Best Colleges in Oregon

Why Should I Consider Studying in Oregon?

The college opportunities in Oregon are as diverse as the climate. Oregon is one of few states with stunning beaches, breathtaking mountains, lush forests, and high desert. While these climates are all easily within a day’s drive from anywhere in the state, more than 10,000 annual participants traverse through these environments in less than 36 hours in the Hood to Coast relay.

On the topic of running, the University of Oregon. Located in Eugene, UofO is known not just for world class athletics and hosting world championships, but a world class business history highlighted by Nike. University of Oregon offers cutting edge academic programs in business, medical research, fine arts, and so much more.

An hour down the freeway from the University of Oregon is Oregon State University. OSU is the premier research institution in the state, boasts top 20 academics, and has one of the best forestry programs in the world. Oregon State also offers pioneering outdoor education, for those wishing to become professional guides, and a close connection with Smith Rock State Park - the birthplace of modern American sport climbing.

If city life is more interesting to you, Oregon’s oldest college Willamette University is located in the capital city Salem. In Portland the University of Portland and Portland State University sit on opposite sides of the mighty Willamette river reminding residents that even in the state’s largest city, nature is ever present.

Oregon Higher Education By The Numbers

Colleges in Oregon

Oregon has the 30th most colleges in the US with 75 colleges based there. For some context, that is 8 fewer colleges than your ordinary state. 35% of Oregon's colleges are public, and 65% of its colleges are private. (26 public colleges & 49 private colleges). It has the 23rd highest private to public college ratio of any state.

Our top three public colleges in Oregon are Oregon Health & Science University, University of Oregon, and Oregon State University. Our favorite private colleges are Reed College, University of Portland, and Lewis & Clark College. Oregon State University has more students than any other college in the top 25 colleges (37,586 students).

Students in Oregon

The median state has 314,827 college students. Oregon has 7,908 fewer. There are 268,747 public college students and 38,172 private college students in Oregon. It has more public college students than 28 states and more private college students than 14 states. Its 306,919 total students make it the 27th most popular state in the United States of America. 88% of Oregon's students are at public colleges which is the 10th highest percentage in the country.