The rising cost of education affects students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. College students in the United States paid an average of $14,700 in 2020-21, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Online colleges often cost less in tuition and expenses than traditional schools. Financial aid, such as scholarships and grants, can help lower the cost of your education. Our guide focuses on online colleges in Oregon and provides tips to make college education more affordable.
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Best Online Colleges in Oregon
Read About Our Methodology
#1 Online Colleges in Oregon
Portland State University
- Portland, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Portland State University is a public school in Oregon. The college offers on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate programs. Students choose from a catalog of 253 online programs. Learners receive a comprehensive education in the liberal arts and professional studies. Degree-seekers can pursue programs in various fields.
Coursework blends theoretical learning and practical experiences such as internships and fieldwork. Some programs require limited residencies for students to meet with faculty and peers. However, students often complete online degrees with no campus visits. Faculty bring the real world to the classroom. The college’s online services include academic tutoring. The rate of admission at Portland State University is 96%. Students pay for their bachelor’s with affordable tuition and financial aid. Residents and nonresidents pay the same online tuition rate. Learners receive an average total aid package of $7,923.
The school has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Online Colleges in Oregon
Eastern Oregon University
- La Grande, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Eastern Oregon University, a public institution, enrolls students on campus and online. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Learners choose from a catalog of 48 online degrees. Enrollees receive a comprehensive liberal arts and professional education. The programs cover a variety of fields.
Faculty teach with a blend of classroom theory and practical experiences through internships and fieldwork. Working professionals can complete degrees fully online. Most online degrees require no residencies. Students learn how to apply classroom learning to tackle real-world problems. The school offers online services such as tutoring. Eastern Oregon University maintains an acceptance rate of 98%. Degree-seekers can pay for their education with competitive tuition rates and financial aid. Nonresidents and residents pay the same flat rate for tuition. The school awards an average total aid per student of $6,597.
Eastern Oregon University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Online Colleges in Oregon
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oregon State University offers a total of 265 programs from its Corvallis campus. Learners at the public institution choose from on-campus and online programs. Distance learning programs support degree-seekers with a flexible, accessible format and an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Working professionals and busy students choose from the school's many top-ranking programs created with their needs in mind.
While earning an online degree, distance learners interact with faculty and classmates in a virtual classroom. They gain foundational and advanced skills within their major. Developing in-demand skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, is one of the many benefits of general education classes. Distance learners at the online school benefit from the support of academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling. Enrollees graduate with degrees meeting accreditation standards.
Oregon State University Fast Facts:
Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 22
Number of Online Master's Programs: 13
Student Admission Rate: 82%
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Online Colleges in Oregon
Oregon Institute of Technology
- Klamath Falls, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Oregon Institute of Technology, a nonprofit school, offers a comprehensive catalog that includes liberal arts and professional studies degrees. Online learners can conveniently earn accredited degrees while they continue to work.
A 120-credit bachelor’s program typically takes four years to complete. Learners can finish a master’s program in about 24 months. Working students view live and recorded classes. Nontraditional students learn through a mix of classroom lectures and practical experiences such as internships or practicums. Degree-seekers view lectures and submit assignments on a schedule.
At the school, students can begin their education with certificates or associate degrees. Learners at the school can use online support services such as tutoring and career advising. The school charges competitive online tuition. The average total aid per student is $6,424. The school accepts 97% of applicants.
The Oregon Institute of Technology has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an independent accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
What Is the Cost of Online College in Oregon?
According to NCES data, students attending public four-year colleges in Oregon paid an average of $11,537 in in-state tuition and fees in 2020-2021. The cost of out-of-state tuition and fees was almost triple that amount, at $33,935.
Private four-year colleges were far more expensive, averaging $45,166 in tuition and fees. Online schools offer affordability because they typically cost less than on-campus schools. Some institutions waive out-of-state tuition and fees for online programs. You can also save money on commuting costs, campus housing, and relocation expenses.
Cost of College in Oregon (2020-21)
| Institution Type |
Average Tuition & Required Fees |
| Public, Four-Year (In-state) |
$11,537 |
| Public, Four-Year (Out-of-state) |
$33,935 |
| Private, Four-Year |
$45,166 |
Source: NCES
How to Make Online College in Oregon More Affordable
Financial aid such as scholarships and work-study provide free money that you do not need to repay. Explore different types of financial aid and how to apply for them to pay for online colleges in Oregon.
1. Apply for Scholarships
Scholarship and grant recipients do not need to pay back this form of financial aid. Academic institutions and other organizations award scholarships and grants based on academic merit, need, or other factors such as field of study. Explore the following scholarships and grants for online colleges in Oregon.
- Oregon Opportunity Grant: This grant is awarded to Oregon residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree at a public or private college. The award amount varies based on the applicant's financial need.
- Beat the Odds Scholarship Program: Historically underserved populations can apply for this scholarship. This merit and needs-based scholarship provides up to $16,000 over four years.
- Oregon Tribal Student Grant: Members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon can apply for this grant. The award amount varies depending on the school and the student's degree program.
2. Consider a Work-Study Program
Schools participating in the federal work-study program offer enrollees paid part-time work on or off campus. Work-study encourages work experience related to your education. Undergraduate and graduate students receive this aid based on financial need. You can explore this option at your school's financial aid office.
3. Apply for Financial Aid
Completing the FAFSA is the first step to qualify for financial aid to pay for college. The FAFSA requires financial information that is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA for federal loans, the Pell Grant, work-study, and other aid as required.
American citizens and permanent residents can use the FAFSA. In Oregon, undocumented students, such as those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), can complete the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). You must submit the FAFSA by the federal application deadline listed on the FAFSA website.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Oregon
Managers in various disciplines occupy the top five highest-paying jobs in Oregon that require a bachelor's degree. The diverse fields include architecture and engineering, finance, and medical and health services.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, each career pays well over $100,000, far more than the $46,310 median annual wage for all U.S. workers. Review the highest-paying jobs in Oregon for workers without a bachelor's degree as of May 2022.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Oregon
| Career |
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022) |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers |
$154,560 |
| Financial Managers |
$150,180 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$149,370 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
$140,460 |
| Sales Managers |
$133,530 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Oregon
What is the most affordable college in Oregon?
The price of tuition at online colleges in Oregon varies by institution and program. Public four-year colleges charge much lower tuition rates than private schools. Online programs typically cost less than traditional on-campus degrees.
How long do you have to live in Oregon to get in-state tuition?
Students must live in Oregon for at least 12 months prior to enrollment to qualify for in-state tuition. You must demonstrate you're not in the state primarily to pursue education. Note that some online colleges in Oregon may waive out-of-state tuition so that you can pay a more affordable tuition no matter where you live.
Is Oregon an affordable place to live and study?
Oregon ranks among the top 10 states for the highest cost of living in the United States. But the state's low unemployment rate, well-paying jobs, and natural beauty help compensate for the higher cost of living.
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