# Best Colleges in Oregon

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 32 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-oregon

## Methodology

Composite score for institutions in Oregon

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Oregon is home to a diverse range of colleges, each offering unique opportunities for students. As families consider their options for higher education, understanding the key factors that contribute to a school's value is essential.

The schools on this list are ranked based on critical outcomes such as earnings after graduation, graduation rates, debt levels, and overall mobility. These metrics help illuminate which institutions may provide the best return on investment for students.

For instance, the University of Portland stands out with average earnings of $82,804 and an impressive 80% graduation rate. In contrast, Portland State University has lower earnings of $57,906 and a graduation rate of 53%. This comparison illustrates the trade-offs families may face when weighing different options.

## Key Findings

- University of Portland graduates earn an average of $82,804, significantly higher than the state average of $52,522.
- Oregon Institute of Technology has a lower graduation rate at 56% compared to the 80% of the University of Portland.
- Portland State University has a net price of just $9,552, making it one of the most affordable options on this list.
- Oregon State University graduates have an average debt of $21,221, which is competitive but still a consideration for families.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Oregon Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/oregon-institute-of-technology) | Klamath Falls, OR | 56% | $72,273 | $15,706 | $22,500 | 0.31x |
| 2 | [University of Portland](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-portland) | Portland, OR | 80% | $82,804 | $28,210 | $21,370 | 0.26x |
| 3 | [Portland State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/portland-state-university) | Portland, OR | 53% | $57,906 | $9,552 | $20,500 | 0.35x |
| 4 | [Oregon State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/oregon-state-university) | Corvallis, OR | 70% | $64,010 | $19,604 | $21,221 | 0.33x |
| 5 | [University of Oregon](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-oregon) | Eugene, OR | 72% | $61,324 | $22,182 | $20,139 | 0.33x |
| 6 | [Reed College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/reed-college) | Portland, OR | 74% | $62,927 | $33,013 | $21,500 | 0.34x |
| 7 | [Linfield University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/linfield-university) | McMinnville, OR | 68% | $78,638 | $26,536 | $25,000 | 0.32x |
| 8 | [Lewis & Clark College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lewis-clark-college) | Portland, OR | 73% | $62,205 | $36,013 | $19,500 | 0.31x |
| 9 | [Willamette University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/willamette-university) | Salem, OR | 72% | $56,911 | $25,121 | $21,500 | 0.38x |
| 10 | [Southern Oregon University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-oregon-university) | Ashland, OR | 43% | $49,175 | $16,732 | $20,332 | 0.41x |
| 11 | [Southwestern Oregon Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southwestern-oregon-community-college) | Coos Bay, OR | 39% | $38,349 | $8,527 | $12,000 | 0.31x |
| 12 | [Corban University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/corban-university) | Salem, OR | 61% | $48,917 | $28,035 | $22,625 | 0.46x |
| 13 | [Western Oregon University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-oregon-university) | Monmouth, OR | 46% | $51,815 | $17,237 | $20,609 | 0.4x |
| 14 | [Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pacific-university) | Forest Grove, OR | 66% | $60,583 | $35,273 | $23,223 | 0.38x |
| 15 | [Eastern Oregon University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-oregon-university) | La Grande, OR | 40% | $50,112 | $17,148 | $20,500 | 0.41x |
| 16 | [George Fox University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/george-fox-university) | Newberg, OR | 70% | $59,761 | $31,679 | $24,250 | 0.41x |
| 17 | [Clackamas Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clackamas-community-college) | Oregon City, OR | 23% | $42,886 | $7,855 | $11,992 | 0.28x |
| 18 | [Oregon State University-Cascades Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/oregon-state-university-cascades-campus) | Bend, OR | 54% | $64,010 | $18,048 | $21,221 | 0.33x |
| 19 | [Linn-Benton Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/linn-benton-community-college) | Albany, OR | 27% | $41,363 | $11,553 | $11,961 | 0.29x |
| 20 | [Portland Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/portland-community-college) | Portland, OR | 18% | $44,592 | $10,405 | $12,999 | 0.29x |
| 21 | [Clatsop Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clatsop-community-college) | Astoria, OR | 27% | $39,477 | $10,548 | $11,602 | 0.29x |
| 22 | [Blue Mountain Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/blue-mountain-community-college) | Pendleton, OR | 27% | $38,375 | $13,095 | $12,000 | 0.31x |
| 23 | [Central Oregon Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-oregon-community-college) | Bend, OR | 25% | $38,940 | $12,266 | $12,000 | 0.31x |
| 24 | [Columbia Gorge Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-gorge-community-college) | The Dalles, OR | 22% | $44,440 | $10,416 | $19,397 | 0.44x |
| 25 | [Chemeketa Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chemeketa-community-college) | Salem, OR | 22% | $40,968 | $8,200 | $12,822 | 0.31x |
| 26 | [Warner Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/warner-pacific-university) | Portland, OR | 66% | $55,204 | $25,629 | $25,000 | 0.45x |
| 27 | [Lane Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lane-community-college) | Eugene, OR | 20% | $38,075 | $9,123 | $14,761 | 0.39x |
| 28 | [Mt Hood Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mt-hood-community-college) | Gresham, OR | 25% | $41,125 | $7,821 | $13,667 | 0.33x |
| 29 | [Bushnell University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bushnell-university) | Eugene, OR | 59% | $53,623 | $20,789 | $23,500 | 0.44x |
| 30 | [Tillamook Bay Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tillamook-bay-community-college) | Tillamook, OR | 31% | N/A | $5,405 | N/A | N/A |
| 31 | [Oregon Coast Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/oregon-coast-community-college) | Newport, OR | 34% | N/A | $7,666 | N/A | N/A |
| 32 | [Pacific Northwest College of Art](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pacific-northwest-college-of-art) | Portland, OR | 36% | $34,883 | $35,785 | $25,000 | 0.72x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Colleges in Oregon." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-oregon

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.