Online Colleges in Oregon 2021
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A college degree helps professionals advance their career opportunities and increase their earning potential. Professionals with a bachelor's degree earn $26,000 more yearly than high school graduates.
Oregon online colleges offer tuition discounts for distance learners. For example, Oregon Tech charges online learners a flat $270 per credit, a significant discount for out-of-state students.
Our list ranks the best colleges in Oregon for online learners. Prospective students can use the ranking to find the right fit for their interests, budget, and career goals. This article introduces the most popular bachelor's programs in Oregon and scholarships for Oregon college students.
| #1 | Portland State University Portland, OR |
| #2 | Eastern Oregon University La Grande, OR |
| #3 | Oregon State University Corvallis, OR |
| #4 | Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, OR |
Oregon Online Colleges' Frequently Asked Questions
Online credits often cost less in Oregon. Oregon State University charges $318 per credit for online undergraduate courses. Oregon Tech charges $270 per credit for all undergraduates, regardless of state residency.
Oregon tuition rates vary, with public institutions charging the lowest rates. Oregon's public community colleges offer the most affordable tuition rates.
Oregon requires at least 12 months of residency to qualify for in-state tuition. College students who relocate to Oregon must prove they came to the state primarily for a non-education-related purpose.
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Best Online Colleges in Oregon 2021
A major public college based in downtown Portland, PSU serves more than 26,000 students annually. As one of the top online colleges in Oregon, the school hosts various distance education programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. The school's online programs emphasize interactivity and community.
Undergraduates can select from programs such as arts and letters, business blockchain, and public health studies. Graduate students can pursue programs including collaborative governance, human resource analytics, and social work. Many programs offer a flexible hybrid format that enables students to combine on-campus and online courses.
PSU's online learners benefit from a comprehensive selection of student resources, including career services, academic advising, and library services. Students can also receive online peer-to-peer tutoring in select classes. The PSU Learning Center offers assistance with math, science, and language learning. The Writing Center also offers online resources for writing assignments.
A small public college located in La Grande, EOU enrolls around 2,800 students. The school offers online programs at the bachelor's, master's, and certificate level. Primarily serving students in the state's eastern region, EOU ranks among the best Oregon online schools.
EOU's online offerings include bachelor's degrees in communication studies, early childhood education, and fire services administration. Most bachelor's degrees enable candidates to earn either a bachelor of arts or science. EOU's master's programs include business administration and creative writing.
EOU matches all online learners with a support team that includes enrollment counselors, tuition planners, transcript counselors, and academic advisors. These specialists assist students at every step of their education. Enrollment counselors help students navigate the application process. Tuition planners connect students to scholarship opportunities and financial aid. A transcript team can also help transfer students take advantage of academic credit earned from other institutions.
Serving more than 33,000 students annually, OSU ranks among the largest online colleges in Oregon. The school's online programs enroll over 8,800 online students, accounting for 18.4% of OSU's student body. OSU's online programs win national recognition for their high level of student engagement and support.
The school offers dozens of online bachelor's degrees in fields including digital communication arts, economics, and marketing. OSU also hosts many programs related to the Pacific Northwest's unique ecology, including crop and soil science, fisheries and wildlife sciences, and rangeland science.
OSU's online programs stress experiential learning, giving students the opportunity to gain specialized experience both online and in-person. Distance learners can participate in internships, field study projects, and study abroad trips. Many programs also offer hands-on learning experiences, such as lab kits that enable students to perform science experiments at home. Most courses also feature interactive multimedia components.
Operating multiple campus locations in Klamath Falls and Wilsonville, Oregon Tech also ranks among the top online colleges in Oregon. The school hosts online programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and certificate level. Most programs focus on professional preparation in fields such as healthcare, business, and information technology.
Undergraduates can pursue bachelor's programs including health informatics and business management. At the master's level, Oregon Tech offers master's programs in allied healthcare and engineering. Students who already hold an associate degree can also enroll in bachelor's completion programs, including dental hygiene, respiratory care, and diagnostic medical sonography. Degree completion programs enable candidates to earn a bachelor's degree online while maintaining full-time employment.
Most of Oregon Tech's online programs use an asynchronous format that enables students to complete coursework at any time. Some courses may include live sessions at scheduled times, but professors typically record these meetings for students unable to attend.
Why Choose Oregon for Online Higher Education?
The best colleges in Oregon prepare graduates for careers in high-demand fields. Oregon residents benefit from tuition discounts at Oregon's seven public universities. Choosing a local online college helps students participate in hybrid programs, access student resources, or benefit from local alumni networks.
Many of Oregon's growing industries, including technology and business services, hire bachelor's degree graduates. A bachelor's degree from accredited Oregon online colleges helps Oregonians increase their earning potential and advance their careers.
Common Online Bachelor's Programs in Oregon
Oregon online colleges offer bachelor's programs in many disciplines. The most common include business, computer sciences, engineering, and the social sciences.
Business
A business degree trains students in specialties like accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Business majors take courses in organizational behavior, strategic leadership, and financial accounting. Business remains the most popular major and prepares graduates for careers as accountants, market research analysts, and management consultants.Computer Science
Computer science programs introduce undergraduates to programming languages, database administration, and cybersecurity. Within computer science, majors specialize in information technology, software development, systems management, and information security. Computer science graduates work as IT specialists, information security analysts, software developers, and software engineers.Economics
Economics blends social science research with a business perspective. In an economics program, majors study economic decision-making, macroeconomic systems, and econometrics. Students learn about financial systems, economic institutions, and game theory. The degree strengthens analytical and research skills while preparing graduates for roles as economists, actuaries, and economic consultants.Engineering
An engineering degree builds strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Engineering majors study materials science, structural mechanics, and applied science. They specialize in areas such as civil engineering, which concerns infrastructure and building projects, or mechanical engineering, where they study energy-generating machines. Engineering majors work as electrical, computer, and aerospace engineers.Psychology
Psychology majors study human development, group behavior, and abnormal psychology. They learn about human behavior and mental health disorders, with specialized courses in child development, counseling methods, and experimental psychology. A psychology degree emphasizes critical thinking, analytical, and research skills. Graduates pursue careers in social services, human resources, and psychology.
Cost of Attending an Online College in Oregon
The cost of college in Oregon varies by school, degree level, and enrollment status. In general, public institutions charge lower tuition rates than private schools. Oregon's public four-year colleges charge around $10,200 annually on average, while private four-year colleges charge over $40,000 annually.
Oregon two-year colleges offer a more affordable route to a degree, with average yearly tuition prices under $5,000. Community college students can transfer their credits or degree to a four-year college to earn their bachelor's degree for less.
Learners often save money on their degree at Oregon online colleges. Some of the best colleges in Oregon offer tuition discounts for fully online students. Distance learners also save on transportation, childcare, and commuting costs.
| Public Four-Year College | Private Four-Year College | Public Two-Year College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | $10,286 | $40,597 | $4,709 |
| Out-of-State | $30,929 | N/A | $8,779 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Career and Salary Outlook for Students in Oregon
Graduates of Oregon online colleges pursue various career paths. With a bachelor's degree, professionals work in business, education, the public sector, technology, and healthcare. This section introduces some of the highest-paying careers with a bachelor's degree in Oregon. These careers represent only a small fraction of the opportunities for college graduates.
Chief Executives
Chief executives direct organizations and make decisions about company goals, policies, and plans. CEOs manage operations and set long-term goals for organizations. Other chief executives include chief operating officers, chief financial officers, and chief human resources officers, who offer specialized expertise within an organization.Computer and Information Research Scientists
Computer and information research scientists apply their computing knowledge to solve problems in business, medicine, and science. They research current technologies to identify new uses and develop new computing languages or tools. Computer and information research scientists develop new algorithms and create new software programs for specific industries or organizations.Sales Managers
Sales managers oversee an organization's sales teams. They analyze data to develop sales goals, set discount rates, and project future sales. Sales managers interact with customers by resolving complaints and negotiating pricing deals. In addition, sales managers design and implement training programs for sales staff.Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and information systems managers, also known as IT managers, direct an organization's computer and IT needs. They design computer systems to meet an organization's needs, recommend upgrades, and maintain network security. Computer and information systems managers supervise IT professionals such as software developers and computer systems analysts.Financial Managers
Financial managers forecast trends, create business reports, and oversee financial reporting and budgeting staff. They monitor and improve an organization's financial health by reviewing financial statements, advising managers on financial decisions, and creating long-term growth plans. Financial managers identify opportunities to increase profits or expand their organization.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $212,010 | -5.5% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $134,510 | 16.7% |
| Sales Managers | $127,030 | 5.1% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $131,410 | 11.3% |
| Financial Managers | $122,380 | 16% |
Source: BLS
Oregon Scholarships and Grants
Oregon students qualify for many scholarships and grants, including state-run programs. Besides the following options, Oregon students should research financial aid based on their school, major, background, and career goals.
| Scholarship | Amount | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
Alcohol and Drug-Free Student Scholarship |
$500 | CLEAR Alliance offers this scholarship for Oregon high school graduates pursuing higher education at an Oregon university, community college, or trade school. Applicants cannot possess alcohol, tobacco, or other drug-related written referrals or citations of any kind. |
Oregon Opportunity Grant |
Up to $3,600 | The Oregon Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant, awards funds to around 40,000 Oregon residents each year. Oregon residents qualify if enrolled in an undergraduate program in Oregon at least part time. The grant requires proof of financial need. |
Oregon Promise Grant |
Up to $4,000 | The Oregon Promise Grant covers Oregon community college tuition costs for recent high school graduates. Applicants must hold a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate at least 12 months of Oregon residency. The grant uses family income to calculate awards. |
Oregon Student Child Care Grant |
Varies | The grant supports parents earning a college degree. Oregon residents qualify with a child 12 or under using a registered or certified childcare provider. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress. |
Oregon Goes to College Scholarships |
Varies | Linking to multiple Oregon and Pacific Northwest scholarship opportunities, this database includes opportunities for high school seniors and college students. Students can search scholarships by institution, deadline, and amount. |
Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University and earned tenure as a history professor at the University of Louisville. An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a freelance writer and consultant.
Reese Lopez is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience in the education field. After earning his BA in English from Evergreen State College, he worked as an English language instructor and tutor before joining Affordable Colleges Online. Reese lives in Portland, Oregon, where he also writes fiction and performs in the local music scene.
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