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Oregon's small colleges present stark contrasts in both cost and outcomes. Reed College charges $39,951 annually but delivers a 76% graduation rate and graduates earning $62,927. Meanwhile, Mt Hood Community College costs just $6,443 with a 26% graduation rate. The Oregon Institute of Technology bridges this gap effectively, charging $16,391 while producing graduates who earn $72,273 annually in the state's technology sector. Warner Pacific University achieves the highest graduation rate at 82% despite enrolling only 344 students. These institutions serve Oregon's economy differently. Community colleges like Linn-Benton and Umpqua focus on workforce training for local industries, while private colleges like University of Portland prepare graduates for positions at major employers like Intel and Nike. The Oregon Opportunity Grant helps students access higher-cost private options. Acceptance rates vary dramatically, from Reed's selective 31% to Western Oregon's accessible 83%. This range reflects different educational missions across the state's small college market, from intensive liberal arts preparation to open-access technical training that feeds directly into Oregon's growing healthcare and technology sectors.
40
Schools
$19,197
Avg. Net Price
$51,290
Avg. Earnings
46.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Oregon

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 344 $18,818 82.1% 72.3%
2 2,913 $16,391 59.1% 92.6%
3 1,407 $39,951 75.9% 30.8%
4 1,054 $17,722 51.2% 79.0%
5 636 $25,525 61.0% 34.8%
6 3,104 $36,371 80.4% 92.5%
7 1,199 $8,815 38.1%
8 1,041 $8,084 36.7%
9 533 $23,520 61.8% 66.9%
10 1,642 $27,341 65.2% 88.7%
11 329 $23,866 50.8% 53.4%
12 3,211 $18,290 44.8% 83.4%
13 1,974 $10,168 31.8%
14 3,540 $6,443 26.1%
15 4,807 $11,070 24.9%
16 4,575 $8,236 22.2%
17 506 $13,433 23.7%
18 3,577 $10,765 24.6%
19 928 $5,441 27.0%
20 1,525 $23,663 72.7% 80.6%
21 2,505 $29,981 68.7% 91.7%
22 2,911 $16,470 44.2% 88.0%
23 2,167 $36,084 71.2% 68.6%
24 977 $12,133 22.8%
25 515 $10,550 11.9%
26 45 $20,468 25.0% 34.1%
27 788
28 3,395 $8,493 12.3%
29 2,201 $15,987 36.6% 98.5%
30 268 $4,700 42.6%
31 1,556 $35,350 64.8% 92.3%
32 514 $28,309 78.9% 100.0%
33 44 40.0%
34 186 $22,887 69.7% 91.8%
35 321 $11,695 31.0%
36 28 33.3% 100.0%
37 161
38 412 $40,846 45.7% 94.5%
39 810 $24,016 91.7%
40 28

Frequently Asked Questions

What small Oregon college has the highest graduate earnings?

University of Portland graduates earn $82,804 annually, the highest among Oregon's small colleges. The school combines a strong business program with Portland's job market connections. With 3,104 students and an 80% graduation rate, it provides excellent value despite its $36,371 annual cost, particularly for students entering Oregon's finance and healthcare industries.

How affordable are Oregon's small community colleges?

Oregon's small community colleges range from $6,443 at Mt Hood to $11,070 at Linn-Benton. Klamath Community College costs $8,084 annually and serves 1,041 students. These schools provide accessible education with graduates earning $34,357 to $41,363, making them cost-effective pathways into Oregon's workforce, especially for students using the Oregon Opportunity Grant.

Is Reed College worth its high cost?

Reed College's $39,951 cost produces strong outcomes with a 76% graduation rate and $62,927 median earnings. Its 31% acceptance rate reflects academic selectivity among 1,407 students. Reed graduates often pursue advanced degrees and research careers, justifying the investment for students seeking intellectual rigor rather than immediate high earnings.

Does Oregon Institute of Technology provide good job prospects?

Oregon Institute of Technology graduates earn $72,273, second-highest among small Oregon colleges. The school's 59% graduation rate serves 2,913 students in Klamath Falls with a 93% acceptance rate. Its engineering and technology programs align perfectly with Oregon's tech industry needs, including positions at Intel and other major employers.

What graduation rates can students expect at small Oregon colleges?

Graduation rates range from 22% to 82% across Oregon's small colleges. Warner Pacific leads at 82% with just 344 students, while larger community colleges like Mt Hood achieve 26%. Private colleges typically graduate 50-80% of students, while community colleges focus on workforce training with lower but still valuable completion rates.

Where do small Oregon colleges offer the best value?

Oregon Institute of Technology provides strong value at $16,391 annual cost with graduates earning $72,273. Oregon State University-Cascades offers another strong option at $17,722 with $64,010 graduate earnings. These schools balance reasonable costs with strong job market connections, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors throughout Oregon.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.