Best Value Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Oregon

Portland State University stands out among Oregon's Design and Applied Arts programs, offering the lowest net cost at $12,932 while delivering the highest graduate earnings at $44,021. This combination creates a remarkable return on investment in a state where Nike and Intel drive demand for creative professionals. The $27,914 cost gap between Portland State and Pacific Northwest College of Art highlights how public institutions can provide strong value without sacrificing career outcomes in Oregon's growing design sector.

Programs

$12,932 – $40,846

Net Price Range

$35,993

Avg. Program Earnings

58.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932	$44,021	$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
2	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$39,585	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
3	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$39,585	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
4	University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon	$21,782	$38,559	$15,669	71.5%	86.3%
5	Western Oregon University Monmouth, Oregon	$18,290	$26,715	$11,025	44.8%	83.4%
6	Pacific Northwest College of Art Portland, Oregon	$40,846	$27,494	$47,126	45.7%	94.5%
7	George Fox University Newberg, Oregon	$29,981		$40,940	68.7%	91.7%
8	Linfield University McMinnville, Oregon	$27,341		$49,530	65.2%	88.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Portland State University such a strong value for design students?

Portland State combines the lowest net cost at $12,932 with the highest graduate earnings at $44,021, creating an strong cost-to-earnings ratio. The university's location in Portland provides direct access to major employers like Nike and the city's thriving creative agencies.

How do public and private design programs compare in Oregon?

Public universities offer significantly lower costs, with net prices ranging from $12,932 to $21,782 compared to private institutions at $27,341 to $40,846. However, graduation rates tend to be higher at private schools, with Pacific Northwest College of Art at 45.7% versus Portland State's 53.1%.

Where do Oregon design graduates typically find employment?

Oregon's tech sector, anchored by companies like Intel and Nike, creates strong demand for design professionals. The state's growing healthcare industry and Portland's creative economy provide additional opportunities, with graduates earning between $26,715 and $44,021 annually.

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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.