Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in Oregon

Portland State University offers English majors the lowest net cost at $12,932, making it nearly $23,000 cheaper than Lewis & Clark College's $36,084 price tag. This massive spread between public and private options reflects Oregon's commitment to accessible higher education through institutions that serve the state's growing media and publishing sectors. Eastern Oregon University accepts 98.52% of applicants, providing another affordable path at $15,987 net cost. Oregon's tech companies like Intel and Nike increasingly value liberal arts graduates for their communication skills, while the state's healthcare industry relies on English majors for technical writing and patient communication roles. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Eastern Oregon's 36.60% to Warner Pacific's impressive 82.10%, suggesting that cost alone doesn't determine student success. The Oregon Opportunity Grant supplements these already reasonable tuition rates, making English degrees accessible to students across income levels.

Programs

$12,932 – $39,951

Net Price Range

$24,454

Avg. Program Earnings

62.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 English Language and Literature, General Programs

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Oregon's public and private English programs?

Public schools like Portland State ($12,932) and Eastern Oregon University ($15,987) receive state funding that dramatically reduces costs compared to private institutions. Lewis & Clark College charges $36,084 net cost, reflecting its small class sizes and extensive student services. The $23,000 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options gives Oregon students remarkable choice in affordability levels.

How do graduation rates compare across Oregon's most affordable English programs?

Warner Pacific University achieves an 82.10% graduation rate despite charging $18,818, while Eastern Oregon University graduates just 36.60% of students at $15,987. Portland State maintains a 53.10% graduation rate at the lowest cost of $12,932. These variations suggest that institutional support systems matter as much as price for student success.

Where do Oregon English graduates typically find employment after college?

Oregon's tech sector, anchored by companies like Intel and Nike, increasingly hires English majors for technical writing and communications roles. The state's healthcare industry also employs graduates for patient communication and documentation work. Recent graduates earn between $18,771 and $31,133, with Lewis & Clark graduates commanding the highest salaries at $31,133. Portland's media market provides additional opportunities in journalism and content creation.

Does attending Oregon State University or University of Oregon justify higher costs for English majors?

Oregon State charges $19,568 net cost and achieves a 70.60% graduation rate, while University of Oregon costs $21,782 with a 71.50% graduation rate. Both significantly outperform cheaper options in graduation rates, though earnings remain modest at $24,615 for UO graduates. The higher costs may be worthwhile for students seeking stronger alumni networks and campus resources.

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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.