Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024

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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

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  1. Reed College
  2. Willamette University
  3. University of Portland
  4. Lewis & Clark College
  5. Pacific University
  6. Linfield University
  7. George Fox University
  8. Corban University
  9. Bushnell University
  10. Warner Pacific University
  1. Reed College
  2. University of Portland
  3. Willamette University
  4. Lewis & Clark College
  5. Bushnell University
  6. Pacific University
  7. George Fox University
  8. Warner Pacific University
  9. Linfield University
  10. Corban University
  1. Pacific University 91%
  2. Linfield University 85%
  3. George Fox University 83%
  4. University of Portland 81%
  5. Willamette University 80%
  6. Lewis & Clark College 79%
  7. Warner Pacific University 76%
  8. Bushnell University 68%
  9. Reed College 44%
  10. Corban University 38%
  1. Bushnell University 15 to 1
  2. George Fox University 13 to 1
  3. Corban University 13 to 1
  4. Lewis & Clark College 11 to 1
  5. University of Portland 11 to 1
  6. Linfield University 11 to 1
  7. Warner Pacific University 10 to 1
  8. Pacific University 10 to 1
  9. Willamette University 10 to 1
  10. Reed College 9 to 1
  1. Reed College $62,730
  2. Lewis & Clark College $57,404
  3. Pacific University $50,070
  4. University of Portland $49,864
  5. Linfield University $46,032
  6. Willamette University $44,234
  7. George Fox University $38,520
  8. Corban University $34,756
  9. Bushnell University $32,320
  10. Warner Pacific University $19,860
  1. Willamette University $43,735
  2. Pacific University $35,909
  3. University of Portland $23,868
  4. Lewis & Clark College $17,910
  5. Bushnell University $17,640
  6. Linfield University $16,560
  7. George Fox University $14,158
  8. Corban University $9,760
  9. Warner Pacific University $8,940
  1. Warner Pacific University
  2. Bushnell University
  3. Corban University
  4. George Fox University
  5. Linfield University
  6. Pacific University
  7. Lewis & Clark College
  8. University of Portland
  9. Willamette University
  10. Reed College
  1. Corban University
  2. Linfield University
  3. Warner Pacific University
  4. George Fox University
  5. Pacific University
  6. Bushnell University
  7. Lewis & Clark College
  8. Willamette University
  9. University of Portland
  10. Reed College
  1. Corban University 38%
  2. Reed College 44%
  3. Bushnell University 68%
  4. Warner Pacific University 76%
  5. Lewis & Clark College 79%
  6. Willamette University 80%
  7. University of Portland 81%
  8. George Fox University 83%
  9. Linfield University 85%
  10. Pacific University 91%
  1. Reed College 9 to 1
  2. Warner Pacific University 10 to 1
  3. Pacific University 10 to 1
  4. Willamette University 10 to 1
  5. Lewis & Clark College 11 to 1
  6. University of Portland 11 to 1
  7. Linfield University 11 to 1
  8. George Fox University 13 to 1
  9. Corban University 13 to 1
  10. Bushnell University 15 to 1
  1. Warner Pacific University $19,860
  2. Bushnell University $32,320
  3. Corban University $34,756
  4. George Fox University $38,520
  5. Willamette University $44,234
  6. Linfield University $46,032
  7. University of Portland $49,864
  8. Pacific University $50,070
  9. Lewis & Clark College $57,404
  10. Reed College $62,730
  1. Warner Pacific University $8,940
  2. Corban University $9,760
  3. George Fox University $14,158
  4. Linfield University $16,560
  5. Bushnell University $17,640
  6. Lewis & Clark College $17,910
  7. University of Portland $23,868
  8. Pacific University $35,909
  9. Willamette University $43,735

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?

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.

Oregon's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Private Colleges in Oregon

  1. #1

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Reed College

    Cost of Degree: $64,760
    Expenses: $18,550
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Willamette University

    Cost of Degree: $45,260
    Expenses: $16,852
    Starting Salary: $57,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #4

    Lewis & Clark College

    Portland , OR
    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: $59,684
    Expenses: $17,486
    Starting Salary: $55,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #5

    Pacific University

    Forest Grove , OR

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $52,072
    Expenses: $17,258
    Starting Salary: $51,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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

  5. #6

    Linfield University

    McMinnville , OR

    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: $49,417
    Expenses: $17,400
    Starting Salary: $60,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #7

    George Fox University

    Newberg , OR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    Career Outlook for degree at George Fox University

    Cost of Degree: $39,540
    Expenses: $16,850
    Starting Salary: $51,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  7. #8

    Corban University

    Salem , OR

    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: $35,767
    Expenses: $15,688
    Starting Salary: $40,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  8. #9

    Bushnell University

    Eugene , OR

    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: $33,220
    Expenses: $13,780
    Starting Salary: $45,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bushnell University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Warner Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $20,240
    Expenses: $12,672
    Starting Salary: $45,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Warner Pacific University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

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Oregon’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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.

  1. Reed College
  2. Lewis & Clark College
  3. Willamette University
  4. Pacific University
  5. Linfield University
  6. University of Portland
  7. George Fox University
  8. Warner Pacific University
  9. Corban University
  10. Bushnell University
  11. Pioneer Pacific College

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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