Oregon State is located in the Pacific Northwest region. It is known for its beautiful landscape, including forests, mountains, beaches, and farmland. The state is home to cities such as Portland, Eugene, and Salem (the capital), each offering unique cultural experiences.
Aside from its beautiful scenery, Oregon State has quite several top online colleges. These colleges offer a range of academic programs across all disciplines for students to choose from. Students in the arts, sciences, and other disciplines can study at these colleges.
Studying online provides you the opportunity to study at your comfort and convenience. Some online programs allow you to streamline your classes to fit your work schedule. Professionals who are interested in advancing academically, busy parents who need to juggle family duties while studying, and students who simply do not want to attend lectures in person can opt for online education.
This article lists the ten best online colleges in Oregon alongside average tuition rates, academic offerings, and admission criteria. This list will help you pick the best online college for your academic journey.
Top Online Colleges in Oregon
1. Oregon State University
Oregon State University (OSU), established in 1868, is a comprehensive public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, environmental sciences, forestry, and agriculture.
OSU is one of only two universities in the United States that has Land, Sea, Space, and Sun Grant designations. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its research contributions, particularly in sustainability and renewable energy. It is well-known as one of the best online colleges in Oregon.
OSU offers online programs in public health, business, education, history, and wildlife sciences. Online students enjoy access to career guidance, success coaching, and online tutoring.
To study at OSU, applicants need to submit transcripts, test scores, and a resume. OSU charges yearly tuition of $10,065 and $29,456 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively.
2. Bushnell University
Bushnell University, located in Eugene, Oregon, was founded in 1895. It is a private, Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Bushnell offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a holistic education that integrates faith, learning, and service.
Bushnell’s online program is designed to suit the schedule of working professionals. There are eight undergraduate majors available online they include business administration, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies.
Bushnell University charges yearly tuition of $32,100 and $32,100 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively.
3. Oregon Institute of Technology
Oregon Institute of Technology, commonly known as Oregon Tech, was established in 1947. It is located primarily in Klamath Falls, Oregon, it is the state’s premier public polytechnic university. Oregon Tech specializes in engineering, technology, healthcare, business, and applied sciences.
The university is known for its hands-on, real-world-focused education, with strong programs in renewable energy, engineering, and health technologies. Oregon Tech emphasizes practical experience, preparing students for high-demand careers through a combination of rigorous academics and applied learning opportunities.
This college offers online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. You can choose any of the following: health informatics, clinical sleep health, allied health, engineering, and applied psychology. Registered professionals who are looking to advance in their field can enroll in the online bachelor’s completion program. The average cost of tuition for this college is $9,572 and $30,465 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
4. University of Oregon
The University of Oregon was established on February 14, 1876. It has grown significantly since then and has become a prominent institution in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
UO Online offers over 170 online courses including a master’s degree in sports product management. The program combines live discussions, asynchronous lectures, and four on-site residencies to teach the business of creating sports apparel, footwear, and equipment.
The average cost of tuition for this college is $12,240 and $38,683 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
5. Linfield University
Linfield University, located in McMinnville, Oregon, is a private liberal arts university that was established in 1858. It is well-known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and personalized learning experiences., Linfield offers many online academic programs, including arts and sciences, nursing, and business.
To apply, prospective students need to submit official transcripts, pay a $50 application fee, and provide details about their academic history, employment, and personal background. Tuition costs are the same regardless of state residency, with the average undergraduate tuition being $45,340 per year.
6. Portland State University
Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university located in Portland, Oregon. It was established in 1946 and has grown into one of the best online colleges in Oregon. The university offers a range of online undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, engineering, education, urban planning, and the arts.
Course content is delivered asynchronously, though some programs offer real-time video conferencing options. Online students have access to resources such as online tutoring, career advising, tech support, and library services.
Admission requirements differ based on the chosen program and student status. PSU accepts postbaccalaureate students seeking a second bachelor’s degree or other undergraduate credentials. The application fee ranges from $50 to $65. The average undergraduate tuition is $10,806 for in-state students and $29,706 for out-of-state students.
7. Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University (SOU) is a public university located in Ashland, Oregon. It was established in 1926 and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with strengths in fields such as business, education, the arts, and environmental studies.
Southern Oregon University (SOU) extends its offerings to online learners through bachelor’s completion programs, master’s degrees, and postbaccalaureate endorsement and licensure programs. Other areas accessible to distance learners encompass early childhood development, criminology and criminal justice, and education. The asynchronous format of online courses grants students flexibility, enabling access to materials and lectures 24/7.
Prospective bachelor’s completion students must meet specific general education and major-related prerequisites. Graduate admission necessitates a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the final 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. Depending on the chosen program, additional prerequisites may be applicable. The average undergraduate tuition is capped at $7,236 for in-state students and $21,492 for out-of-state students.
8. Corban University
Corban University is a private Christian university located in Salem, Oregon. It was established in 1935, Corban offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, education, psychology, and theology.
Corban University is recognized as one of Oregon’s top online colleges, offering various options for undergraduates to tailor their programs to align with their career aspirations. The online business degree includes concentrations in accounting, leadership and management, and marketing. The online psychology degree offers a concentration in family studies. Additionally, students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, which allows them to combine two or more fields of study.
Applicants are required to apply, a $50 fee, official transcripts, a faith statement, and a Christian character reference. Corban recommends a minimum high school GPA of 2.7 and a minimum GPA of 2.0 for transferable college courses. Tuition rates are consistent regardless of state residency, with the average undergraduate tuition being $33,688 per year for both in-state and out-of-state students.
9. Eastern Oregon University
Eastern Oregon University (EOU) is a public university located in La Grande, Oregon. Founded in 1929, EOU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, education, health sciences, and the liberal arts. The university is known for its strong emphasis on personalized education, small class sizes, and close interaction between students and faculty.
More than half of EOU students enroll in at least one class via a flexible delivery format, either online or at one of the 11 regional learning centers. Distance learners have the option to complete their bachelor’s degree entirely online. EOU offers over 30 majors and minors, including an individualized integrative studies option. Graduate programs available include a fully online MBA, a fully online master’s in education, and two low-residency master’s degrees in teaching and creative writing.
First-time freshmen must provide a completed application, transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores, along with a $50 application fee. Prospective transfer students need to show a minimum GPA of 2.25 in their previous college coursework. Online tuition costs are the same regardless of state residency.
Average Cost of Online Colleges in Oregon
The average cost for online colleges in Oregon varies by institution and program, but overall, the tuition rates are consistent for both in-state and out-of-state students for many schools. For instance, the average annual in-state tuition for public institutions in Oregon is approximately $11,537, while private institutions have higher tuition costs (College Tuition Compare) (Online Colleges).
Most Sought After Jobs in Oregon
Here is a table showing the most sought-after jobs in Oregon, their projected job growth from 2022 to 2032, and their average annual wages for 2023:
| Job | Job Growth 2022-2032 | Average Annual Wage 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 53% | $133,000 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 38% | $68,000 |
| Data Scientists | 38% | $103,000 |
| Information Security Analysts | 37% | $108,000 |
| Physician Assistants | 36% | $130,000 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 36% | $127,000 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | 32% | $38,000 |
| Software Developers | 30% | $123,000 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 27% | $55,000 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 27% | $88,000 |
These figures are drawn from projections and wage data from the Oregon Employment Department and other sources tracking labor market trends in the state.