The 10 Cheapest Colleges in Oregon
What’s Covered:
- Tips for Saving Money on College
- Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon
- How Much Will You Pay for College?
Dream of attending college in Oregon? Now, you can further your education in the Beaver State without having to take out exorbitant loans or max out your savings. There are plenty of affordable colleges and universities right at your doorstep.
Tips for Saving Money on College
1. Search for scholarships.
There are plenty of niche and broad scholarships to help you pay for college. Start looking early and apply for as many awards as possible. This will allow you to offset the cost of tuition, and remember: you don’t have to pay back the awards.
2. Apply for schools that meet 100% of need.
Many top schools have committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. That means that if you get in, you can rest assured that your college will give you enough support to pay for your education. Find a list here.
3. Explore the possibility of commuting.
If you attend a local school, you may be able to live at home and commute to campus. Or, if you attend your classes entirely online, you won’t have to worry about housing.
Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon
1. Eastern Oregon University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $7,776/$20,880
Location: La Grande
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Undergrad Enrollment: 2,700
EOU calls itself a “rich cultural epicenter of rural Oregon.” Formerly part of the Oregon University system, the university offers a range of programs, including master’s and bachelor’s degree programs. Students can also take advantage of fully online degrees. It is comprised of the College of Business, College of STM & Health Sciences, College of Arts & Social Sciences, and College of Education.
Learn more about EOU and what it takes to get accepted.
2. Western Oregon University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $8,280/$27,090
Location: Monmouth
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Undergrad Enrollment: 4,500
Offering a bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, bachelor of music, and bachelor of fine arts, along with certificates, advanced baccalaureates, master’s degrees, and pre-professional tracks, WOU has several award-winning programs. For example, the ASL Interpreting Studies program was the recipient of the Sorenson VRS Award of Excellence. The university has received several additional accolades in areas like education and communications.
Learn more about WOU and what it takes to get accepted.
3. Portland State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $8,471/$27,360
Location: Portland
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Undergrad Enrollment: 20,300
One of the most innovative universities in the U.S., according to U.S. News, PSU offers more than 200 degree programs. The university was also named Oregon’s most affordable research university by Best Value Schools, as well as one of the nation’s most diverse universities by Niche.
Learn more about PSU and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Southern Oregon University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $8,820/$26,100
Location: Ashland
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,300
Founded in 1872 as Ashland Academy, today, SOU consists of seven academic divisions, including roughly 90 bachelor’s degree, graduate, and certificate programs. Students can take advantage of 37 areas of study across a range of fields, as well as a standalone Honors College. Mentorship, internships, field study, and capstone projects are just some of the many opportunities available. One fun fact: SOU is the nation’s first Bee Campus USA.
Learn more about SOU and what it takes to get accepted.
5. Oregon Institute of Technology
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,212/$29,322
Location: Klamath Falls
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,200
No matter what their path, students receive support as they explore their options at Oregon Tech. It was ranked the no. 2 Public College in the West by U.S. News and offers plenty of hands-on, experiential opportunities, with 32 degree programs across areas like engineering, health technologies, psychology, and applied sciences. Additionally, SmartAsset named the college as the highest value school in Oregon.
6. Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,525/$29,445
Location: Bend
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Undergrad Enrollment: 900
The first university campus to be built in Oregon in 50 years, OSU-Cascades opened in 2016. The fast-growing campus caters to first-generation students (25% of the student body), underserved populations, and adults seeking career advancement. Students enjoy a wide range of experiential learning opportunities through internships, study abroad, service learning, research, and much more.
Learn more about OSU Cascades and what it takes to get accepted.
7. Oregon State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,846/$29,455
Location: Corvallis
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Undergrad Enrollment: 25,600
With more research funding than any other public university in Oregon, OSU consists of two campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and 200+ academic programs. It is also one of just three sea, space, and sun grant universities in the U.S. and the no. 3 best university for solving climate change. The university attracts students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
Learn more about OSU and what it takes to get accepted.
8. University of Oregon
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $11,460/$36,912
Location: Eugene
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Undergrad Enrollment: 19,100
The University of Oregon consists of nine schools and colleges in areas like Arts and Sciences, Business, Design, Education, Journalism and Communication, Music and Dance, and more. It is one of just two schools in the Pacific Northwest that was chosen for membership in the Association of American Universities. Also of note: UO was the filming location for the ever-popular National Lampoon’s Animal House.
Learn more about U Oregon and what it takes to get accepted.
9. New Hope Christian College-Eugene
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $14,520/$14,520
Location: Eugene
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Undergrad Enrollment: 200
Offering two- and four-year degrees, including online options and certificates, New Hope is a Christian Bible college focusing on the vocational application of Biblical training in areas like pastoral studies, intercultural studies, and youth ministry. It is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
Learn more about New Hope and what it takes to get accepted.
10. Warner Pacific University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $18,900/$18,900
Location: Portland
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Undergrad Enrollment: 300
WPU believes “every student deserves an opportunity to earn an affordable, high-quality degree that offers a clear path to civic engagement, spiritual enrichment, economic security, and success.” Affiliated with the Church of God, the university seeks to ensure the college is accessible for students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Founded in 1937, WPU now offers 25 majors, several bachelor’s degrees, and a handful of master’s degrees. Many programs are aimed at working adults.
Learn more about WPU and what it takes to get accepted.
Find more affordable colleges and universities in Oregon.
How Much Will You Pay for College?
No matter where you’re planning on attending college, you need to know how much you should expect to pay. Our free financial aid calculator will help. Find out your estimated cost of attendance at a wide range of colleges in Oregon and beyond.
