Best Value Biology Colleges in Oregon

Oregon's biology programs show a striking cost advantage at public institutions, with Portland State University offering the lowest net price at $12,932 while private colleges like Reed reach $39,951. This three-to-one price difference becomes more interesting when considering earnings potential, as Oregon State University-Cascades graduates earn $31,983 annually, matching the state's highest biology salaries. The state's growing biotechnology sector, anchored by companies like Intel and expanding healthcare networks, creates solid career pathways for biology graduates. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with five programs under $20,000 in net costs. Graduation rates vary significantly across price points, from Western Oregon's 44.8% to Reed College's 75.9%, suggesting that higher costs don't automatically translate to better completion rates. Oregon's biology programs serve a state economy increasingly focused on technology and environmental sciences, making program selection particularly important for career alignment.

Programs

$12,932 – $39,951

Net Price Range

$28,344

Avg. Program Earnings

62.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932	$27,947	$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
2	Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, Oregon	$16,391	$29,685	$12,687	59.1%	92.6%
3	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$31,983	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
4	Western Oregon University Monmouth, Oregon	$18,290	$31,314	$11,025	44.8%	83.4%
5	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$31,983	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
6	Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon	$16,470	$25,967	$12,093	44.2%	88.0%
7	University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon	$21,782	$31,314	$15,669	71.5%	86.3%
8	Willamette University Salem, Oregon	$23,663	$28,055	$48,268	72.7%	80.6%
9	Linfield University McMinnville, Oregon	$27,341	$28,598	$49,530	65.2%	88.7%
10	George Fox University Newberg, Oregon	$29,981	$26,585	$40,940	68.7%	91.7%
11	Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon	$36,084	$26,585	$62,350	71.2%	68.6%
12	Pacific University Forest Grove, Oregon	$35,350	$24,863	$54,466	64.8%	92.3%
13	University of Portland Portland, Oregon	$36,371	$25,194	$54,900	80.4%	92.5%
14	Reed College Portland, Oregon	$39,951	$26,739	$67,020	75.9%	30.8%
15	Bushnell University Eugene, Oregon	$23,520		$34,740	61.8%	66.9%
16	Warner Pacific University Portland, Oregon	$18,818		$21,010	82.1%	72.3%
17	Corban University Salem, Oregon	$25,525		$37,208	61.0%	34.8%
18	Multnomah University Portland, Oregon	$23,866		$30,310	50.8%	53.4%
19	Eastern Oregon University La Grande, Oregon	$15,987		$10,671	36.6%	98.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Portland State University the top value for biology students in Oregon?

Portland State offers the lowest net cost at $12,932 while maintaining a 93.09% acceptance rate and producing graduates who earn $27,947 annually. The university's location in Oregon's largest city provides access to healthcare systems, research institutions, and biotechnology companies. Students graduate with $22,750 in debt on average, which represents a manageable burden given the earning potential in Portland's growing tech and healthcare sectors.

How do public and private biology programs compare in terms of value?

Public programs in Oregon cost significantly less, with the most expensive public option at Oregon State costing $19,568 compared to private programs starting around $23,520. However, private institutions like University of Portland achieve an 80.4% graduation rate compared to Oregon State's 70.6%. The earnings gap is relatively narrow, with top earners from both sectors reaching around $31,000 annually, making public programs the clear value leaders.

Is Oregon State University worth the higher cost compared to other public options?

Oregon State charges $19,568 in net costs, about $6,600 more than Portland State, but delivers a 70.6% graduation rate compared to Portland State's 53.1%. Graduates earn $31,983 annually, roughly $4,000 more than Portland State alumni. The university's established research programs and connections to Oregon's agricultural and environmental sectors may justify the premium for students seeking research opportunities.

Where do Oregon biology graduates find the best career opportunities?

Oregon's biotechnology corridor around Portland and Hillsboro, home to Intel and Nike, offers growing opportunities in research and development. The state's healthcare systems, including Oregon Health & Science University, provide traditional biology career paths. Environmental consulting and natural resource management represent growing sectors, particularly given Oregon's focus on sustainability. Graduates earning $31,983 at the top end typically work in these technology and healthcare concentrated areas.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.