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Suburban Colleges in Oregon

7 schools in Oregon. See our methodology.

Pacific University stands apart from Oregon's community college market with graduates earning $60,583 annually, nearly $20,000 more than the state average. While most suburban Oregon colleges maintain acceptance rates above 87%, the real story lies in affordability. Mt Hood Community College offers the lowest net price at $6,443, making higher education accessible in communities from Gresham to Grants Pass. These institutions serve over 28,000 students across suburban Oregon, connecting directly to the state's tech and healthcare sectors. Intel and Nike actively recruit from programs at schools like Chemeketa and Clackamas, while the Oregon Opportunity Grant helps reduce costs further. Community colleges dominate this space with graduation rates around 22%, though they provide essential workforce training. Southern Oregon University in Ashland bridges the gap between community colleges and private institutions, offering a four-year option at $16,470 net cost with 44% graduation rates.
7
Schools
$12,982
Avg. Net Price
$44,237
Avg. Earnings
30.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Oregon

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 3,540 $6,443 26.1%
2 Suburb-Large 4,575 $8,236 22.2%
3 Suburb-Large 6,457 $8,457 22.2%
4 Suburb-Midsize 2,911 $16,470 44.2%
5 Suburb-Large 5,861 $7,427 21.9%
6 Suburb-Small 3,395 $8,493 12.3%
7 Suburb-Large 1,556 $35,350 64.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pacific University different from other suburban Oregon colleges?

Pacific University graduates earn $60,583 annually, significantly higher than community college graduates who average around $40,000. With 64.8% graduation rates and 1,556 students, it offers a small private college experience while maintaining 92% acceptance rates for accessibility.

How affordable are community colleges in suburban Oregon?

Net costs range from $6,443 at Mt Hood to $8,493 at Rogue Community College. The Oregon Opportunity Grant provides additional assistance, making these schools particularly accessible for students seeking workforce training or transfer preparation to four-year institutions.

Does Southern Oregon University offer good value for a four-year degree?

At $16,470 net cost with 44.2% graduation rates, Southern Oregon University provides middle-ground pricing between community colleges and private institutions. Graduates earn $49,175 annually, reflecting the value of completing a bachelor's degree in Oregon's job market.

Where do these college graduates typically find employment in Oregon?

Major employers like Intel and Nike recruit from Oregon community colleges for technical and business roles. Healthcare systems also hire extensively from these programs, with graduates earning between $36,845 and $42,886 in suburban markets outside Portland.

Is the low graduation rate at community colleges a concern?

Community college graduation rates of 12-26% reflect their dual mission of workforce training and transfer preparation. Many students complete certificates or transfer before graduating, making these rates misleading indicators of actual success in achieving educational goals.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.