Online Universities and Colleges in Oregon

Get Ranking Seal

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.

Oregon Online Colleges' Frequently Asked Questions

Do online credits cost more or less in Oregon?

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.

What is the most affordable college in Oregon?

Oregon tuition rates vary, with public institutions charging the lowest rates. Oregon's public community colleges offer the most affordable tuition rates.

How long do you have to live in Oregon to get in-state tuition?

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.

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.

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.

Source: BLS

Best Online Colleges in Oregon

Genevieve Carlton

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

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.