Cheapest History Colleges in Oregon

Portland State University offers Oregon's most affordable History program at just $12,932 annually, nearly $3,000 less than the next cheapest option at Eastern Oregon University. This cost advantage becomes even more significant when compared to private institutions like Pacific University, where students pay $35,350 per year. Oregon's history programs serve a state economy increasingly focused on technology and healthcare, where historical research skills translate well to corporate communications, museum work, and cultural preservation roles at institutions like the Oregon Historical Society. The earnings gap among graduates ranges from $22,192 to $32,925, with Oregon State University producing some of the highest-earning history graduates in the state. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with seven of the ten cheapest programs offered by state institutions.

Programs

$12,932 – $39,951

Net Price Range

$26,694

Avg. Program Earnings

62.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 History 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	George Fox University Newberg, Oregon	$29,981	$40,940	68.7%	91.7%
15	Pacific University Forest Grove, Oregon	$35,350	$54,466	64.8%	92.3%
16	Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon	$36,084	$62,350	71.2%	68.6%
17	University of Portland Portland, Oregon	$36,371	$54,900	80.4%	92.5%
18	Reed College Portland, Oregon	$39,951	$67,020	75.9%	30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Portland State University's History program so affordable compared to other Oregon schools?

Portland State offers the lowest net cost at $12,932 annually, benefiting from strong state funding and an in-state tuition rate of just $11,238. The university maintains a 93% acceptance rate while serving a large student population in Oregon's economic center. Despite the low cost, graduates earn a median of $24,035, which falls in the middle range for the state's history programs.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable public and expensive private history programs in Oregon?

Private institutions generally show higher completion rates, with Warner Pacific University achieving an 82% graduation rate at $18,818 annually. In contrast, Eastern Oregon University graduates only 37% of students despite costing just $15,987 per year. Oregon State University strikes a balance with a 71% graduation rate at $19,568, demonstrating that mid-priced public options often provide better outcomes than the cheapest alternatives.

Is the Oregon Opportunity Grant helpful for History students at these affordable schools?

The Oregon Opportunity Grant significantly reduces costs for eligible students at public universities, where most affordable history programs operate. Students at Portland State and Eastern Oregon can receive up to $3,000 annually, making these already affordable options even more accessible. The grant particularly benefits those at schools like Western Oregon University, where the $11,025 in-state tuition becomes highly manageable with additional state aid.

Do Oregon State University campuses offer different value propositions for History majors?

Oregon State's main Corvallis campus costs $19,568 annually with a strong 71% graduation rate and $32,925 median earnings for history graduates. The newer Cascades campus in Bend costs slightly less at $17,722 but maintains the same high earnings potential at $32,925. Both campuses offer the Oregon State degree credential while serving different geographic regions of the state.

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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.