Best Colleges in Oregon (2023 Rankings)

Bill Townsend
9/22/2023 | 6 Min Read

oregon

Table of Contents

Thinking of pursuing the path to higher education with enrollment at one of Oregon's top colleges? If so, we've got you covered with an intro to some of the best colleges and universities Oregon has to offer (in no particular order)!

As we guide you through our collection of the best places in the state to pursue a bachelor's degree (or any other degree for that matter), we'll discuss our top picks and point you in the direction of our favorite runner-ups and community colleges along the way.

Reed College, Portland

Tuition: $60,620

Fast Facts:

1,366 undergraduate students
42% acceptance rate
Graduation rate: 62% (4-year), 77% (6-year)

First up, we've got Reed College, a small private liberal arts and sciences school that's been called "one of the most intellectual colleges in the country." You'll find no fraternities or sororities among this free-thinking student body, which enjoys small classes and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

All first-year students get started with a year-long interdisciplinary core curriculum called Humanities 110 before choosing one of nearly 40 majors. Reed also offers dual-degree programs or the option to design your own degree if you want to study several different disciplines.

You might also like: Multnomah University, Portland

University of Oregon, Eugene

In-State Tuition: $13,857

Out-of-State Tuition: $39,309

Fast Facts:

18,045 undergraduate students
84% acceptance rate
Graduation rate: 54% (4-year), 74% (6-year)

The University of Oregon is a tier 1 national public research university that offers 315 different degrees and certifications. The UO faculty list features an impressive number of academic rockstars, including a Pulitzer Prize winner, a Nobel Prize winner, and 30 Guggenheim Fellows.

From popular majors like Business and Biology to delightfully random minors like Product Design and Comics and Cartoon Studies, the University of Oregon isn't afraid to mix it up. Tap into your inner artist at the campus craft center, try out for the esports team, or join one of over 400 other student organizations.

You might also like: Bushnell University, Eugene

Oregon State University, Corvallis

In-State Tuition: $11,858

Out-of-State Tuition: $31,467

Fast Facts:

26,644 undergraduate students
82% acceptance rate
Graduation rate: 41% (4-year), 69% (6-year)

Oregon State University (OSU) is the state's largest college and offers nearly 200 different fields of study to choose from. Nature lovers will be particularly happy here, as OSU's Forestry, Agriculture, and Oceanography programs are among its most renowned.

One of just three Land-, Sea-, Space-, and Sun-Grant universities in the entire country, OSU is a leading research university that isn't afraid to tackle issues like sustainability and climate change. If you'd prefer to study online, check out the college's highly-rated ecampus, which offers 100+ degree options!

You might also like: Western Oregon University, Monmouth

Lewis & Clark College, Portland

Tuition: $55,266

Fast Facts:

1,830 undergraduate students
80% acceptance rate
Graduation rate: 69% (4-year), 74% (6-year)

Lewis & Clark College is a small private college with plenty to offer, including nearly 30 different majors and paraprofessional programs. The college's 4-5-6 Commitment provides a number of unique degree options, such as an accelerated BA/MSL Legal Studies program that can be completed in 4 years.

Other options include earning a BA & master's degree in Teaching in five years or an accelerated BA & Law Degree (JD) in six years. No matter what you're interested in, Lewis & Clark can help you get on the fast track to success.

You might also like: Oregon Coast Community College, Newport

George Fox University, Newberg

Tuition: $38,370

Fast Facts:

2,481 undergraduate students
91% acceptance rate
Graduation rate: 55% (4-year), 66% (6-year)

George Fox University is a private Christian college that offers bachelor's degrees, adult completion degrees, and a number of great graduate programs. With over 75 different academic programs, George Fox really does offer something for everyone.

Choose from pre-professional majors like Pre-Medicine and Pre-Law or other majors like Theology, Art, or Engineering. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, George Fox University offers a faith-based education where every student matters.

You might also like: Southern Oregon University, Ashland

University of Portland, Portland

Tuition: $49,644

Fast Facts:

3,559 undergraduate students
77% acceptance rate
Graduation rate: 76% (4-year), 84% (6-year)

The University of Portland, aka UP, is a private Catholic university that offers a nice range of undergraduate programs as well as master's and doctoral degrees. Nursing is one of UP's most popular majors, making the university well worth looking into if you're interested in healthcare.

Between the school's 16 NCAA Division I sports teams, 30+ student sports clubs, and a huge range of student organizations, you'll find plenty of fun on campus. UP offers all the same benefits of larger liberal arts colleges with a close-knit student body and an emphasis on making the world a better place.

You might also like: Eastern Oregon University, La Grande

Willamette University, Salem

Tuition: $53,834

Fast Facts:

1,302 undergraduate students
80% acceptance rate
Graduation rate: 67% (4-year), 74% (6-year)

Founded in 1842, Willamette University is not only one of the oldest Oregon colleges but one of the oldest universities in the West. You'll find the private liberal arts college on a gorgeous, historic campus right by the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem.

But the Willamette also has a Portland campus, which includes the Pacific Northwest College of Art. The private institution blends a small student population with plenty of mentorship opportunities and has over 50 undergrad, graduate, and professional degrees to choose from.

You might also like: Corban University, Salem

Linfield University, McMinnville

Tuition: $45,132

Fast Facts:

1,392 undergraduate students
80% acceptance rate
Graduation rate: 63% (4-year), 75% (6-year)

Linfield University is a small private institution with a solid 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 14 students. Choose from one of 50 undergraduate programs or four graduate school degrees.

You can also complete your higher education journey through one of Linfield's online programs or continuing education opportunities. Whether you're interested in studying Nursing or Wine Studies, Linfield offers plenty of choices and a close-knit student body.

You might also like: Blue Mountain Community College, Pendleton

Pacific University, Forest Grove

In-State Tuition: $48,095

Fast Facts:

1,758 undergraduate students
89% acceptance rate
Graduation rate: 58% (4-year), 64% (6-year)

While you'll find the main campus of Pacific University in Forest Grove, Pacific U also has campuses in Hillsboro, Woodburn, and Eugene. As the top private research university in the Pacific Northwest, Pacific U comes with perks like cutting-edge research equipment and mentorship opportunities.

Undergraduates can choose from a huge number of majors and pre-professional tracks, from Pre-Med and Athletic Training to Education and Marketing. Pacific U also has graduate students covered with professional degrees in Optometry, Writing, and everything in between.

You might also like: Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls

Portland State University, Portland

In-State Tuition: $10,112

Out-of-State Tuition: $29,001

Fast Facts:

18,656 undergraduate students
95% acceptance rate
Graduation rate: 27% (4-year), 49% (6-year)

Portland State University is a public college with an awesome financial aid department that even offers a tuition-free degree program for eligible Oregon residents. Choose from on-campus or flexible online programs designed to help you achieve your goals on your own timeline.

With over 200 majors, minors, and certifications to choose from, PSU has something for everyone. From Conflict Resolution to Climate Change, you name it and PSU likely has a class on it.

You might also like: Warner Pacific University, Portland

Oregon colleges FAQ

What is the most prestigious college in Oregon?

Reed College is probably considered the most prestigious in terms of academics. But it's more important to focus on finding a school that aligns with your interests and goals than rankings alone.

Does Oregon have good universities?

For sure! Oregon has a lot of great schools that place a high emphasis on research, sustainability, and inclusivity.

What is the top research university in Oregon?

As a Tier 1 national public research university, the University of Oregon is definitely the top choice if you're looking for a great public college. If you prefer a private school, Pacific University, Forest Grove is also a great choice.

Find the perfect Oregon school with College Rover

As you may have noticed, colleges are kind of our thing. That's why we'll be the first to tell you there's no such thing as an average college experience.

That's why we developed College Rover, a search platform that brings together everything you need to find the best colleges for you - all in one place. Use our customizable search filters to find top schools that align with your interests or compare your top choices side by side.

At College Rover, we take the hassle out of finding the best path to a brighter future.

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