10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Portland, OR

With a population of well over half a million people, Portland and its surrounding areas are home to many colleges.

There are many universities, both public and private, to consider for pursuing a degree in Portland.

In this article, we will explore some of the best colleges in Portland, Oregon, as well as colleges nearby.

Additionally, we will take a look at a few nationwide options and the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Read on to learn more about the best colleges in Portland, Oregon.

Featured Colleges In and Near Portland, OR

Here are some of the best colleges in or near Portland, Oregon.

1. Portland State University

Portland State University, or PSU, is a public research institute located in the city.

It has been described by various publications as one of the most affordable universities in the state with a diverse student body.

PSU has more than 200 degree programs for students to explore. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online programs for both.

Explore the huge amount of programs on offer at PSU on their website.

For an Oregon resident to attend PSU for an academic year, the tuition cost is estimated to be $11,859.

2. University of Portland

The University of Portland is a private Catholic institution. The university is nicknamed 'The Bluff' due to its location upon a bluff overlooking the city of Portland.

The University of Portland offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees covering areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Engineering
• Nursing
• Arts
• Sciences

Full-time undergraduate tuition for a semester at the University of Portland is $25,676.

3. Reed College

Reed College is another private university located in the city of Portland; it is a liberal arts college. The university has a much smaller student body with a 9 to 1 student-faculty ratio.

Reed has over two dozen academic departments that offer over 40 degree programs. Just a few of the college's departments include:

• Political Science
• English
• Computer Science
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Biology
• And more

Reed College has a unique financial aid program that aims to meet 100% of the 'demonstrated need' of all students.

The direct cost of tuition is $66,710, but students should consult with Reed's financial aid office to see what aid they qualify for.

4. Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College is another private liberal arts school located in Portland. The university was originally founded in 1867, and today it offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a nationally ranked school of law.

Lewis & Clark College offers undergraduate degree programs that fall into five general schools of academics. These include arts, humanities, mathematical and natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary programs.

The tuition cost of an academic year at Lewis & Clark College is $64,828.

5. Warner Pacific University

Warner Pacific University is a private, Christian liberal arts college located in Portland. The university's vision includes focusing on providing education to low-income and first-generation students.

Warner Pacific University offers several degree programs. Some of their academic departments include arts and social & behavioral sciences, nursing, education, social work, and others.

Full-time tuition cost for a semester at Warner Pacific University is $10,025.

6. George Fox University

George Fox University is another private Christian university, and it has multiple campuses across the state of Oregon, including one in Portland.

It has been ranked by the Wall Street Journal as the #1 private university in Oregon.

George Fox has over 80 degree programs. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificate programs and various online programs of study.

Full-time tuition cost for an academic year at George Fox is $42,030.

7. Pacific University Oregon

Pacific University is another private Oregon university, and it is located in Forest Grove, which is 25 miles from the city of Portland. The college also has a few other locations apart from its main campus.

Pacific University aims to combine the atmosphere of a liberal arts education with real-world professional experience. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of:

• Arts
• Sciences
• Education
• Healthcare

Tuition at Pacific University depends upon a program of study and other factors, so prospective students should consult the university's official website for full details.

8. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, Oregon, about 90 minutes south of Portland. Despite the distance, it is worth mentioning here, as it is the largest university in the state.

The school offers over 200 degree programs to its student body of over 40,000 students. The university has 11 academic colleges, and just some of them are:

• Agricultural Sciences
• Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences
• Engineering
• Business
• Liberal Arts

OSU also has varying tuition rates depending on many factors, so again, students should consult the university's official webpage.

9. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is a private institution based in the state of Arizona.

It is primarily focused on and known for its online education options. They offer degree programs nationwide.

This online university offers many online programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The school's programs cover a variety of fields like business, education, healthcare, and several others.

Tuition at the University of Phoenix for undergraduate students is $398 per credit hour.

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is another private university. It has an in-person campus in its home state of New Hampshire, but the majority of the university's students are enrolled online.

The school has over 100,000 students.

SNHU offers over 200 online degree programs. They have offerings at several levels, including associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees.

They also offer certificate programs and the option to take only a single course.

Undergraduate online tuition at SNHU is $330 per credit hour.

What is the Biggest School Near Portland, Oregon?

By student enrollment, the largest college in the city of Portland is Portland State University.

Outside of the city but still relatively close is Oregon State University, which is the largest university in Oregon by student enrollment.

How to Choose the Right College Near Portland, Oregon

Lots of factors come into play when deciding on the right college.

Apart from location, there are other important things to think about like cost, majors offered, housing options, scholarship opportunities, and more.

Prospective students should carefully consider all of these factors when picking a college near Portland, Oregon.

Paying for Your Degree Near Portland, Oregon

Many kinds of financial aid are available to students, such as federal grants, scholarships, and student loans.

Grants and scholarships are the most desirable kinds of aid because they do not have to be repaid.

Student loans do have to be repaid, but if loans are taken out, federal student loans are better because they typically have much lower interest rates than private student loans.

Students can find out what kinds of federal aid they qualify for by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Start Your Degree Near Portland, Oregon Today

Now that we've listed some of the best options, start your degree near Portland, Oregon today!