Best Colleges in Oregon

Founded in 1908, Reed College focuses almost exclusively on liberal arts education for undergraduate students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of just 10-to-1 and conference-style classes, learners at the college receive close attention and mentorship from expert faculty members. The college offers more than 40 majors, including anthropology, comparative race and ethnic studies, linguistics, and neuroscience. Dual-degree programs also allow students to focus on subjects like engineering and environmental sciences. To earn a bachelor's, each undergraduate student at Reed must take at least one year-long humanities course and write a senior thesis. Reed's sole master's program is a liberal arts degree, which students can shape to fit their academic and professional interests. Admission to the college is highly selective. First-year applicants must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, a counselor recommendation, and two teacher evaluations. Reed is committed to meeting all of the demonstrated financial need of its admitted students.

Originally founded in 1842, Willamette University is one of the oldest universities in Oregon. The college enrolls just over 2,100 students and offers bachelor's degrees, law degrees, and a top-ranked master of business administration. More than 28,000 Willamette alumni live and work in the Pacific Northwest. The university hosts several accelerated dual-degree programs. A "3+3" program allows students to earn both a bachelor of arts and a juris doctorate in six years. Similar accelerated programs in business and public management give learners the option to earn an undergraduate and master's degree in as little as five years. Undergraduate applicants must submit high school transcripts and a counselor recommendation. Willamette does not require standardized test scores or recommendation letters from teachers, though prospective students can submit these materials. Each year, the university awards roughly $42M in scholarships to admitted students.

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, Portland State University enrolls more than 27,000 students each year. This public research university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 100 fields of study, many of which can be pursued entirely online. PSU's online catalog includes two educator endorsements, 20 certificates, 11 bachelor's degrees, and nine master's degrees. Dozens of diverse fields are available within seven broad disciplines: business, criminology and criminal justice, education, health, interdisciplinary studies, social work, and urban and public affairs. Course content follows an asynchronous format, although real-time video conferencing is available in some programs. All online students receive access to resources, including online tutoring, career advising, tech support, and library services. Admission requirements vary depending on program selection and student status. PSU welcomes postbaccalaureate students looking to pursue a second bachelor's degree or other undergraduate credential. Applicants pay a $50-$65 application fee.

Concordia University-Portland is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Approximately 5,800 students attend each year. The university system also operates a law school in Boise, Idaho, one of the best online colleges in Oregon, and branch campuses across the state. Notable online programs are available in business administration, healthcare administration, and homeland security and emergency management. However, education stands out as the most highly represented online field. Concordia offers two certificates, a bachelor's in early childhood education, three master of education options, and a doctor of education with five concentration tracks. Courses are delivered in a flexible, asynchronous format to provide maximum scheduling flexibility. Application requirements vary according to program selection and student status. First-time freshmen are not eligible for admission, as Concordia's online undergraduate programs require 12-20 transferable credits. All online learners pay the same tuition rates regardless of state residency.

Undergraduate programs at Western Oregon University help students build a foundation of skills and knowledge in disciplines like community health, gerontology, music, and public policy and administration. Several of the university's graduate programs, including master's tracks in teaching and organizational leadership, are also available in online and hybrid formats. Professional advisors guide learners throughout their educational experiences. After being admitted, incoming students are matched with a dedicated professional who assists with enrollment, financial aid, assessments, and selecting a major. In addition, advisors ensure students meet specific graduation benchmarks by matching them with tutoring, counseling, and career preparation services. Undergraduate applicants typically need a high school GPA of at least 3.0. Prospective students who do not meet this requirement may also need to submit ACT or SAT scores and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor.

Multnomah University provides a liberal arts education from a biblical perspective. While the university's seminary offers degrees in applied theology and Christian leadership, students may also explore subjects like organizational psychology, health and fitness management, and global development and justice. Three bachelor's degrees and eight master's degrees can also be earned entirely online. The university's Voices Scholarship program aims to create a more diverse and culturally competent study body. Participating students learn to lead and facilitate conversations related to racial reconciliation and cultural sensitivity. The program provides a $2,500 per year stipend that can be renewed annually. All undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma and a minimum 2.5 GPA. As a test-optional institution, Multnomah does not require ACT or SAT scores. However, prospective students must provide a Christian character reference from a pastor, youth minister, or spiritual mentor.

The University of Portland -- a Catholic university -- offers more than 40 undergraduate programs and 18 graduate programs in areas of study such as civil engineering, environmental policy, integrative health and wellness studies, and organizational communication. UP does not currently provide online access to any of its programs. All undergraduate students, regardless of their major, take 13 courses in science, the arts, and humanities. This liberal arts core helps students develop critical-thinking skills, exposes them to new perspectives, and allows them to examine pressing questions of existence through an interdisciplinary lens. UP encourages students to participate in internships. To apply to UP, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. First-year applicants must also submit ACT or SAT scores, one letter of recommendation, and a personal essay. Most graduate programs require a bachelor's degree and satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores.

Located on 295 acres along the Willamette River in Eugene, the University of Oregon serves more than 22,000 students each year. This public flagship research university encompasses five colleges, seven professional schools, and one of the best online colleges in Oregon. UO Online offers more than 170 individual courses from a variety of academic programs. These courses are primarily designed to supplement an on-campus schedule, but non-enrolled individuals can take up to eight credits of UO Online courses per term through the school's community education program. UO also offers a master's degree in sports product management entirely online. The program combines asynchronous lectures, live discussions, and four on-site residencies to teach the business of creating sports apparel, footwear, and equipment. Current UO students are eligible to register for online courses through DuckWeb. Entry into the sports product management program requires submission of transcripts, 2-3 letters of recommendation, a resume, essays, and a product project.

Oregon State University is a public research university located in Corvallis. Annual enrollment typically exceeds 28,000 students, making OSU the largest university in the state. It is one of only four institutions in the country to obtain all four land-, sea-, space-, and sun-grant designations. Arguably the best online college in Oregon, OSU offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs designed for distance learners. Dozens of diverse disciplines are represented in OSU's online catalog, including business, education, history, wildlife sciences, and public health. Every online student receives access to vital support services including success coaching, online tutoring, and career guidance. Prospective students must submit transcripts, applicable test scores, and a resume. Additional admission requirements may apply depending on student status and program selection. OSU welcomes postbaccalaureate students seeking a second bachelor's degree. State residency does not impact per-credit tuition prices.

Corban University is a private college located on the outskirts of the state capital, Salem. The independent Chrisitian university is not affiliated with any one denomination. More than 1,000 students attend each year, receiving instruction in liberal arts, professional, and biblical studies. One of the best online colleges in Oregon, Corban provides a number of options for undergraduates to customize their program according to their professional goals. The online business degree offers concentrations in accounting, leadership and management, and marketing, while the online psychology degree offers a concentration in family studies. Students may also pursue a bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies, which allows for a combination of two or more areas of study. Prospective students must provide an application, $50 fee, official transcripts, faith statement, and a Christian character reference. Corban recommends a minimum high school GPA of 2.7 and a minimum 2.0 GPA for transferable college courses. Per-credit tuition rates are not impacted by state residency.

Linfield College -- a private undergraduate college with two campuses in Oregon -- combines liberal arts education with practical career training. Students at the college explore subjects like accounting, elementary education, and political science. Fully online programs serve learners interested in fields such as health administration, project management, and nursing. Experiential and service learning play a key role at the college. More than 40% of students participate in a study abroad trip, and collaborative research projects give learners the opportunity to work closely with faculty. Career counselors also help students find internships, with Linfield providing stipends and scholarships for unpaid positions. To apply to Linfield, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. While the college does not set minimum GPA requirements for admission, applicants with a high school GPA below 3.0 must also submit ACT or SAT scores. All prospective students must also write a personal essay.

Bushnell University is a private Christian college located in Eugene. Originally founded as a divinity school and Bible college, Bushnell became a broad liberal arts institution in 1934 after a merger with Spokane University. Approximately 800 students enroll each year. Bushnell is one of the best online colleges in Oregon designed specifically with working professionals in mind. Eight undergraduate majors are available online, including four of Bushnell's most popular areas of study: K-12 teacher education (requires some in-person classes), business administration, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies. Registered nurses can pursue an RN-to-BSN pathway or an RN-to-MSN pathway. Asynchronous courses offer new start dates every eight weeks, and students can earn up to 30 credits for prior life or work experience. Admission to Bushnell's online programs requires a completed, no-cost application and submission of official transcripts. The school does not require ACT or SAT scores. Tuition rates are not higher for out-of-state students.

Located in Ashland with a satellite campus in Medford, Southern Oregon University provides career-focused, comprehensive education to more than 6,200 students each year. This public liberal arts institution emphasizes both theoretical and experiential learning. For online learners, SOU offers bachelor's completion programs, master's degrees, and postbaccalaureate endorsement and licensure programs. Business administration studies are available at the undergraduate and graduate level, featuring concentration options such as accounting, management, marketing, and finance. Other areas of study offered to distance learners include early childhood development, criminology and criminal justice, and education. Online courses follow a flexible asynchronous format, allowing for 24/7 access of materials and lectures. Prospective bachelor's completion students must satisfy varying general education and major-focused prerequisites. Graduate admission requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. Additional requirements may apply depending on program selection.