Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024
Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Oregon offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon
- Reed College
- Willamette University
- University of Portland
- Lewis & Clark College
- Southern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Eastern Oregon University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Linfield University
- Corban University
- 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 98%
- Western Oregon University 92%
- Oregon Institute of Technology 91%
- Southern Oregon University 90%
- Linfield University 85%
- University of Portland 81%
- Willamette University 80%
- Lewis & Clark College 79%
- Warner Pacific University 76%
- Bushnell University 68%
- Southern Oregon University 20 to 1
- Oregon Institute of Technology 16 to 1
- Bushnell University 15 to 1
- Eastern Oregon University 15 to 1
- Western Oregon University 13 to 1
- Corban University 13 to 1
- Lewis & Clark College 11 to 1
- University of Portland 11 to 1
- Linfield University 11 to 1
- Warner Pacific University 10 to 1
- Reed College $62,730
- Lewis & Clark College $57,404
- University of Portland $49,864
- Linfield University $46,032
- Willamette University $44,234
- Corban University $34,756
- Bushnell University $32,320
- Warner Pacific University $19,860
- Oregon Institute of Technology $9,572
- Western Oregon University $8,460
- Willamette University $43,735
- 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
- Southern Oregon University $13,635
- Oregon Institute of Technology $13,209
- Corban University $9,760
- Warner Pacific University
- Bushnell University
- Corban University
- Linfield University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Eastern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Southern Oregon University
- Lewis & Clark College
- University of Portland
- 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
- Corban University 38%
- Reed College 44%
- Bushnell University 68%
- Warner Pacific University 76%
- Lewis & Clark College 79%
- Willamette University 80%
- University of Portland 81%
- Linfield University 85%
- Southern Oregon University 90%
- Oregon Institute of Technology 91%
- Reed College 9 to 1
- Warner 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
- Western Oregon University 13 to 1
- Corban University 13 to 1
- Bushnell University 15 to 1
- Eastern Oregon University 15 to 1
- Southern Oregon University $7,236
- Eastern Oregon University $7,830
- Western Oregon University $8,460
- Oregon Institute of Technology $9,572
- Warner Pacific University $19,860
- Bushnell University $32,320
- Corban University $34,756
- Willamette University $44,234
- Linfield University $46,032
- University of Portland $49,864
- Warner Pacific University $8,940
- Corban University $9,760
- Oregon Institute of Technology $13,209
- Southern Oregon University $13,635
- Western Oregon University $16,560
- Linfield University $16,560
- Bushnell University $17,640
- Lewis & Clark College $17,910
- Eastern Oregon University $17,928
- University of Portland $23,868
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
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 2023
- #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 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #2 Best 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
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Best 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 Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best 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 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 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 Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best 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 Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #9 Best 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
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2024 #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
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 #9 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Oregon
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 #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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon #4 Best Online Colleges in Oregon 2024
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 Liberal Arts 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.
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.