Online Colleges in Oregon

Do Online Credits Cost More or Less in Oregon?

Generally, online credits cost less than on-campus credits. Many factors impact the price difference, including the cost of housing and school facility charges. For example, Oregon State University charges online students $297 per credit and on-campus students $818. According to the U.S. News and World Report, online students paid an average of $305 per credit during the 2017-2018 academic year.

Oregon State University and the Oregon Institute of Technology compare favorably to national statistics, with both schools offering rates of less than $300 per credit. However, these rates do not include living expenses; prospective students should also consider housing and transportation costs.

Which Oregon Schools Accept the Most Transfer Credits?

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) provides transfer direction for Oregon residents. All public colleges and universities in the state accept eight core classes, known collectively as the Oregon Transfer Module. All public schools provide equivalent coursework to meet the same standards, which means students can complete core classes at a community college or local institution and then transfer the credits into an online program in Oregon.

The number of transfer credits an institution accepts depends largely on whether it is a two- or four-year school. The University of Oregon accepts up to 124 transfer credits toward a 180-credit, four-year degree. On the other hand, Eastern Oregon University accepts only 93 credits toward a 180-credit degree. Some schools limit transfer credits from out-of-state institutions. For example, Oregon State University limits California and Washington State transfers to 12 credits.

Transfer credits must typically come from accredited institutions. The level of transferable coursework also varies by school. Most institutions, such as at George Fox University, accept previously completed general coursework, but many do not allow students to transfer specialized course credit.

Will Any Online Colleges in Oregon Accept a GED?

According to the official GED testing website, 97% of all colleges and employers accept the GED diploma as a qualification for higher education and professional development. GED candidates in Oregon must typically be at least 18 years of age, though students as young as 16 can sit for the exam through the GED option program.

Many community colleges in Oregon provide test preparation classes to help students pass the GED exam. A passing GED test score in Oregon is between 145 and 150 points on each 200-point subject area exam. Subjects include mathematics, social studies, science, and reasoning through language arts. In addition to GED scores, some schools require SAT or ACT scores, a resume, and a personal statement.

How Many Academic Terms per Year Do Online Colleges in Oregon Offer?

Many online programs in Oregon accept rolling applications, which means students can apply any time during the year. Fully online courses typically have start dates every three months, often in September, January, March, and June. Some schools, such as Northwest Christian University, provide start dates every two months to increase scheduling flexibility.

Some fully online schools, such as Warner Pacific University, provide even more flexibility, with online classes starting each month. Specialty online programs at two- and four-year institutions are more likely to limit start dates to coincide with on-campus class schedules. Summer intensive online courses, such as those at George Fox University, can help students earn their degree more quickly.

Which Online Colleges in Oregon Will Accept the FAFSA?

All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal assistance, including subsidized and unsubsidized loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. The process for completing the FAFSA is the same for online and on-campus students at accredited institutions.

Work-study programs are the only type of federal assistance not typically available to online learners. However, online students can often earn college credit for professional work or internships. For example, nursing students may earn credit by working as a nurse's assistant at a local hospital or clinic.

Are There Any Free Online Classes I Can Take From Oregon Colleges?

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are free courses that students nationwide can complete entirely online. Though designed and produced by individual schools, these classes are not monitored by professors or instructors. MOOCs are self-paced and do not award college credit. These courses provide skills in areas such as computer science, software building, business planning, and professional leadership. Some Oregon institutions, such as Oregon State University, provide their own MOOCs. However, two companies, edX and Coursera, create the majority of MOOCs.

For students currently earning an online degree in Oregon, multiple schools offer free training classes and boot camps to help students gain practical skills. For example, Linfield College provides mathematics boot camps at multiple levels to students enrolled in related programs. Other schools offer English language assistance for technical programs in areas such as nursing and computer science.

How Can I Find the Online Program Options at Oregon's Colleges?

Oregon does not have a systematic search engine to access and compare online schools. However, the HECC provides information about state trends and average tuition rates at Oregon's public and private institutions. The HECC maintains links to the school websites of the state's seven public four-year institutions and 17 community colleges. Students can also access information about obtaining college credit while in high school and transfer opportunities for community college graduates.