Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024

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Small colleges in Oregon are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

10 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024

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  1. Reed College
  2. Willamette University
  3. University of Portland
  4. Lewis & Clark College
  5. Southern Oregon University
  6. Western Oregon University
  7. Pacific University
  8. Eastern Oregon University
  9. Oregon Institute of Technology
  10. Linfield University
  1. Reed College
  2. University of Portland
  3. Willamette University
  4. Lewis & Clark College
  5. Bushnell University
  6. Pacific University
  7. Southern Oregon University
  8. George Fox University
  9. Western Oregon University
  10. Warner Pacific University
  1. Eastern Oregon University 99%
  2. Oregon Institute of Technology 93%
  3. University of Portland 93%
  4. Pacific University 92%
  5. George Fox University 92%
  6. Linfield University 89%
  7. Southern Oregon University 88%
  8. Western Oregon University 83%
  9. Willamette University 81%
  10. Warner Pacific University 72%
  1. Southern Oregon University 23 to 1
  2. George Fox University 15 to 1
  3. Corban University 15 to 1
  4. Oregon Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  5. Western Oregon University 13 to 1
  6. Eastern Oregon University 13 to 1
  7. Lewis & Clark College 13 to 1
  8. Bushnell University 12 to 1
  9. Willamette University 11 to 1
  10. Linfield University 10 to 1
  1. Reed College $64,760
  2. Lewis & Clark College $59,684
  3. Pacific University $52,072
  4. University of Portland $51,812
  5. Linfield University $47,415
  6. Willamette University $45,260
  7. George Fox University $39,540
  8. Corban University $35,767
  9. Bushnell University $33,220
  10. Warner Pacific University $20,240
  1. Willamette University $44,493
  2. Pacific University $36,103
  3. Linfield University $30,738
  4. University of Portland $24,804
  5. Lewis & Clark College $18,450
  6. Eastern Oregon University $18,378
  7. Bushnell University $17,875
  8. Western Oregon University $16,560
  9. George Fox University $15,516
  10. Southern Oregon University $14,175
  1. Warner Pacific University
  2. Bushnell University
  3. Corban University
  4. George Fox University
  5. Linfield University
  6. Oregon Institute of Technology
  7. Eastern Oregon University
  8. Pacific University
  9. Western Oregon University
  10. Southern Oregon University
  1. Corban University
  2. Linfield University
  3. Oregon Institute of Technology
  4. Eastern Oregon University
  5. Warner Pacific University
  6. Western Oregon University
  7. George Fox University
  8. Southern Oregon University
  9. Pacific University
  10. Bushnell University
  1. Reed College 31%
  2. Corban University 35%
  3. Bushnell University 67%
  4. Lewis & Clark College 69%
  5. Warner Pacific University 72%
  6. Willamette University 81%
  7. Western Oregon University 83%
  8. Southern Oregon University 88%
  9. Linfield University 89%
  10. George Fox University 92%
  1. Warner Pacific University 5 to 1
  2. Reed College 9 to 1
  3. Pacific University 9 to 1
  4. University of Portland 9 to 1
  5. Linfield University 10 to 1
  6. Willamette University 11 to 1
  7. Bushnell University 12 to 1
  8. Western Oregon University 13 to 1
  9. Eastern Oregon University 13 to 1
  10. Lewis & Clark College 13 to 1
  1. Eastern Oregon University $8,213
  2. Western Oregon University $8,730
  3. Southern Oregon University $9,405
  4. Oregon Institute of Technology $10,002
  5. Warner Pacific University $20,240
  6. Bushnell University $33,220
  7. Corban University $35,767
  8. George Fox University $39,540
  9. Willamette University $45,260
  10. Linfield University $47,415
  1. Warner Pacific University $9,000
  2. Corban University $9,760
  3. Oregon Institute of Technology $13,803
  4. Southern Oregon University $14,175
  5. George Fox University $15,516
  6. Western Oregon University $16,560
  7. Bushnell University $17,875
  8. Eastern Oregon University $18,378
  9. Lewis & Clark College $18,450
  10. University of Portland $24,804

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

Oregon's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Oregon is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 14 small colleges in Oregon. The list below of the best small colleges in Oregon. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

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Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2023

  1. #1

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    Other Rankings

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

    $45K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    76%

    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

    $60K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/30

    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. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Oregon University

    Cost of Degree: $11,691
    Expenses: $18,318
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Oregon University known for?

    Southern Oregon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Oregon University

    Cost of Degree: $10,602
    Expenses: $14,556
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Western Oregon University known for?

    Western Oregon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  6. #7

    Pacific University

    Forest Grove , OR

    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: $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

  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Oregon University

    Cost of Degree: $10,196
    Expenses: $15,465
    Starting Salary: $44,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eastern Oregon University known for?

    Eastern Oregon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  8. #9

    Oregon Institute of Technology

    Klamath Falls , OR
    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: $12,122
    Expenses: $15,321
    Starting Salary: $57,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oregon Institute of Technology known for?

    Oregon Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  9. #10

    Linfield University

    McMinnville , OR

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    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
  10. #11

    George Fox University

    Newberg , OR
    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: $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
  11. #12

    Corban University

    Salem , OR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    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
  12. #13

    Bushnell University

    Eugene , OR

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    <1K

    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

  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    43%

    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 Small 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.

  1. Reed College
  2. Lewis & Clark College
  3. Willamette University
  4. Pacific University
  5. Linfield University
  6. University of Portland
  7. Southern Oregon University
  8. Eastern Oregon University
  9. Oregon Institute of Technology
  10. George Fox University
  11. Warner Pacific University
  12. Corban University
  13. Western Oregon University
  14. Bushnell University
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