Best Online Colleges in Portland

Margaret Weinhold
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Updated on May 31, 2023
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Check out our ranking of the best online colleges in Portland. Learn what type of programs local schools offer and what makes them stand out.

Considered one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the nation, Portland houses many businesses focused on sustainability. Just a few of these companies include Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Tillamook, and Tofurky.

Top industries in Portland include healthcare, tech, manufacturing, and athletic and outdoor apparel. PayScale reports that some of the most popular occupations in the city include software engineer and mechanical engineer; these positions earn average annual salaries of $83,000 and $73,000, respectively. Both of these professions require a bachelor’s degree, with some employers favoring applicants with a master’s.

Portland houses over half of all the colleges and universities in Oregon, helping students prepare for success in the local job market, as well as across the country and around the world. We ranked the 10 best online colleges in Portland to help you find the program best suited for your career goals.

What Are the Best Online Colleges in Portland? Here Are Our Top 3:

Ranking compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Portland

1
Multnomah University
LocationPortland, OR

One of the best online colleges in Portland, Multnomah offers 13 online programs. Students can choose from three bachelor's and 10 master's options. Learners can earn degrees like an online bachelor's in business management, an online MA in nonprofit management, and an online MA in Christian leadership.

Online programs typically last 2-4 years and begin in the fall and spring. The university delivers most online coursework asynchronously, although some courses feature synchronous components as well.

Minimum GPA requirements vary depending on the program. Standardized test scores may be required for some applicants.

2
Portland State University
LocationPortland, OR
Location13758

Since its founding in 1946, PSU has grown into one of the best accredited online colleges in Portland. Overseeing 23 undergraduate and 21 graduate programs for online learners, PSU offers diverse degree options. Select options include an online bachelor's in social work and an online master's in public health practice.

PSU's online courses may run entirely asynchronously or feature synchronous sessions. The university offers courses in the fall, spring, summer, and winter. Students can start at the beginning of any term.

Prospective undergraduates need a high school diploma with a minimum 2.5 GPA (or the GED equivalent). Graduate applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

3
Oregon Health & Science University
LocationPortland, OR

Founded in 1910 as a hospital training school, OHSU is now one of top online colleges in Portland. The school offers online nursing programs. Distance learners can enroll in an online RN-to-BSN program. They can also pursue a master's in nursing education and a health systems and organizational leadership certificate.

OHSU's online programs typically start in the fall and offer full-time and part-time study options. All OHSU students pay the same tuition rate, no matter where they live. Most online classes run asynchronously, though some programs may feature in-person intensives. Prospective students need a minimum 2.8 GPA. Medical school applicants need an MCAT score of at least 497.

Top Degree Programs in Portland