Many challenges, ranging from higher tuition and budget cuts to course shortages and full or busy classrooms, prevent the youth of today from acquiring an excellent education. Thankfully, the modern age ushers in a wealth of advantages that give them excellent education alternatives.
Online learning is on the rise. Its expansion is fueled by the advancements in technology and the open-mindedness toward the idea. It is an excellent option for many who are trying to juggle school with the need to earn a living. Online learning benefits not only students who want to obtain a college education but also adults who wish to continue learning and finally earn their most coveted degree.
The prejudices on online education are gradually put to rest as recent studies prove that this approach is just as academically superior as traditional education. Distance education makes learning more accessible to many. Aside from lower tuition rates in most cases, it also ensures that students get to choose their most comfortable learning environment and take advantage of the flexibility it is known for.
The State of Oregon boasts a highly educated workforce. Statistics found that about 44% of Portland residence over the age of 25 have at least one bachelor’s degree. There is a strong emphasis on education, with the state helping its residents secure educational opportunities at every level.
True to its commitment to higher learning, the state of Oregon has several universities and colleges that offer online education on top of their brick-and-mortar offerings. Finding top-quality online education, however, can be quite a challenge.
METHODOLOGY
To help prospective students make the best choice, the staff and writers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com have put together the 5 Top Online Schools in Oregon. These online learning institutions offer top-rated programs and instruction made possible because of these exceptional academic features:
- An excellent virtual learning platform through which students access their courses and get the best resources and support,
- Committed and acclaimed faculty members who are experts in their field of study,
- Rigorous coursework and extensive curriculum to shape the most skilled professionals,
- Full recognition from accrediting bodies that strictly maintain a high quality of education of schools both on-campus and online.
For more information about our ranking process, visit our Methodology Page.
Portland State University
Hailed as an affordable public research university, Portland State University is in Portland, Oregon. With its campus situated in a dynamic city that offers a variety of opportunities and a vibrant cultural scene, the university prides itself on bringing hands-on learning and diverse perspectives in the classrooms and the campus life. They also have a reputation for having world-class faculty, groundbreaking research, and community engagement and innovation.
Beyond its traditional classes, however, Portland State University has something more to offer. Giving students the chance to attain their dream degree anytime and anywhere, the school has extended its doors to more students and adult learners through their quality online degree programs.
Portland State University’s online education programs are accredited. It also features an exceptional faculty and high academic standards, just like its traditional counterpart. However, it has certain advantages that on-campus programs do not have. Students can complete their coursework where and when it is convenient for them.
They have varied offerings in the online programs, from certificates and bachelor’s degrees to graduate studies. It includes a Certificate in Applied Social Demography, Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Master’s in Early Intervention Special Education, and many more.
Location: Portland, Oregon
Admission Requirements:
- Cumulative high school GPA of 3.50 or 1270 SAT or 27 ACT
- Complete online application for admission
- Official copy of transcripts
Accreditations:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Architectural Accrediting Board
- American Chemical Society
- Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Planning Accreditation Board
- Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs & Administration
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council for Accreditation of Counselling and Related Education Programs
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- Council on Education for Public Health
- The Association to Advance College Schools of Business International
- Council on Social Work Education
Oregon State University
Located in Corvallis, Oregon, Oregon State University is devoted to delivering education to the masses. It is regionally accredited and international public research university, transforming learners into leaders throughout the state and around the world. It has a variety of programs on all levels that students can choose from, including the most notable ones such as forestry and oceanography.
On top of their excellent on-campus offerings, the university boasts more than 60 degree and certificate programs as well. It allows learners to access high-quality education no matter where they live. Using innovative methods and technologies, the university provides opportunities to many, whether they are working professionals, or raising a family, or serving in the military. The online learning programs can meet their needs through exceptional learning experiences that are convenient and flexible.
The online programs feature the same faculty members from on-campus offerings. There is an option for hybrid learning, a combination of on-campus, and online classes. For students who live outside the state or country can also avail of 100% fully online degree programs at their convenience. Both meet identical learning outcomes as their traditional face-to-face counterparts.
They also provide several resources that can help online students achieve their dream degrees as well as opportunities to interact and engage with their professors and fellow online learners.
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Admission Requirements:
- Submission of SAT or ACT scores
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.0
- Completed admission application
- Official high school transcripts
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Oregon Institute of Technology
A non-profit higher education institution situated in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Oregon Institute of Technology offers a variety of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, and certificates in diverse areas of study. These quality offerings are also accessible to many students outside the state or those beyond the country through online learning.
Having understood the need of working professionals to juggle their time while advancing their education, Oregon Institute of Technology allows them to achieve this as quickly and conveniently as possible.
Their growing number of degree programs let aspiring students and adult learners alike earn a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree without leaving their home or office. It minimizes the hassle of traveling while allowing them to devote time to childcare or their current job.
The classes are taught through the internet. It is through this method that students accomplish their coursework, submit their assignments, and interact with their instructors and classmates. All they need is a personal computer and a good internet connection.
Oregon Tech Online offers the flexibility and convenience to earn a degree on your own time and place, making it an excellent choice for many professionals and adult learners. Some of the notable degree programs include Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology, Bachelor’s in Information Technology, and Master’s in Allied Health, among many others.
Location: Klamath Falls, Oregon
Admission Requirements:
- Accomplished online application for admission
- Cumulative high school GPA of 3.00
- Official SAT or ACT score
- Official transcripts
Accreditations:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program
Eastern Oregon University
Eastern Oregon University hails from La Grande, Oregon. It is known for its liberal arts and professional programs. It was founded as a teacher’s college but is now serving as a center for education, culture, and scholarship in rural areas of Oregon. In this university, students receive personal attention from professors and are encouraged to build strong relationships with peers and mentors.
It is the university’s mission to guide students through integrated, high-quality liberal arts and professional programs that will lead them to responsible and reflective action. Their diverse and comprehensive degree programs serve as the foundation of many students in their drive for higher education and a brighter future.
Their online programs are just as valuable and high-quality as the brick-and-mortar ones. They are also regionally accredited and offer the flexibility that many working professionals and adult learners need. As a widely recognized learning institution in Oregon, Eastern Oregon University also has a more affordable tuition per credit hour.
Students can opt to pursue bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Emergency Medical Services Administration. They also have major and minor classes that are available online.
Location: La Grande, Oregon
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application for admission
- Official high school transcripts or GED scores
- Official SAT or ACT scores
- Official college transcript (if available)
- Cumulative high school GPA of 2.75
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Corban University
Headquartered in Salem, Oregon, Corban University has a rich history stretching back to 1935. It started as a small Bible institute in Phoenix but later moved to Oregon. It is committed to educating the students to succeed in life and make a difference in the world with the guidance of the Christian faith.
A wide variety of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs are offered both on-campus and online. Every program seeks to combine academic excellence with Christian principles and purpose that will better prepare students to excel in their careers and serve the community. The university addresses the need of some students to remain in their geographical area and attend to their professional and personal responsibilities while striving to earn their college degree or further their education.
At Corban University, students will find an educational institution that will challenge them academically, support them spiritually, and allow them to continue investing in their career and family through their online degree programs. Quality online education is guaranteed.
Students have full control over their course load and schedule. The programs are designed to enable students to earn their degrees at their own pace, balancing time, energy, and finances. Since the courses run in 8-week sessions, students enjoy the flexibility that they need and work on their schedule. They can even take a break from their studies if the need arises. The online programs also provide frequent opportunities to interact with classmates and professors as well as engage in online forum discussions. Their online faculty have spent years in their professional fields, equipping them with the needed expertise to provide education and prepare students for real-world challenges.
At Corban University, online education is low cost and high value, preparing them to be the best without coming to campus. Some of the degrees offered entirely online include Bachelor’s in Accounting and Bachelor’s in Psychology.
Location: Salem, Oregon
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Personal faith statement
- Christian character reference
- High school GPA with a minimum of 2.7
- SAT (minimum score of 990), ACT (minimum score of 19) or CLT (minimum score of 19) scores
- Official high school transcript
Accreditations:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
Aspiring students in Oregon will be pleased to learn that online education is upping its game in the state, providing the same quality education that students receive on campus at a more accessible cost, on top of all the other conveniences offered by online learning. Many of Oregon’s online colleges and universities also offer the same rate to out-of-state students.
With a stable Internet connection, students from all walks of life can earn a degree in the comfort of their own homes and choose flexible schedules, start dates, and learning paces that fit their lifestyle. Online students also benefit from lower tuition rates, and many of the adjacent costs of campus life can be eliminated by taking an online degree, such as expenses from meals, accommodations, and transportation. Different forms of financial aid offered to on-campus students apply to students enrolling in online education, too, so those on a tight budget can lower their expenses even more.
Online students seeking face-to-face interactions with peers and teachers can also opt for hybrid courses. Adult students who may have difficulty navigating technology will be glad to hear that online colleges and universities have made their platforms as accessible and as easy to access as possible. Most online programs on virtual platforms have dedicated technical support teams on standby.
METHODOLOGY
By combining ease of access, rigorous coursework, and affordability, online schools in Oregon make it to the top! Our list of the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Oregon is proof positive that it is possible for students to obtain an online degree from a top-rated online academic institution without spending more than they can afford for their education.
Northwest Christian University
Northwest Christian University (NCU) had its beginnings as the Eugene Divinity School in 1895. Today, it is a now a Christian private college specializing in liberal arts courses, with a population of 500-plus undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The university’s School of Liberal Arts & Bible houses students taking degrees like Biology, English, and History, and Christian-centered degrees like Bible & Theology and Christian Ministry, while the School of Professional Studies offers choices like Business Administration, Accounting, and even Criminal Justice.
NCU also has an established Adult Degree Program that allows students to earn their degree online or through evening courses. Its online programs can be completed within eight weeks, with six start date options available in a year. Accounting, Business Administration, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Nursing (RN to BSN, RN to MSN) are just some of the options students can choose from, and tuition is $485 per credit hour. NCU prides itself on having the lowest average annual cost for private universities in Oregon, as awarded by College ScoreCard, and 90% of its student population are recipients of various forms of financial aid.
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Admission Requirements:
- High school transcript or official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended;
- No minimum high school GPA required, but 2.5 or higher is recommended
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Southern Oregon University
Established in 1872, Southern Oregon University (SOU) is home to around 6,000 students and three schools, namely the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Education. SOU also came in 25th in U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Schools, Regional Universities in the West list for 2018.
Nine fully online programs are currently offered via SOU Online. Its Masters in Business Administration programs in a variety of concentrations require 45 credit hours and can be completed as fast as 16 months. Masters of Science in Education is also available, with concentrations in Early Education, Adult Education, and STEM Education, and also requires 45 hours and at least 16 months of coursework. SOU’s offerings are considered some of the best value options in the state of Oregon, with their MBA tuition beginning at $19,350, while the Education programs are at $16,605. When it comes to credit hour rates, MBA programs cost $430 per hour, and Education programs begin at $369. Students taking at least three credits can apply for financial aid; veterans and their dependent family members can also avail of various benefits.
Location: Ashland, Oregon, with a satellite campus in Medford
- transcripts
- GPA requirements vary depending on the degree
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)
George Fox University
Named after the founder of the Quaker movement, George Fox University is a Christian institution that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Majority of its 4,000-plus student population are Christians, although students from all faiths are welcome to enroll. Over 60 degrees are available across George Fox University’s five locations and an online campus. It has also been ranked as a first-tier university by U.S. News & World Report and included in its Best Regional Universities list.
George Fox University offers online master’s and doctor’s degrees (some fully online, some with minor in-person requirements), seminary programs, and an adult degree program intended for working students who wish to complete their bachelor’s degree online and in as short as 16 months. Options such as Management and Organizational Leadership, Healthcare Administration, and Project Management are among the bachelor’s degrees adult students can take.
Tuition at George Fox varies depending on the level and degree being taken, but rates range from $532 to $684 per semester hour, while General Education/Elective courses are at $440 per hour. The university’s program costs are considered some of the most competitive in the state.
Location: Newberg, Oregon, with branches in Portland, Salem, and Redmond
Admission Requirements:
- At least 62-semester credits (93 quarter credits) but 75-90 semester-credits
- Post-high school work experience
- Cumulative 2.5 transfer or George Fox University GPA or higher
- Two references
- At least 12/16 on the Placement Essay
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Linfield College
Linfield College, which began as a small Baptist college in 1849, has been recognized nationally by various award-giving bodies and organizations. Wall Street Journal recognized it as one of the best small-town colleges in the west in 2017, while Money Magazine and U.S. News & World Report chose Linfield as one of the best value colleges in Oregon. The institution also boasts an ethnically diverse student population, and its graduates went on to become top earners in the state in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Linfield has an established Online and Continuing Education (OCE) program that has been around for more than ten years and offers ten-degree programs such as Accounting, International Business, and Project Management, and 16 certificate programs. The college also provides its online students access to their campus libraries and on-campus events. Online students can even attend commencement exercises, should they wish to do so. The start of classes is at four times a year, at the beginning of every season. One semester credit is priced at a competitive $495 for degree programs and $250 for certificates. On top of scholarships and other financial aid packages, there are also benefits for veterans and military service members.
Location: McMinnville, Oregon with a branch in Portland
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 2.00 or higher in completed college coursework
- GED or high school diploma
Accreditations:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Oregon State Board of Nursing
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- State of Oregon’s Teachers Standards and Practices Commission
- National Association of Schools of Music
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
Warner Pacific University
An affiliate of the Church of God, Warner Pacific University is recognized for its diversity, with people of color comprising more than half of its student population. The university also announced a 24% cut in its tuition back in 2018 as part of its commitment to providing more affordable, accessible education.
Students can choose from nine online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Warner Pacific’s bachelor’s degrees are Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Criminology, Health Care Administration, and Psychology and Human Development, while master’s in Business Administration, Education, Management, Teaching, and Human Services are on their graduate degree line-up.
For students taking a bachelor’s degree, the cost is at $500 per credit hour, but qualified students can lower costs further by applying for financial aid. The number of courses per degree’s curriculum can range from 14 to 24 courses and can be taken in 4, 5, or 6-week sessions. Graduate degrees, on the other hand, are priced at $720 per credit hour.
Location: Southeast Portland, Oregon
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcripts
- At least 48 college-level credits from an accredited college or university
- Official transcripts
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Two years of full-time work experience
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
