Rankings / By State

Best Bachelor's Programs in Oregon

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 19 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$59,320

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

61%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$24,331

Avg. Net Price

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Oregon boasts a variety of bachelor's programs, each with unique strengths and challenges. As students and families weigh their options, understanding outcomes like earnings and graduation rates can help clarify the best paths forward.

What sets the top programs apart is not just prestige but measurable success in key areas. The schools on this list show significant differences in earnings potential, graduation rates, and average student debt, reflecting their ability to prepare graduates for the workforce. By examining these factors, we can see not just where students earn degrees, but how those degrees translate into financial stability.

Take the University of Portland and Portland State University, for example. The University of Portland has a graduation rate of 80% and an average earning of $82,804, while Portland State University has a much lower graduation rate of 53% and earns an average of $57,906. These differences highlight the trade-offs students might face when choosing a program.

Key Findings

Oregon Institute of Technology graduates earn an average of $72,273.

The University of Portland has the highest graduation rate at 80%.

Portland State University has the lowest graduation rate at 53%.

The average net price across these schools is $19,724.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 19

Avg. earnings at 10yr $59,320

Avg. graduation rate 61%

Avg. net price $24,331

Avg. median debt $22,078

How We Ranked

Bachelor's programs in Oregon ranked by outcomes and mobility

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR

Graduation56%

Earnings$72,273

Net Price$15,706

View full profile →

University of Portland

Portland, OR

Graduation80%

Earnings$82,804

Net Price$28,210

View full profile →

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

Graduation70%

Earnings$64,010

Net Price$19,604

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR · 2,892 students · Public

With a 95% acceptance rate and a focus on hands-on learning, Oregon Institute of Technology attracts students looking for practical skills in fields like engineering and health sciences. The campus in Klamath Falls offers a supportive environment with just under 3,000 students, fostering close-knit relationships with faculty and peers alike.

95% accepted 56% graduate $72,273 earnings

Oregon's full profile

University of Portland

Portland, OR · 2,957 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Portland offers a unique experience with an intimate campus of just under 3,000 students, promoting strong relationships in a private nonprofit setting. With an impressive 80% graduation rate, students are supported to succeed through personalized attention and a commitment to academic excellence in a variety of disciplines.

89% accepted 80% graduate $82,804 earnings

University's full profile

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · 30,743 students · Public

Oregon State University, located in Corvallis, stands out with a robust student body of over 30,000, creating a vibrant campus life rich in opportunities for involvement and growth. Known for its research initiatives, the university supports a diverse range of programs, attracting students passionate about making an impact in their fields.

77% accepted 70% graduate $64,010 earnings

Oregon's full profile

Portland State University

Portland, OR · 13,182 students · Public

Portland State University serves a diverse student demographic in the heart of Portland, catering to over 13,000 students seeking an urban campus experience. With a graduation rate of 53%, the university emphasizes accessibility and flexibility, making it easier for students to balance their studies with work and life commitments.

91% accepted 53% graduate $57,906 earnings

Portland's full profile

Reed College

Portland, OR · 1,320 students · Private nonprofit

Reed College is known for its rigorous academics and a strong commitment to intellectual exploration. With a student body of 1,320, this private nonprofit institution in Portland boasts a 74% graduation rate, suggesting that its challenging curriculum resonates with many students who thrive on academic engagement and creativity. The selective acceptance rate of 25% indicates a focus on attracting motivated learners eager to dive deep into their studies.

25% accepted 74% graduate $62,927 earnings

University of Oregon

Eugene, OR · 20,497 students · Public

With nearly 20,500 students, the University of Oregon provides a vibrant campus life in Eugene. Students here appreciate the balance of academic rigor and a strong community feel, which is reflected in the school's 72% graduation rate and a welcoming acceptance rate of 88%. The location also offers plenty of outdoor activities that appeal to many students.

88% accepted 72% graduate $61,324 earnings

University's full profile

Willamette University

Salem, OR · 1,592 students · Private nonprofit

Willamette University, located in Salem, caters to around 1,600 students and emphasizes a values-driven education rooted in liberal arts. With a graduation rate of 72%, students here benefit from a supportive atmosphere that encourages personal growth and active participation, making it a good fit for those seeking a well-rounded experience. The slightly higher acceptance rate of 77% opens doors for a diverse student population.

77% accepted 72% graduate $56,911 earnings

Willamette's full profile

Lewis & Clark College

Portland, OR · 2,120 students · Private nonprofit

Located in the vibrant city of Portland, Lewis & Clark College provides a strong liberal arts education with a tight-knit community of about 2,120 students. With a graduation rate of 73%, this private nonprofit institution fosters critical thinking and prepares students for a variety of careers, as evidenced by the median earnings of $62,205 a decade after graduation.

78% accepted 73% graduate $62,205 earnings

Linfield University

McMinnville, OR · 1,621 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in McMinnville, Linfield University emphasizes personalized education with a student body of 1,621. The school has a graduation rate of 68%, equipping students for success in a competitive job market, as reflected in their impressive median earnings of $78,638 ten years post-graduation.

85% accepted 68% graduate $78,638 earnings

Linfield's full profile

#10

Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · 2,751 students · Public

Southern Oregon University, located in the scenic town of Ashland, offers a vibrant educational experience for its 2,751 students. However, it faces challenges with a graduation rate of just 43%. Despite this, graduates can expect median earnings of $49,175 a decade later, which can be an attractive return on investment for students committed to completing their degrees.

89% accepted 43% graduate $49,175 earnings

Southern's full profile

#11

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · 1,044 students · Public

At Oregon State University-Cascades Campus, the intimate setting of about 1,000 students fosters close relationships between peers and faculty. The campus emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement, which can lead to a fulfilling college experience, even though the graduation rate is currently at 54%. For those who thrive in smaller environments, this could be a perfect fit.

63% accepted 54% graduate $64,010 earnings

Oregon's full profile

#12

Eastern Oregon University

La Grande, OR · 2,172 students · Public

Eastern Oregon University is a welcoming space for diverse learners, boasting an acceptance rate of 98%. Located in La Grande, this public institution supports its 2,172 students with a wide range of programs designed to help them succeed, particularly those who appreciate a more relaxed campus environment.

98% accepted 40% graduate $50,112 earnings

Eastern's full profile

#13

Western Oregon University

Monmouth, OR · 3,103 students · Public

At Western Oregon University, you’ll find a vibrant community of 3,103 students in Monmouth, OR, where 98% of applicants are accepted. This public university is known for its commitment to inclusivity, making it an excellent choice for students from various backgrounds who are looking for a supportive academic environment.

98% accepted 46% graduate $51,815 earnings

Western's full profile

#14

Corban University

Salem, OR · 678 students · Private nonprofit

Corban University, situated in Salem, OR, provides a nurturing space for its 678 students, with a graduation rate of 61%. This private nonprofit institution emphasizes a personal approach to education, allowing students to build lasting connections with faculty and peers in a faith-based environment that caters to those looking for a values-driven college experience.

94% accepted 61% graduate $48,917 earnings

Corban's full profile

#15

Pacific University

Forest Grove, OR · 1,516 students · Private nonprofit

With a 66% graduation rate, Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, creates a supportive environment for its 1,516 students. The school emphasizes not only academic success but also personal growth, fostering a community that values engagement and belonging.

90% accepted 66% graduate $60,583 earnings

Pacific's full profile

#16

George Fox University

Newberg, OR · 2,699 students · Private nonprofit

George Fox University in Newberg, OR, attracts students with a strong sense of community and a commitment to personal and professional development. With a graduation rate of 70%, the school focuses on helping students achieve their academic goals while preparing them for meaningful careers.

94% accepted 70% graduate $59,761 earnings

George's full profile

#17

Warner Pacific University

Portland, OR · 375 students · Private nonprofit

With a solid graduation rate of 66%, Warner Pacific University in Portland, OR, presents a supportive environment for students to succeed in their academic pursuits. The university's smaller size, with just 375 students, fosters close-knit relationships and personalized attention from faculty, making it a great option for those who thrive in intimate learning settings.

71% accepted 66% graduate $55,204 earnings

Warner's full profile

#18

Bushnell University

Eugene, OR · 517 students · Private nonprofit

Bushnell University is a compact institution in Eugene, with a student population of 517. Its 59% graduation rate reflects a commitment to student support, and graduates earn a median salary of $53,623 after ten years, indicating a solid return on their educational investment.

67% accepted 59% graduate $53,623 earnings

Bushnell's full profile

#19

Pacific Northwest College of Art

Portland, OR · 420 students · Private nonprofit

Pacific Northwest College of Art, located in Portland, OR, offers a unique focus on creativity and the arts, attracting students passionate about pursuing a career in visual arts. However, it faces challenges, as evidenced by its 36% graduation rate, which highlights the importance of a strong support system for its 420 students.

75% accepted 36% graduate $34,883 earnings

Pacific's full profile

Many prospective students may not realize that small differences in graduation rates can lead to significant disparities in earnings. For instance, the University of Portland's graduation rate of 80% correlates with an average earning of $82,804, while Portland State University's 53% rate results in an average earning of just $57,906. This suggests that completing a degree significantly affects financial outcomes.

As you explore these programs, consider how factors like location, specific major offerings, and campus culture align with your priorities. Each school has its unique vibe, and it’s essential to think about where you’ll thrive both academically and personally. Look beyond the numbers at what kind of environment you want to be in while you learn.

This data highlights the importance of choosing a program that not only meets academic needs but also supports a stable future. Graduating with less debt and higher earnings can set the foundation for a solid financial life. Each choice impacts one family, one decision, and can shape the future in significant ways.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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