Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2024
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Oregon provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
Best Public Colleges in Oregon
- University of Oregon
- Oregon State University
- Portland State University
- Southern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Eastern Oregon University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- University of Oregon
- Oregon State University
- Portland State University
- Southern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Eastern Oregon University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Eastern Oregon University 99%
- Oregon Institute of Technology 93%
- Portland State University 93%
- Southern Oregon University 88%
- University of Oregon 86%
- Oregon State University 83%
- Western Oregon University 83%
- Southern Oregon University 23 to 1
- University of Oregon 20 to 1
- Oregon State University 19 to 1
- Portland State University 17 to 1
- Oregon Institute of Technology 15 to 1
- Western Oregon University 13 to 1
- Eastern Oregon University 13 to 1
- University of Oregon $11,674
- Oregon State University $10,425
- Oregon Institute of Technology $10,002
- Southern Oregon University $9,405
- Western Oregon University $8,730
- Portland State University $8,400
- Eastern Oregon University $8,213
- Eastern Oregon University $18,378
- Western Oregon University $16,560
- University of Oregon $16,011
- Portland State University $15,048
- Southern Oregon University $14,175
- Oregon Institute of Technology $13,803
- Oregon State University $13,446
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Eastern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Southern Oregon University
- Portland State University
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Eastern Oregon University
- Western Oregon University
- Southern Oregon University
- Portland State University
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Western Oregon University 83%
- Oregon State University 83%
- University of Oregon 86%
- Southern Oregon University 88%
- Portland State University 93%
- Oregon Institute of Technology 93%
- Eastern Oregon University 99%
- Western Oregon University 13 to 1
- Eastern Oregon University 13 to 1
- Oregon Institute of Technology 15 to 1
- Portland State University 17 to 1
- Oregon State University 19 to 1
- University of Oregon 20 to 1
- Southern Oregon University 23 to 1
- Eastern Oregon University $8,213
- Portland State University $8,400
- Western Oregon University $8,730
- Southern Oregon University $9,405
- Oregon Institute of Technology $10,002
- Oregon State University $10,425
- University of Oregon $11,674
- Oregon State University $13,446
- Oregon Institute of Technology $13,803
- Southern Oregon University $14,175
- Portland State University $15,048
- University of Oregon $16,011
- Western Oregon University $16,560
- Eastern Oregon University $18,378
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.
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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 public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 7 public universities in Oregon. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Oregon, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.
Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2023
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #1 Best 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: $14,112Expenses: $18,585Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Oregon known for?
University of Oregon’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Communications
- History
- Business
- Education
- Social Work
- Literature
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
- #1 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
- #7 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
- #8 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #9 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #17 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
70%
Student body
40K
Career Outlook for degree at Oregon State University
Cost of Degree: $12,664Expenses: $17,679Starting Salary: $56,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oregon State University known for?
Oregon State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #24 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #6 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
- #8 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #20 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
53%
Student body
28K
Career Outlook for degree at Portland State University
Cost of Degree: $10,206Expenses: $18,639Starting Salary: $50,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Portland State University known for?
Portland State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Literature
- Business
- History
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Portland State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Technology And Analytics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Technology And Analytics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Resources Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Human Resources Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management And Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Management And Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Supply And Logistics Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminology And Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Arts And Letters
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Cultural History Of The Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health Studies: Aging
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Health Studies: Aging
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health Studies: Community Health Promotion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Health Studies: Community Health Promotion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
46%
Student body
11K
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
- Nursing
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
48%
Student body
5K
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 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts 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: $10,196Expenses: $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 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts 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: $12,122Expenses: $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
Oregon’s Best Public College 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 public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.