Best Online Colleges in Oregon 2025

In Oregon, more than 23% of undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled exclusively in online college programs. Perhaps you're exploring online colleges in Oregon and would like to know more about your options. What schools offer the best online degree programs available in your state?

Keep reading as we explore the top online colleges and the degrees they offer. We'll also provide additional information about pursuing degrees online and answer questions you may have about enrolling in online degrees in Oregon.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Oregon

A variety of public and private schools in Oregon provide online programs, but they are not all created equally. Let's explore the best schools in the state that offer online learning opportunities.

1. Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University is a public school located in La Grande. It provides many online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees and certificate programs. Some of the areas of study include:

• computer science
• health and human performance
• fire services administration
• economics
• information technology management

The school provides some of the lowest in-state tuition in Oregon and provides financial aid for 100% of students. These factors, combined with the flexible coursework and variety of degree options, make it one of the top online schools in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,671

Out-of-State: $24,621

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $18,749

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 99%

Retention Rate: 67%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Portland State University

Portland State University, located in Portland, is a large public school enrolling more than 21,000 students. Various online graduate and undergraduate degrees are available, including:

• African studies
• communication sciences and disorders
• criminology and criminal justice
• history
• political science

About 88% of students attending this school receive financial aid. All online programs are highly flexible and taught by expert faculty, making this school one of the top universities for online learners in Oregon.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,238

Out-of-State: $30,138

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $15,279

Out-of-State: $22,770

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Retention Rate: 75%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Oregon State University

Oregon State University (OSU) is located in Corvallis and boasts an enrollment of more than 37,000 students. Its eCampus provides a wealth of online programs, including more than 50 online bachelor's degrees. Areas of study include:

• agricultural sciences
• botany
• construction engineering management
• organizational leadership
• public health

Up to 92% of students receive financial aid when attending Oregon State. The school's online programs are nationally ranked, flexible, affordable, and taught by world-class faculty. As a result, this school is considered one of the best in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $13,494

Out-of-State: $35,664

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $13,446

Out-of-State: $29,349

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Retention Rate: 87%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: NWCCU

4. Southern Oregon University

Southern Oregon University is located in Ashland. It offers several undergraduate and graduate programs and certificates online, including the following:

• early childhood development
• innovation and leadership
• business administration
• psychology
• communication

Students at this school receive financial aid in 93% of cases. Programs are designed for busy working adults, providing maximum levels of flexibility to help them complete their education on their terms.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,093

Out-of-State: $30,723

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $14,553

Out-of-State: $17,361

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Retention Rate: 68%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: NWCCU

5. Oregon Institute of Technology

Oregon Institute of Technology, also known as Oregon Tech, is a public school with several campuses in the state. It offers associate, bachelor's, bachelor's completion, and master's degrees in several disciplines. These include:

• healthcare management
• applied psychology
• engineering
• geomatics
• applied behavior analysis

About 96% of students receive some form of financial aid. Online programs cater to both traditional and nontraditional students, providing flexible study options that enable them to earn their degree on their own time.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,687

Out-of-State: $35,592

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $19,306

Out-of-State: $32,409

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 92%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: NWCCU

Other Featured Online Schools

Pursuing higher education online means you can study at any school with online programs in the country. Let's look at some top out-of-state schools offering online degrees to students throughout the U.S., including those in Oregon.

University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global, though affiliated with the University of Massachusetts, is a private online school headquartered in California. It offers many online programs from associate to doctoral levels, including:

• legal studies
• organizational leadership
• social work
• cybersecurity
• information technology

Online programs are both flexible and affordable, providing students with a high-quality academic experience. The school is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is affiliated with the Colorado State University System. It is an online-only school providing degrees in areas such as:

• project management
• long-term care administration
• information systems auditing
• human services
• finance

The school offers accelerated eight-week course sessions and a generous transfer policy; students also pay affordable tuition rates. The Higher Learning Commission accredits this online school.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit online school with more than 150,000 students. It is headquartered in Utah and provides associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in subjects like:

• human resource management
• mathematics education
• software engineering
• health and human services
• nursing

The school's competency-based education model provides students with a truly self-paced learning environment and offers multiple ways to earn degrees in accelerated timeframes. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

How We Rank Schools

We used data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to create the school list above. Our ranking factors include:

• Accreditation: All of the schools are accredited by a recognized accrediting body�in most cases, the NWCCU.
• Reputation: The schools all have reputations as respected institutions providing high-quality online academic programs.
• Accessibility: Each of the schools provides flexible coursework, affordable tuition, generous transfer policies, and other features to make education highly accessible for students.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Oregon

As with anything, there are both benefits and drawbacks of online education programs. Let's take a closer look at some common pros and cons.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Flexibility: Online degrees often provide asynchronous coursework, enabling students to complete assignments on whatever schedule works for them.
• Study from anywhere: Online college students can choose their own classrooms�whether that be a room in their homes, a library, or an office.
• Affordability: Distance learning opportunities tend to be more affordable than on-campus degrees, helping students pursue their career goals without breaking the bank.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Lack of structure: Online classes tend to lack structure due to their flexibility. This can be a challenge for students who prefer a scheduled, instructor-led educational setting.
• Feeling isolated: The online learning experience can make students feel isolated from peers and professors. Some students do much better in a traditional classroom setting where they can work alongside others in their class.
• Employer skepticism: Though online degrees are becoming more and more common, some employers are still skeptical of them, preferring to hire graduates of in-person programs.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Oregon

Prospective students planning to study online should always make sure any school they are considering is accredited and has a strong reputation as an online degree provider. This will ensure your degree is accepted in the workforce.

It's also important to think about affordability and cost, financial aid options, and student resources and to ensure the schools on your list offer your desired major. Finally, make sure you meet the admission requirements and, if you have transfer credits, that any school you are considering will accept them.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Oregon Cost?

College costs can vary widely depending on various factors like whether you're an out-of-state or in-state student and whether you attend a public or private college. The public schools on this list have average tuition prices ranging from about $10,700 to more than $35,500 a year.

Keep in mind that these figures only account for tuition costs. Additional expenses like mandatory fees and books or technology can raise the overall cost of your degree.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Oregon More Affordable

College can get pretty pricey even for students attending affordable online colleges in Oregon. Fortunately, there are ways to save money when pursuing online college programs.

For students attending accredited colleges online, federal financial aid like the Pell Grant may be available through the FAFSA. Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid may also be available through schools or outside sources. Some schools also offer payment plans, accept transfer credits, or don't charge application fees in an effort to help students save money. Learn about each of these options below:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Oregon Scholarships & Grants

You can use scholarships and grants to attend Oregon online colleges. Some good scholarship options for students are listed below.

Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) Scholarships

More than 600 scholarships are available through OSAC. Students can apply for all of the scholarships they qualify for by filling out one application. The program awards more than $10 million in scholarship money each year.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 3, 2025

Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) Scholarships

COSA provides six annual scholarships of $1,000 each to graduating high school seniors in the state. Qualifying students must have at least a 3.5 GPA, be enrolled in an Oregon public school, submit letters of recommendation, and plan to attend a public or private two- or four-year school in Oregon.

Award amount: $1,000

Deadline: March 1, 2025

Oregon Community Leadership Scholarship

This need-based scholarship focuses on community involvement and leadership potential. It provides $6,250 each year to the winning recipients for a total of $25,000 over four years. The scholarship is available for Oregon high school seniors planning to attend a college, university, or trade school in the state.

Award Amount: $25,000

Deadline: March 10, 2025

Top Majors for Oregon Graduates

A variety of online degrees are available at Oregon's best colleges online. Some of the most popular programs include:

• Business administration: This degree is ideal for aspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs. It is available at every program level but is most often awarded as a bachelor's or master's degree.
• Healthcare administration: Healthcare administration degrees are specialized business programs designed to prepare students for management and leadership roles in healthcare organizations. They are common bachelor's and master's programs.
• History: History degrees teach about past events in the world and specific countries. History graduates commonly work as teachers, historians, and government officials. Degrees are available at every program level.
• Marketing: This type of specialized business degree teaches students about brand promotion and effective selling techniques. Graduates often work as marketing directors, copywriters, and advertising managers. It is typically offered as a bachelor's degree.
• Accounting: Accounting programs focus on principles like taxation, auditing, and fraud examination. Bachelor's and master's degrees are both common and lead to job titles as accountants, actuaries, and budget analysts.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Oregon

If you still have questions about getting an online degree in Oregon, you're not alone. Keep reading for answers to some commonly asked questions you may be curious about.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Oregon?

Full-time online learners typically earn a bachelor's degree in about four years and a master's degree in about two years. However, students enrolled in accelerated online degrees in Oregon can finish much sooner�as little as one to three years for a bachelor's degree and a year or less for a master's degree.

Are Any Online Colleges Worth It?

Many online colleges offer top-notch academic quality and various degree programs. They enable students to study on a flexible schedule and help them save money. Considering getting a degree can help students pursue career advancement and potentially higher salaries, many students find that online colleges are well worth the investment.

What Is the Easiest Online University To Get Into in Oregon?

Schools with high acceptance rates are typically the easiest to get into. There are a few schools with 100% acceptance rates, most notably the University of Western States. Among the schools on this list, Eastern Oregon University has the highest acceptance rate at 99%.

Is Online College Free in Oregon?

All colleges and universities in Oregon charge tuition, fees, and other expenses, so none of them are technically free. However, The Oregon Promise Grant enables qualifying students to attend community colleges in the state for free by covering all of their costs. What's more, students combining different types of financial aid like scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and employer assistance may find that their financial aid entirely covers their costs, potentially eliminating their out-of-pocket expenses and enabling them to attend school for free.

Discover Bachelor's Degree Programs for Online Learners in Oregon

If you're ready to explore the best online colleges in Oregon, consider the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools today to find out more about their online programs and to discover which one is best for you.