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Urban Colleges in Oregon

27 schools in Oregon. See our methodology.

Reed College stands apart among Oregon's urban institutions with its 30.8% acceptance rate, the most selective in the state, while charging $39,951 in net costs. This contrasts sharply with Portland Community College's open-access model serving 18,365 students at just $9,920 annually. Oregon's urban colleges benefit from proximity to major employers like Intel and Nike, creating pathways from Warner Pacific University's 344-student campus to Oregon State's 29,557-student flagship. The earnings potential reflects this connection to industry, ranging from $31,115 to $101,028 for graduates. Portland dominates the market with eight institutions, while Eugene and Salem each host multiple options. Community colleges serve as affordable entry points, with Portland Community College offering the lowest costs statewide. The Oregon Opportunity Grant helps bridge financial gaps across all sectors. Four-year completion rates vary dramatically, from Portland Community College's 17.7% to Warner Pacific's remarkable 82.1%. University of Portland graduates command the highest median earnings at $82,804, reflecting strong connections to the region's growing tech and healthcare sectors. Most four-year institutions maintain acceptance rates above 70%, making Oregon's urban colleges accessible to varied student populations seeking entry into the state's economy.
27
Schools
$23,404
Avg. Net Price
$53,695
Avg. Earnings
56.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Oregon

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Large 344 $18,818 82.1%
2 City-Small 29,557 $19,568 70.6%
3 City-Midsize 19,758 $21,782 71.5%
4 City-Large 1,407 $39,951 75.9%
5 City-Midsize 1,054 $17,722 51.2%
6 City-Midsize 636 $25,525 61.0%
7 City-Large 3,104 $36,371 80.4%
8 City-Large 13,619 $12,932 53.1%
9 City-Midsize 533 $23,520 61.8%
10 City-Large 329 $23,866 50.8%
11 City-Small 4,807 $11,070 24.9%
12 City-Midsize 3,577 $10,765 24.6%
13 City-Large 18,365 $9,920 17.7%
14 City-Midsize 1,525 $23,663 72.7%
15 City-Large 2,167 $36,084 71.2%
16 City-Midsize 45 $20,468 25.0%
17 City-Large 788
18 City-Large 514 $28,309 78.9%
19 City-Small 44 40.0%
20 City-Large 186 $22,887 69.7%
21 City-Large 161
22 City-Large 412 $40,846 45.7%
23 City-Large 0
24 City-Large 810 $24,016
25 City-Large
26 City-Large
27 City-Large 28

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Reed College different from other Oregon urban schools?

Reed College accepts only 30.8% of applicants, making it Oregon's most selective urban institution. Despite charging $39,951 in net costs, Reed maintains 75.9% graduation rates and produces graduates earning $62,927 median income. The college's rigorous academic environment contrasts with the open-access policies of most Oregon urban schools.

How do community college costs compare to four-year options?

Portland Community College charges $9,920 annually, nearly $8,000 less than the next cheapest option. Central Oregon Community College costs $10,765, while Linn-Benton charges $11,070. These community colleges serve over 26,000 students combined, providing affordable pathways before transferring to four-year institutions or entering the workforce directly.

Is Portland State University a good value for urban students?

Portland State offers solid value at $12,932 net cost while serving 13,619 students in Oregon's largest city. The 53.1% graduation rate and $57,906 median earnings provide reasonable returns. Its location connects students directly to Portland's tech and healthcare job markets, including opportunities with Intel and Nike.

Does University of Portland justify its higher costs?

University of Portland charges $36,371 but delivers strong outcomes with 80.4% graduation rates and $82,804 median earnings, the highest among Oregon urban schools. The 3,104-student university accepts 92.5% of applicants while maintaining quality outcomes, making it accessible despite premium pricing.

Where can students find the best graduation rates in Oregon cities?

Warner Pacific University leads with 82.1% graduation rates among its 344 students in Portland. University of Portland follows at 80.4%, while Reed College achieves 75.9%. These small to medium-sized institutions significantly outperform larger state schools and community colleges in completion rates.

What earning potential do Oregon urban college graduates have?

Graduate earnings range from $31,115 to $101,028 across Oregon's urban institutions. University of Portland leads at $82,804, followed by Oregon State at $64,010 and Reed at $62,927. Even community college graduates earn competitive wages, with Portland Community College alumni averaging $44,592 in Oregon's growing economy.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.