Best Value Chemistry Colleges in Oregon

Oregon State University campuses dominate the chemistry value equation, with both Corvallis and Bend delivering $37,928 median earnings while keeping net costs under $20,000. The 14 chemistry programs across Oregon span from Portland State's bargain $12,932 net price to Reed College's $39,951 premium. This range reflects Oregon's chemical industry needs, from Intel's semiconductor operations requiring materials scientists to the state's growing pharmaceutical sector. Public universities clearly lead the value conversation, with five programs offering sub-$20,000 net costs compared to private schools averaging above $27,000.

Programs

$12,932 – $39,951

Net Price Range

$32,389

Avg. Program Earnings

62.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$37,928	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
2	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$37,928	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
3	University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon	$21,782	$29,751	$15,669	71.5%	86.3%
4	Willamette University Salem, Oregon	$23,663	$27,204	$48,268	72.7%	80.6%
5	University of Portland Portland, Oregon	$36,371	$32,925	$54,900	80.4%	92.5%
6	Pacific University Forest Grove, Oregon	$35,350	$28,598	$54,466	64.8%	92.3%
7	Eastern Oregon University La Grande, Oregon	$15,987		$10,671	36.6%	98.5%
8	George Fox University Newberg, Oregon	$29,981		$40,940	68.7%	91.7%
9	Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon	$36,084		$62,350	71.2%	68.6%
10	Linfield University McMinnville, Oregon	$27,341		$49,530	65.2%	88.7%
11	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932		$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
12	Reed College Portland, Oregon	$39,951		$67,020	75.9%	30.8%
13	Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon	$16,470		$12,093	44.2%	88.0%
14	Western Oregon University Monmouth, Oregon	$18,290		$11,025	44.8%	83.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oregon State University chemistry programs such strong values?

Both Oregon State campuses offer identical $37,928 median earnings with net costs of $17,722 (Bend) and $19,568 (Corvallis). The Corvallis campus adds a 70.6% graduation rate, making it particularly attractive for chemistry students seeking research opportunities.

How do public and private chemistry programs compare in Oregon?

Public programs average around $16,000 in net costs while private schools range from $23,663 to $39,951. However, University of Portland graduates earn $32,925 compared to the statewide average of $31,000, showing some private programs deliver higher returns.

Is Portland State University worth considering despite lower earnings data?

Portland State offers the lowest net cost at $12,932 with a 53.1% graduation rate and 93% acceptance rate. The missing earnings data likely reflects the program's smaller size, but Portland's chemical industry presence provides internship opportunities.

Where do Oregon chemistry graduates typically find employment?

Intel's Washington County facilities employ materials scientists and process engineers, while Nike's innovation labs hire polymer chemists. The state's pharmaceutical companies and environmental consulting firms also recruit chemistry graduates throughout the Portland metro area.

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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.