Online Schools and Colleges in Oregon

Colleges and universities in Oregon are known for sustainability initiatives, flashy athletics and more recently, efforts to increase diversity and attract international students. Online services are also growing and expanding at schools in the state, leading more students from Oregon and outside states to request information on degree programs that would be otherwise inaccessible without online technology. As a student researching online degrees and programs in Oregon, you likely have questions about where to go, what major to choose, how to pay for school and more. We answer these and other frequently asked questions, and help online students identify the best colleges and universities for earning an online degree in Oregon below.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

According to data from the Institute for Research on Higher Education, most American families cannot afford the average cost of a college degree. Education Data Initiative ranked Oregon as number 16 in the country for average cost of college. Online schools and colleges in Oregon can be more affordable options, since distance learners often save money on housing and transportation.

Learners can also pursue funding options, such as scholarships and grants, to help cover the cost of earning a degree. This guide provides information about online schools and colleges in Oregon, financial aid options, accreditation, and adult education programs.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Portland is a place keen on higher education and learning. Spanning just over 145 square miles, this West Coast city offers students career training as well as two-year, four-year and graduate study options. Portland features traditional onsite learning, along with offsite studies through online degree programs. Enrollment at one local institution approaches six digits, counting full-time and part-time students, while smaller, specialized schools may serve under 200 degree-seekers in addition to community programs.

Online schools and colleges in Oregon offer a variety of courses and programs that students can complete entirely remotely. Oregon State University, for example, offers more than 1,200 courses and 25 undergraduate degrees entirely online. Prospective students can research available classes through each school’s website. You can also click the icon below to learn about accredited online schools and colleges in Oregon.

SEARCH ALL ACCREDITED SCHOOLS IN OREGON

As the table below shows, salary levels in the U.S. tend to increase in direct proportion to educational attainment. Although median earnings in Oregon fall below the national average, according to Statistical Atlas, professionals in the Beaver State with higher levels of education still tend to earn higher salaries. However, several factors impact earning potential, including job location, professional experience, and industry.

Source: BLS

Oregon contributes less need-based financial aid per student than the national average, according to the Institute for Research on Higher Education, which means students and their families shoulder a higher percentage of educational costs. Roughly one-third of Oregon college students attend a public research university in the state. The cost of in-state tuition equals about 34% of the average Oregon family income. The tables below compare average tuition rates in Oregon to the national averages.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at online schools and colleges in Oregon often save money on costs such as room and board, transportation, and campus fees. However, online learners should budget for additional expenses, such as those below.

To qualify as an in-state student in Oregon, learners must typically have lived in the state for at least one year prior to enrolling. Additionally, students must prove the residency was for a reason other than higher education.

Learners should check the residency requirements of each prospective institution, since specific requirements can vary by school. Also, some institutions offer in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of residency status.

An increasing percentage of jobs in Oregon require a postsecondary degree. However, most students need assistance funding their education. The state, along with private organizations and donors, offer scholarships and grants that help meet the demand for college-trained professionals in various fields. Below are some funding options for students attending online schools and colleges in Oregon.

FINANCIAL AID FOR ONLINE SCHOOLS

Earning a college degree requires significant time and financial investments. Learners should consider several factors before choosing a school, including the institution’s accreditation status. Accreditation involves a rigorous evaluation and demonstrates the quality of a school’s academic programs. Accreditation assures students, employers, and other institutions that its programs meet set standards and prepare learners for careers and further education.

The Commission for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) oversee higher education accreditation in the United States. Although these organizations do not directly accredit institutions or programs, they ensure the integrity of the accreditation process. Regional accrediting bodies typically evaluate degree-oriented public and private schools, while national accrediting bodies often assess for-profit career, vocational, and sectarian schools.

Some accrediting agencies focus on specific professional arenas. For example, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredits undergraduate and graduate programs in business and accounting. Subject-specific accreditation demonstrates that a program prepares learners to succeed in the field. The ED and CHEA oversee subject-specific accrediting bodies.

Because accreditation indicates that a school or program delivers a high-quality education, institutions typically feature their accreditation status prominently on their website. Schools that do not make this information readily available may not be reputable options. Prospective students can identify or verify the accreditation status of any U.S. school or program through the CHEA directory.

Adult learners often face unique challenges when pursuing higher education. Online learning can help busy students with personal and professional obligations meet their academic goals. The sections below explore state initiatives that support adult learners in Oregon.

Compared to adults with some college education, those without a high school diploma are three times as likely to live in poverty and twice as likely to be unemployed.

Nearly 20 million American adults lack basic English proficiency skills, making English instruction a vital component of adult education programs.

A 2018 report projected an 11% increase in college enrollment for students aged 25 to 34 between 2015 and 2026.

Source: World Education, National Center for Education Statistics

State agencies and private organizations provide online resources to help Oregon residents pursue higher education and advanced professional training. The resources below can help you work toward your educational goals and career objectives.