Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2025

Badge for BEST IN OREGON GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon has 5 of the best graduate programs, each offering doctorate degrees and a wide array of master’s degrees.
  • The best graduate programs allow students to advance their knowledge and boost their career prospects.
  • There are a number of affordable public universities and smaller private colleges in Oregon, providing a perfect higher education option for any prospective grad student.

Best Grad Schools in Oregon in 2025

  1. University of Oregon
  2. Oregon State University
  3. Portland State University
  4. Pacific University
  5. George Fox University

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 graduate schools in Oregon saw no change in ranking positions. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.

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 $13,000, 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 $14,000, the school boasts a student-faculty ratio of 19:1.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The least expensive four-year institution in the state, Portland State University (PSU), comes in at $10,000. Students attending PSU can study a range of fields, including environmental engineering, film, and international business, right in the heart of the city.


What are Oregon’s Colleges & Universities?

Oregon’s Best Overall


There are 5 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Oregon. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Oregon is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2023

  1. #1

    University of Oregon

    Eugene , OR
    #1 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Oregon

    Cost of Degree: $14,751
    Expenses: $20,052
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Oregon known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    If you want to push beyond your limits when it comes to innovative thinking and pursuing research, it’s a brilliant idea to enroll in a graduate program at the University of Oregon. At the end of the program, graduates elevate their careers and live fulfilling lives impacted by the institution.

    What we love about the University of Oregon:

    The University of Oregon comes with several colleges and you can pursue any field of study. You have the opportunity to work alongside experts in diverse industries. Graduate students can expect to develop their critical and logical thinking skills.

    The University of Oregon is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school that is focused on academic excellence.

    The University of Oregon might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to attend a more diverse school.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Oregon State University

    Corvallis , OR
    #15 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    40K

    Career Outlook for degree at Oregon State University

    Cost of Degree: $13,494
    Expenses: $18,711
    Starting Salary: $56,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oregon State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oregon State University provides an amazing graduate experience for those who want to build their career or transfer to different jobs. The institution is geared towards producing leaders in societies and fostering innovation.

    What we love about Oregon State University:

    Graduate students have access to a plethora of resources to make graduate studies effective and efficient. They also offer 50 student organizations, so graduate students can build their network and have solid support throughout their graduate studies journey.

    Oregon State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school that is focused on innovative learning approaches.

    Oregon State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to attend a school that is located in a warmer climate.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Portland State University

    Portland , OR
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    28K

    Career Outlook for degree at Portland State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,617
    Expenses: $16,785
    Starting Salary: $50,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Portland State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Advance your knowledge and skills and build your professional network when you attend Portland State University for your graduate studies. More than 150 graduate degrees await you. Choose one that matches your professional goals.

    What we love about Portland State University:

    Being a graduate student at Portland State University allows you to connect with the top employers in Portland and other cities and states. Some of the nation’s best researchers and professors will teach students trade secrets and help them prepare for top-level roles.

    Portland State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to have access to industry experts and researchers.

    Portland State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to attend smaller-sized classes.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Pacific University

    Forest Grove , OR
    #4 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $54,466
    Expenses: $17,908
    Starting Salary: $51,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pacific University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Discover your purpose when you enroll in a graduate program offered at Pacific University. There are diverse fields of study that will match your preferences and professional goals in this institution.

    What we love about Pacific University:

    Pacific University has the feel of a small liberal arts college, allowing you to become closer to peers and professors. They have cutting-edge research that you can participate in, and you’ll have opportunities to pursue unique ideas.

    Pacific University is ideal for students who:

    Want to be a part of a small community.

    Pacific University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Might find their tuition fee more expensive.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    George Fox University

    Newberg , OR
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Online Colleges in Oregon 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/25

    Career Outlook for degree at George Fox University

    Cost of Degree: $40,940
    Expenses: $18,800
    Starting Salary: $51,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is George Fox University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Attending a graduate school that also emphasizes Christian teachings and values is made possible with George Fox University. You’ll have access to global opportunities, and each student can grow spiritually, academically, and personally.

    What we love about George Fox University:

    Graduate students at the University of Oklahoma are trained to be independent forward-thinkers. They can master specific and diverse bodies of knowledge based on the field of study.

    George Fox University is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school that is focused on catalyzing change.

    George Fox University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a cheaper tuition for graduate studies.

    Compare school
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Oregon’s Best Grad School for 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

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2023 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. University of Oregon
  2. Oregon State University
  3. Portland State University
  4. Pacific University
  5. George Fox University
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