Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Oregon.
10 Best Private Colleges in Oregon
- Reed College
- Willamette University
- University of Portland
- Lewis & Clark College
- Pacific University
- Linfield University
- George Fox University
- Corban University
- Bushnell University
- Warner Pacific University
- Reed College
- University of Portland
- Willamette University
- Lewis & Clark College
- Bushnell University
- Pacific University
- George Fox University
- Warner Pacific University
- Linfield University
- Corban University
- University of Portland 93%
- Pacific University 92%
- George Fox University 92%
- Linfield University 89%
- Willamette University 81%
- Warner Pacific University 72%
- Lewis & Clark College 69%
- Bushnell University 67%
- Corban University 35%
- Reed College 31%
- Corban University 15 to 1
- George Fox University 15 to 1
- Lewis & Clark College 13 to 1
- Bushnell University 12 to 1
- Willamette University 11 to 1
- Linfield University 10 to 1
- University of Portland 9 to 1
- Pacific University 9 to 1
- Reed College 9 to 1
- Warner Pacific University 5 to 1
- Reed College $64,760
- Lewis & Clark College $59,684
- Pacific University $52,072
- University of Portland $51,812
- Linfield University $47,415
- Willamette University $45,260
- George Fox University $39,540
- Corban University $35,767
- Bushnell University $33,220
- Warner Pacific University $20,240
- Willamette University $44,493
- Pacific University $36,103
- Linfield University $30,738
- University of Portland $24,804
- Lewis & Clark College $18,450
- Bushnell University $17,875
- George Fox University $15,516
- Corban University $9,760
- Warner Pacific University $9,000
- Warner Pacific University
- Bushnell University
- Corban University
- George Fox University
- Linfield University
- Pacific University
- Lewis & Clark College
- University of Portland
- Willamette University
- Reed College
- Corban University
- Linfield University
- Warner Pacific University
- George Fox University
- Pacific University
- Bushnell University
- Lewis & Clark College
- Willamette University
- University of Portland
- Reed College
- Reed College 31%
- Corban University 35%
- Bushnell University 67%
- Lewis & Clark College 69%
- Warner Pacific University 72%
- Willamette University 81%
- Linfield University 89%
- George Fox University 92%
- Pacific University 92%
- University of Portland 93%
- Warner Pacific University 5 to 1
- University of Portland 9 to 1
- Pacific University 9 to 1
- Reed College 9 to 1
- Linfield University 10 to 1
- Willamette University 11 to 1
- Bushnell University 12 to 1
- Lewis & Clark College 13 to 1
- Corban University 15 to 1
- George Fox University 15 to 1
- Warner Pacific University $20,240
- Bushnell University $33,220
- Corban University $35,767
- George Fox University $39,540
- Willamette University $45,260
- Linfield University $47,415
- University of Portland $51,812
- Pacific University $52,072
- Lewis & Clark College $59,684
- Reed College $64,760
- Warner Pacific University $9,000
- Corban University $9,760
- George Fox University $15,516
- Bushnell University $17,875
- Lewis & Clark College $18,450
- University of Portland $24,804
- Linfield University $30,738
- Pacific University $36,103
- Willamette University $44,493
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
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 10 private universities in Oregon. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Oregon, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Best Private 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 Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025
- #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
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025 #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
- #6 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025 #3 Best Small 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
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025 #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
- #4 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2025 #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: $54,466Expenses: $17,908Starting Salary: $51,400Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pacific University known for?
Pacific University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025 #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
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2025 #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: $40,940Expenses: $18,800Starting Salary: $51,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is George Fox University known for?
George Fox University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- History
- Literature
- Engineering
- Communications
- Medical
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
- #4 Best Christian 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
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025
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
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Online Colleges in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
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 Private Colleges in Your Area Interest
2021 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.
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.