Best Colleges in Oregon

Staff Writers
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Updated on October 30, 2024
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Discover the best colleges in Oregon. Compare programs by affordability and quality to find the right fit.

Home to more than 100 colleges and university campuses, including 17 community colleges, 22 private nonprofit universities, and eight public universities, Oregon makes higher education accessible for both in-state and out-of-state learners. In 2017, despite 37% of young adults in the state holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, Oregon fell short of meeting the growing workforce demands for highly educated professionals.

In an effort to increase educational attainment throughout the state, Oregon established their “40-40-20” education goal. By 2025, the state aims to have 40% of its young adult population earn a four-year degree, ​40% earn a two-year degree, and 20% earn a high school diploma or its equivalent.

To help Oregonians meet this goal and help readers find their optimal program, we’ve ranked the best colleges in Oregon by quality and affordability. Read on to learn more about the top Oregon schools.

Best Accredited Colleges in Oregon

#1 Best Colleges in Oregon

Reed College

  • Location-markerPortland, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$64,450
  • Out-of-state$64,450
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate27%
  • Students Enrolled1,458
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment11%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Colleges in Oregon

University of Portland

  • Location-markerPortland, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$51,352
  • Out-of-state$51,352
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$24,804
  • Out-of-state$24,804
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate95%
  • Students Enrolled3,457
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment23%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Colleges in Oregon

University of Oregon

  • Location-markerEugene, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,726
  • Out-of-state$39,922
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,011
  • Out-of-state$28,971
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate85%
  • Students Enrolled23,786
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Colleges in Oregon

Oregon State University

  • Location-markerCorvallis, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,425
  • Out-of-state$31,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,446
  • Out-of-state$28,242
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled34,292
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Colleges in Oregon

Linfield University

  • Location-markerMcMinnville, OR
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$48,132
  • Out-of-state$48,132
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$30,738
  • Out-of-state$30,738
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate88%
  • Students Enrolled1,727
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Colleges in Oregon

Lewis & Clark College

  • Location-markerPortland, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$59,250
  • Out-of-state$59,250
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,450
  • Out-of-state$18,450
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled3,526
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment12%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Colleges in Oregon

Bushnell University

  • Location-markerEugene, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$33,000
  • Out-of-state$33,000
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,875
  • Out-of-state$17,875
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled699
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Colleges in Oregon

Southern Oregon University

  • Location-markerAshland, OR
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,675
  • Out-of-state$28,305
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,175
  • Out-of-state$17,010
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance Rate90%
  • Students Enrolled5,506
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment42%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-checkHow We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2021. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

Top Degree Programs in Oregon

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