# Best Nursing Colleges in Oregon

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-08-03 | Schools: 24 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-oregon

## Methodology

Nursing programs in Oregon ranked by outcomes and program concentration

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

Nursing is a crucial field that demands not only a commitment to patient care but also a strong educational foundation. Choosing the right nursing program can significantly affect career outcomes. In Oregon, these nursing colleges are distinguished by their focus on preparing students for success in a challenging yet rewarding profession.

The schools listed here are ranked based on key outcomes, including earnings after graduation, graduation rates, and student debt levels. These metrics help paint a clearer picture of what a nursing education can offer in terms of financial stability and career mobility. As you browse the list, keep in mind that higher earnings and lower debt can reflect a school's ability to equip its graduates for the workforce.

For instance, the University of Portland stands out with impressive earnings of $82,804 and an 80% graduation rate. In contrast, Bushnell University offers a lower earning potential of $53,623 and a graduation rate of 59%. This comparison highlights the tradeoffs students may face when selecting a program, emphasizing the importance of aligning choices with personal and financial goals.

## Key Findings

- The University of Portland has the highest average earnings at $82,804.
- Oregon Institute of Technology graduates face an average debt of $22,500.
- The graduation rate at the University of Portland is 80%, significantly above the average of 44%.
- Bushnell University, despite a lower earning potential, has a net price of $20,789, making it a more affordable option.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Portland](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-portland) | Portland, OR | 80% | $82,804 | $28,210 | $21,370 | 0.26x |
| 2 | [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 |
| 3 | [Linfield University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/linfield-university) | McMinnville, OR | 68% | $78,638 | $26,536 | $25,000 | 0.32x |
| 4 | [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 |
| 5 | [George Fox University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/george-fox-university) | Newberg, OR | 70% | $59,761 | $31,679 | $24,250 | 0.41x |
| 6 | [Clatsop Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clatsop-community-college) | Astoria, OR | 27% | $39,477 | $10,548 | $11,602 | 0.29x |
| 7 | [Portland State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/portland-state-university) | Portland, OR | 53% | $57,906 | $9,552 | $20,500 | 0.35x |
| 8 | [Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pacific-university) | Forest Grove, OR | 66% | $60,583 | $35,273 | $23,223 | 0.38x |
| 9 | [Warner Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/warner-pacific-university) | Portland, OR | 66% | $55,204 | $25,629 | $25,000 | 0.45x |
| 10 | [Linn-Benton Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/linn-benton-community-college) | Albany, OR | 27% | $41,363 | $11,553 | $11,961 | 0.29x |
| 11 | [Oregon State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/oregon-state-university) | Corvallis, OR | 70% | $64,010 | $19,604 | $21,221 | 0.33x |
| 12 | [Central Oregon Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-oregon-community-college) | Bend, OR | 25% | $38,940 | $12,266 | $12,000 | 0.31x |
| 13 | [Willamette University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/willamette-university) | Salem, OR | 72% | $56,911 | $25,121 | $21,500 | 0.38x |
| 14 | [Portland Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/portland-community-college) | Portland, OR | 18% | $44,592 | $10,405 | $12,999 | 0.29x |
| 15 | [Clackamas Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clackamas-community-college) | Oregon City, OR | 23% | $42,886 | $7,855 | $11,992 | 0.28x |
| 16 | [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 |
| 17 | [Chemeketa Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chemeketa-community-college) | Salem, OR | 22% | $40,968 | $8,200 | $12,822 | 0.31x |
| 18 | [Lane Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lane-community-college) | Eugene, OR | 20% | $38,075 | $9,123 | $14,761 | 0.39x |
| 19 | [Blue Mountain Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/blue-mountain-community-college) | Pendleton, OR | 27% | $38,375 | $13,095 | $12,000 | 0.31x |
| 20 | [Bushnell University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bushnell-university) | Eugene, OR | 59% | $53,623 | $20,789 | $23,500 | 0.44x |
| 21 | [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 |
| 22 | [Mt Hood Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mt-hood-community-college) | Gresham, OR | 25% | $41,125 | $7,821 | $13,667 | 0.33x |
| 23 | [Tillamook Bay Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tillamook-bay-community-college) | Tillamook, OR | 31% | N/A | $5,405 | N/A | N/A |
| 24 | [Oregon Coast Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/oregon-coast-community-college) | Newport, OR | 34% | N/A | $7,666 | N/A | N/A |

## 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 Nursing Colleges in Oregon." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-08-03. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-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/.