Cheapest Physics Colleges in Oregon

Portland State University leads Oregon's most affordable physics programs at $12,932 annually, while Reed College charges $39,951 for the same degree. This $27,000 gap reflects Oregon's mix of accessible public universities and selective private colleges. Physics graduates from Oregon schools earn between $37,208 and $60,161, with Portland State alumni commanding the highest salaries despite the lowest tuition costs. Oregon's tech sector, anchored by Intel's massive Washington County operations, creates strong demand for physics graduates in semiconductor manufacturing and materials science research.

Programs

$12,932 – $39,951

Net Price Range

$43,801

Avg. Program Earnings

65.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Physics 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	Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon	$16,470	$12,093	44.2%	88.0%
3	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
4	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
5	University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon	$21,782	$15,669	71.5%	86.3%
6	Willamette University Salem, Oregon	$23,663	$48,268	72.7%	80.6%
7	Linfield University McMinnville, Oregon	$27,341	$49,530	65.2%	88.7%
8	Pacific University Forest Grove, Oregon	$35,350	$54,466	64.8%	92.3%
9	Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon	$36,084	$62,350	71.2%	68.6%
10	University of Portland Portland, Oregon	$36,371	$54,900	80.4%	92.5%
11	Reed College Portland, Oregon	$39,951	$67,020	75.9%	30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Portland State University such an affordable option for physics students?

Portland State charges just $12,932 in net costs while maintaining a 93% acceptance rate, making physics education accessible to nearly all applicants. Graduates earn $60,161 annually, the highest among Oregon physics programs, creating excellent return on investment.

How do Oregon's public universities compare in physics program costs?

The four public options range from $12,932 at Portland State to $21,782 at University of Oregon. Oregon State's main Corvallis campus costs $19,568 with a strong 71% graduation rate, while the smaller Bend campus offers similar quality at $17,722.

Is attending a private college worth the extra cost for physics in Oregon?

Private colleges charge $23,663 to $39,951 compared to public averages around $17,000. However, schools like Reed College offer just 31% acceptance rates and 76% graduation rates, attracting students seeking smaller class sizes and research opportunities.

Where do Oregon physics graduates typically find employment?

Intel's Oregon facilities employ hundreds of physicists in semiconductor research and development. Nike's Beaverton headquarters also hires physics graduates for materials science roles, while Portland's growing tech sector creates additional opportunities in data analysis and engineering.

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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.