10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Salem, OR

The state of Oregon has many universities and colleges. The city of Salem, located in Oregon, has two universities and a community college to choose from.

In the cities surrounding Salem, there are many more high-quality private and public colleges and universities.

Read on for our list of the best colleges in and near Salem, Oregon.

Featured Colleges In and Near Salem, OR

Here are the best universities and colleges in and near Salem, Oregon.

1. Corban University

Corban University is a private Christian institution located in Salem, Oregon, and it has been providing education in the region since 1935.

Today, the school offers both in-person and online degree programs and has over 1,000 students.

This university offers undergraduate and graduate education and has over 50 programs of study.

Students at Corban can pursue degrees in areas such as humanities, education, business, social sciences, mathematics, and more.

The full-time tuition cost at Corban University for an undergraduate student is $36,088 per academic year.

2. Willamette University

Willamette University is a private liberal arts college, and it has two locations in the state of Oregon: one in Salem, and one in Portland.

The university has nearly 2,000 students.

Willamette offers undergraduate and graduate programs, such as its highly-ranked MBA program and computer science programs.

At their Salem campus alone, Willamette offers dozens of undergraduate degree programs.

Tuition at Willamette University will differ depending on a variety of factors.

Prospective students should explore costs on the university's website. Full-time tuition for undergraduate programs is around $24,000 per semester.

3. Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College is a public community college with its primary campus located in Salem, Oregon.

The school also has several other locations across the state, as well as online programs.

This community college offers many different types of programs.

They primarily offer associate's degrees, but also have a bachelor's degree in leadership and management.

Additionally, Chemeketa offers transfer modules to prepare students to transfer to a four-year university.

They also have GED programs, dual enrollment opportunities, certificates, training, and more.

Oregon residents and border state students will pay $138 per credit hour in tuition.

However, this may increase somewhat depending upon the program of enrollment. The school's bachelor's program is $212 per credit hour.

4. Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University is a public institution with its main campus located in Monmouth.

The university has also opened a secondary location within Salem itself. The school has nearly 4,000 students.

WOU has over 100 programs that can be completed at either of their two locations or online. These include undergraduate and graduate degrees, minors, and certificates.

The estimated tuition cost for an in-state undergraduate student at WOU is $9,000 per academic year.

5. Linfield University

Linfield University is a private liberal arts school with two campuses in Oregon: one in Portland and one in McMinnville.

The university has nearly 2,000 students and offers over 50 degree programs.

Linfield University has programs within three academic schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Nursing. The university also offers online programs.

The cost of attendance at Linfield University depends upon the program of enrollment.

6. University of Oregon

The University of Oregon is a public university located in Eugene, and it has been in operation for well over a century.

Today, the school has an enrollment of nearly 20,000 students.

The University of Oregon, or UO, has several schools and colleges through which degree programs are offered. Just some of these academic schools include:

• College of Design
• College of Arts and Sciences
• School of Law
• College of Education

Tuition for undergraduate programs at UO is $289 per credit hour.

7. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is another public institution within the state and is located in the city of Corvallis.

The school has some additional locations as well as online programs.

Across undergraduate, graduate, and online degree programs, OSU offers nearly 200 programs.

The school has degrees in business, engineering, liberal arts, science, pharmacy, and more.

The estimated tuition for an undergraduate student at OSU is $13,791 per academic year.

8. Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College, a private liberal arts university, is located in Portland.

The campus is located on 137 acres of woodland, and it is known for its facilities and buildings.

This private college offers degree programs in art, humanities, mathematical and natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies.

Tuition costs at Lewis & Clark College must be estimated based on the program a prospective student is hoping to study in.

9. Reed College

Reed College is another private liberal arts university in Portland.

The school was founded in 1908 and has been providing liberal arts education for over a century.

Reed College has dozens of academic departments, including general education, interdisciplinary studies, dual degree programs, and more.

Just some of their departments include humanities, sociology, computer science, English, and more.

Reed College's tuition is $66,710 per academic year. However, the university will meet 100% of the demonstrated need for eligible students.

10. University of Portland

The University of Portland was founded in 1901, and it is a private Catholic university.

The school now has over 3,500 students and has been associated with the Congregation of the Holy Cross since being established.

The university has an enormous amount of majors, minors, and graduate programs.

Students can explore all of these on the school's webpage, but just some of them include nursing, economics, computer science, psychology, and many more.

The estimated tuition cost per semester for an undergraduate student at the University of Portland is $25,676.

What is the Biggest School Near Salem, Oregon?

The largest school near Salem and within the state of Oregon is the public institution Oregon State University.

This school has over 30,000 students. It is located in Corvallis, approximately 45 minutes from Salem.

How to Choose the Right College Near Salem, Oregon

Oregon's capital city, Salem, is in a fantastic position for choosing a college. There are many easily accessible institutions nearby.

Most if not all of the schools listed here are within an hour of Salem.

Location is a key factor when choosing a college, and Salem's surroundings make that decision easier than it would be in many other areas of the country.

Some additional factors to balance when choosing a college include things like degrees offered, cost, housing options, campus atmosphere, faculty, student body makeup, and more.

Ultimately, the decision must be made based on individual circumstances, means, life goals, and passions.

Paying for Your Degree Near Salem, Oregon

All of the institutions listed here offer financial aid resources to their students.

Prospective students should work with their institutions to take advantage of all potential sources of aid available to them.

The most important step is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, which institutions will need upon enrollment.

This will let students know what aid they qualify for such as federal grants, scholarships, and student loans.

Many institutions also offer forms of aid of their own.

Students should mainly rely upon aid that does not need to be repaid, such as grants, which are often need-based, and scholarships, which are often merit-based.

Start Your Degree Near Salem, Oregon Today

We've listed the best colleges available in and near the city of Salem, Oregon, and we have also answered some commonly asked questions about enrolling in college.

Now that you know your options, start your degree near Salem, Oregon today!