Most of Oregon's fastest-growing jobs will require at least an associate degree, according to 2023-2033 projections. College costs in Oregon are higher than the national average, but online programs are often cheaper than traditional schools. Scholarships and grants can also help reduce costs.
Our guide focuses on online colleges in Oregon and provides tips to make college education more affordable.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Top Affordable Online Colleges in Oregon
Price Check
At least six public colleges in Oregon charge in-state students less than the state average tuition and fees of $12,424, based on 2022–2023 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data.
5 Fast-Growing Jobs in Oregon
Four of Oregon's five fastest-growing bachelor's-level jobs are in healthcare, with the fifth in tech. Demand is rising due to an aging population, more chronic conditions, and the rapid adoption of AI. Four of these careers also pay above the national median salary.
| Job | Projected Growth, Oregon (2024-2034) | Median Annual Wage, Oregon, May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 53% | $144,600 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 38% | $69,510 |
| Data Scientists | 38% | $106,100 |
| Physician Assistants | 36% | $149,130 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 36% | $135,530 |
Degrees to Consider to Prepare for Oregon's Job Market
Several degrees offer the training and knowledge needed to meet the demands of Oregon's fastest-growing careers. They include nursing, health science, computer science, and healthcare administration.
Nursing
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires at least two degrees, and there are several paths to get there. You can earn a bachelor of science or start with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) to become a registered nurse, then complete a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP). A DNP is increasingly preferred by employers, but not always required.
STEM
Several STEM degrees can lead to multiple in-demand roles in Oregon. Degrees in data science or computer science can lead to data scientist roles, though some positions prefer a master's. Degrees in health sciencesor biology can prepare you for a physician assistant program, which requires a master's.
Administration
Becoming a medical and health services manager has multiple entry paths, depending on your specialization. Healthcare administration offers the most direct route, while business administration is strongest for leadership roles, and public health is best for policy and systems work.
What Is the Cost of College in Oregon?
According to NCES data, in-state students attending public four-year colleges in Oregon paid an average of $12,424 in tuition and fees in 2022-2023, or $13,307 in 2026 dollars, adjusted for inflation. The cost of out-of-state public four-year college tuition and fees was almost triple that amount: $35,960 ($38,515 in 2026 dollars).
Private four-year colleges were far more expensive, averaging $47,224 in tuition and fees ($50,579 in 2026 dollars). However, online schools typically cost less than on-campus schools. Some institutions waive out-of-state tuition and fees for online programs. You can also save money on commuting costs, campus housing, and relocation expenses.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees in Oregon (adjusted to 2026 dollars) | Average Tuition & Required Fees in the U.S. (adjusted to 2026 dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $13,307 | $10,443 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $38,515 | $30,307 |
| Private Four-Year | $50,579 | $35,248 |
How to Make Online College in Oregon More Affordable
Financial aid, such as scholarships and work-study opportunities, provides free money that you do not need to repay. Explore different types of financial aid and how to apply for them to pay for online colleges in Oregon.
1. Apply for Scholarships
Scholarship and grant recipients do not need to repay this form of financial aid. Academic institutions and other organizations award scholarships and grants based on academic merit, need, or other factors such as field of study. Explore the following scholarships and grants for online colleges in Oregon.
- Oregon Opportunity Grant:This grant is awarded to Oregon residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree at a public or private college. The award amount varies based on the applicant's financial need.
Beat the Odds Scholarship Program:Historically underserved populations can apply for this scholarship. This merit- and needs-based scholarship provides up to $16,000 over four years.
Oregon Tribal Student Grant:Members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon can apply for this grant. The award amount varies depending on the school and the student's degree program.
2. Consider a Work-Study Program
Schools participating in the federal work-study program offer enrollees paid part-time work on or off campus. Work-study encourages work experience related to your education. Undergraduate and graduate students receive this aid based on financial need. You can explore this option at your school's financial aid office.
3. Apply for Financial Aid
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to qualify for financial aid to pay for college. The FAFSA requires financial information that is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA for federal loans, the Pell Grant, work-study, and other aid as required.[/hen-ui-text]
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can use the FAFSA. In Oregon, undocumented students, such as those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), can complete the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). You must submit the FAFSA by the federal application deadline listed on the FAFSA website.
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Oregon
Oregon Community Foundation
The Oregon Community Foundation offers thousands of scholarships to high school seniors, current college students, and non-traditional students. Some scholarships may be based on criteria like merit, need, and specific school attendance. Award amounts vary. Applications typically open in early November and are due in early March.
OSAC Scholarships
The Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) offers over 600 scholarships based on criteria such as academic merit, institution type, demographics and interests, and financial need. Applications open in November and close in March. Awards range from $1,000-$10,000. If you submit an error-free application in the early-bird window (typically by mid-February), you may be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship.
Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation offers three scholarships for Oregon students with financial need and social barriers: Ford Scholars (for graduating high school seniors pursuing a bachelor's degree), Ford Transfer (for community college students transferring to a four-year school), and Ford Opportunity (for adult learners over 25 and parents, especially single parents). Applications typically open in early December and close in early March.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Oregon
Many Oregon schools participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, which makes college more affordable for out-of-state students. Eligible students pay no more than 150% of a school's resident tuition rate. On average, students save $12,517 per year on nonresident tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Oregon
Eastern Oregon University is the most affordable public four-year college in Oregon, with average tuition and fees of $11,076 for 2024-2025, according to the NCES. New Hope Christian College is the state's most affordable private four-year college, charging $17,620 in average tuition and fees.
