certificate programs, as well as industry-specific training.
What we love about Central Oregon Community College:
COCC offers undergraduate courses and distance education.
Central Oregon Community College is ideal for students who:
Favor a college that provides GED preparation classes.
Central Oregon Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Would opt for a college with a campus that has a bustling student life.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
20%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at Clackamas Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,210Starting Salary: $37,900What is Clackamas Community College known for?
Clackamas Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Clackamas Community College has been offering quality education, training opportunities, and lifelong learning for over 50 years now in its three active campuses.
What we love about Clackamas Community College:
CCC aims to empower individuals and strengthen the communities it serves.
Clackamas Community College is ideal for students who:
Favor a college that accepts and uplifts non-dominant students and staff.
Clackamas Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Would rather choose a college that shares the same religious or cultural background with them.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
14%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Rogue Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,184Starting Salary: $32,900What is Rogue Community College known for?
Rogue Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Rogue Community College is committed to providing exemplary educational opportunities to ensure student success.
What we love about Rogue Community College:
RCC supports students by providing them with life programs that develop and strengthen their leadership skills.
Rogue Community College is ideal for students who:
Would go to a college that inspires, transforms, and strengthens them.
Rogue Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a college that has a more exclusive environment.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
26%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Treasure Valley Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,748Expenses: $12,099Starting Salary: $32,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Treasure Valley Community College known for?
Treasure Valley Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Treasure Valley Community College delivers high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a peaceful and pleasant rural setting.
What we love about Treasure Valley Community College
TVCC is dedicated to helping students achieve their personal and professional goals by offering quality programs.
Treasure Valley Community College is ideal for students who:
Excel in a college that is committed to providing everyone with mutual respect, kindness, patience, and courtesy.
Treasure Valley Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Favor a local college located in an urbanized environment.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
22%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at Mt. Hood Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,175Starting Salary: $38,100What is Mt. Hood Community College known for?
Mt. Hood Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Biology
- Law
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Mt. Hood Community College offers 120+ professional and technical programs that prepare students for their careers.
What we love about Mt. Hood Community College:
MHCC is committed to providing meaningful support and various opportunities to enrich the communities it serves.
Mt. Hood Community College is ideal for students who:
Favor a college that helps them transfer to a four-year university with ease.
Mt. Hood Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Want a college that has an enrollment of less than 18,000 students per year.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
25%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Umpqua Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,909Expenses: $10,795Starting Salary: $34,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Umpqua Community College known for?
Umpqua Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Umpqua Community College offers quality college degree programs, community learning opportunities, and workforce training in nursing, accounting, and more.
What we love about Umpqua Community College:
UCC empowers students to contribute to a diverse world with compassion, competence, and confidence.
Umpqua Community College is ideal for students who:
Prefer a college that offers quality and affordable education in Douglas County.
Umpqua Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Want a big university with a student-faculty ratio higher than 14:1.
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
15%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Clatsop Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,575Starting Salary: $31,800What is Clatsop Community College known for?
Clatsop Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Clatsop Community College is a great local college for everyone, whether for earning a degree, learning a new professional skill, advancing in business, or getting a GED.
What we love about Clatsop Community College:
CCC is a school that values contributions and provides encouragement to enrich the community.
Clatsop Community College is ideal for students who:
Value a college that supports basic needs, such as food and housing.
Clatsop Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Want a college that has dorms inside the campus for convenience.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
28%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Klamath Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,857Starting Salary: $30,300What is Klamath Community College known for?
Klamath Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Klamath Community College is an academic institution that is committed to empowering its students to improve their lives and have a better future.
What we love about Klamath Community College:
KCC’s goal is to provide a better and healthier future for the community it serves by having a wellness committee.
Klamath Community College is ideal for students who:
Strive to earn a living right after high school by completing a certificate, career, or technical program.
Klamath Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are more interested in a big university with lots of peers and professors to interact with.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
34%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Southwestern Oregon Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,840Expenses: $11,349Starting Salary: $36,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southwestern Oregon Community College known for?
Southwestern Oregon Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Southwestern Oregon Community College is considered the number one job training organization in the region, providing associate and transfer degree programs to enrich communities.
What we love about Southwestern Oregon Community College:
SWOCC has a scenic setting on the south Oregon coast.
Southwestern Oregon Community College is ideal for students who:
Dream of studying at the renowned Oregon Coast Culinary Institute.
Southwestern Oregon Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are more inclined toward pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
16%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Oregon Coast Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,400Starting Salary: $31,800Oregon Coast Community College caters to all kinds of students, including recent high school graduates, retirees, and working professionals.
What we love about Oregon Coast Community College:
OCCC offers an early college program that allows high school juniors and seniors to get a head start on their academic and career goals.
Oregon Coast Community College is ideal for students who:
Wish to start earning right after high school by completing a career or technical program.
Oregon Coast Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a college that offers student housing inside the campus.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
22%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Blue Mountain Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,941Starting Salary: $34,900What is Blue Mountain Community College known for?
Blue Mountain Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Blue Mountain Community College is passionate about providing all students with high-quality, innovative educational programs for personal and professional growth and strengthening communities.
What we love about Blue Mountain Community College:
BMCC ensures small class sizes and provides student support services, including tutoring and academic advising.
Blue Mountain Community College is ideal for students who:
Would love to find a college that provides disability accommodations.
Blue Mountain Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Don’t find small local colleges too inviting.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
16%
Student body
1K
What is Columbia Gorge Community College known for?
Columbia Gorge Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Columbia Gorge Community College’s goal is to empower students to succeed in whatever educational program or activity they choose.
What we love about Columbia Gorge Community College:
There is year-round skiing and snowboarding available at Mt. Hood.
Columbia Gorge Community College is ideal for students who:
Thrive in smaller class sizes because they are ensured of one-on-one attention.
Columbia Gorge Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Favor a college in the city center.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
33%
Student body
<1K
What is Tillamook Bay Community College known for?
Tillamook Bay Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Whether a student is looking to earn a GED, gain a new job skill, or transfer to a four-year college, Tillamook Bay Community College is the perfect school to enroll in.
What we love about Tillamook Bay Community College:
TBCC is dedicated to helping everyone every step of the way, including paying for a college education.
Tillamook Bay Community College is ideal for students who:
Are looking to pursue degrees beyond what two-year programs offer.
Tillamook Bay Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are not comfortable with a college that evaluates its students’ success.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
22%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Linn–Benton Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,288Starting Salary: $37,200What is Linn–Benton Community College known for?
Linn–Benton Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Biology
- Engineering
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Linn-Benton Community College is a community leader in higher education, empowering students to achieve their personal and professional goals through the college’s associate degrees or transfer programs.
What we love about Linn-Benton Community College:
LBCC has six campuses spread across four cities.
Linn-Benton Community College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a college that promotes the civil and free expression of their perspectives and ideas.
Linn-Benton Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer more advanced online learning tools, which Linn-Benton isn’t known for.
