Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025
Key Takeaways
- Many liberal arts colleges in Oregon offer flexible curricula that encourage interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to combine majors and minors across various fields such as social justice, global studies, and arts, fostering a well-rounded education.
- The colleges in this ranking are known for their small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students can receive personalized attention, collaborate closely with professors, and actively participate in campus life.
- Oregon’s liberal arts colleges, such as Lewis & Clark College, emphasize environmental stewardship with robust programs in environmental science, sustainable agriculture, and conservation, leveraging the state’s diverse ecosystems for hands-on fieldwork and research opportunities.
10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon
- Reed College
- University of Portland
- Willamette University
- Lewis & Clark College
- Bushnell University
- Southern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Eastern Oregon University
- Linfield University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Reed College
- University of Portland
- Willamette University
- Lewis & Clark College
- Bushnell University
- Southern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Warner Pacific University
- Eastern Oregon University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Eastern Oregon University 99%
- Oregon Institute of Technology 93%
- University of Portland 93%
- Linfield University 89%
- Southern Oregon University 88%
- Western Oregon University 83%
- Willamette University 81%
- Warner Pacific University 72%
- Lewis & Clark College 69%
- Bushnell University 67%
- Southern Oregon University 23 to 1
- Corban University 15 to 1
- Oregon Institute of Technology 15 to 1
- Western Oregon University 13 to 1
- Lewis & Clark College 13 to 1
- Eastern Oregon University 13 to 1
- Bushnell University 12 to 1
- Willamette University 11 to 1
- Linfield University 10 to 1
- University of Portland 9 to 1
- Reed College $64,760
- Lewis & Clark College $59,684
- University of Portland $51,812
- Linfield University $47,415
- Willamette University $45,260
- Corban University $35,767
- Bushnell University $33,220
- Warner Pacific University $20,240
- Oregon Institute of Technology $10,002
- Southern Oregon University $9,405
- Willamette University $44,493
- Linfield University $30,738
- University of Portland $24,804
- Lewis & Clark College $18,450
- Eastern Oregon University $18,378
- Bushnell University $17,875
- Western Oregon University $16,560
- Southern Oregon University $14,175
- Oregon Institute of Technology $13,803
- Corban University $9,760
- Warner Pacific University
- Corban University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Linfield University
- Eastern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Southern Oregon University
- Bushnell University
- Lewis & Clark College
- Willamette University
- Corban University
- Linfield University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Eastern Oregon University
- Warner Pacific University
- Western Oregon University
- Southern Oregon University
- Bushnell University
- Lewis & Clark College
- Willamette University
- Reed College 31%
- Corban University 35%
- Bushnell University 67%
- Lewis & Clark College 69%
- Warner Pacific University 72%
- Willamette University 81%
- Western Oregon University 83%
- Southern Oregon University 88%
- Linfield University 89%
- University of Portland 93%
- Warner Pacific University 5 to 1
- University of Portland 9 to 1
- Reed College 9 to 1
- Linfield University 10 to 1
- Willamette University 11 to 1
- Bushnell University 12 to 1
- Western Oregon University 13 to 1
- Lewis & Clark College 13 to 1
- Eastern Oregon University 13 to 1
- Corban University 15 to 1
- Eastern Oregon University $8,213
- Western Oregon University $8,730
- Southern Oregon University $9,405
- Oregon Institute of Technology $10,002
- Warner Pacific University $20,240
- Bushnell University $33,220
- Corban University $35,767
- Willamette University $45,260
- Linfield University $47,415
- University of Portland $51,812
- Warner Pacific University $9,000
- Corban University $9,760
- Oregon Institute of Technology $13,803
- Southern Oregon University $14,175
- Western Oregon University $16,560
- Bushnell University $17,875
- Eastern Oregon University $18,378
- Lewis & Clark College $18,450
- University of Portland $24,804
- Linfield University $30,738
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 last ground for the 2025 school year.
Reed College maintained the top spot in our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in Oregon. Bushnell University jumped an impressive 6 spots to move into the number 5 position, likely due in part to their expansion of academic offerings and infrastructure improvements.
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 12 liberal arts colleges in Oregon. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Oregon, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon
- #1 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
31%
Graduation
80%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1410/31
Career Outlook for degree at Reed College
Cost of Degree: $67,020Expenses: $19,520Starting 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
- #6 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
79%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1319/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of Portland
Cost of Degree: $54,900Expenses: $19,800Starting 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
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
76%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Willamette University
Cost of Degree: $48,268Expenses: $19,233Starting Salary: $57,900Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
- #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 #7 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
73%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1330/30
Career Outlook for degree at Lewis & Clark College
Cost of Degree: $62,350Expenses: $18,104Starting 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
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
52%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Bushnell University
Cost of Degree: $34,740Expenses: $14,280Starting Salary: $45,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
46%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Oregon University
Cost of Degree: $12,093Expenses: $18,747Starting 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
- Nursing
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
48%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Western Oregon University
Cost of Degree: $11,025Expenses: $15,381Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
38%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Oregon University
Cost of Degree: $10,709Expenses: $17,517Starting Salary: $44,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
71%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Linfield University
Cost of Degree: $51,416Expenses: $17,460Starting 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
- #7 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Oregon
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
57%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1152/26
Career Outlook for degree at Oregon Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $12,687Expenses: $16,236Starting 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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #4 Best Online Colleges in Oregon 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
35%
Graduation
54%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Corban University
Cost of Degree: $37,208Expenses: $16,486Starting 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
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Online Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
43%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Warner Pacific University
Cost of Degree: $21,010Expenses: $17,258Starting Salary: $45,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 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 Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.