Best
Private Colleges in Portland in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Portland, OR, combines management fundamentals with access to the region's diverse employers. Courses typically include accounting, finance, marketing, economics, business law, organizational behavior, operations, and strategic management. Portland State University, University of Portland, and Warner Pacific University are local options. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, sales representative, or management trainee. Internships and networking can help students build practical experience and connections.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Portland combines classes in human development, cognition, social behavior, research methods, statistics, and abnormal psychology. Students can explore these subjects at Portland State University, the University of Portland, Lewis & Clark College, or Portland Community College. Graduates with a bachelor's degree pursue roles as research assistants, case managers, human resources coordinators, or behavioral health technicians. A licensed psychologist typically needs graduate study and supervised clinical training to qualify for full state licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Portland, OR, offers access to technology employers and diverse academic options, including Portland State University, the University of Portland, Reed College, and Lewis & Clark College. Typical coursework covers programming, algorithms, data structures, computer systems, databases, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Students build projects and practice problem-solving. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or web developer, finding opportunities across startups, healthcare, and established companies.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Portland, Oregon, typically combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, lifespan development, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and supervised clinical work. Portland State University offers counselor education, while Lewis & Clark College provides counseling programs; both are options. Graduates may pursue roles as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, mental health therapists, substance-use counselors, or career counselors, depending on degree level, specialization, state licensure requirements, and supervised experience. Programs emphasize culturally responsive, community-based services.

Nursing

Studying nursing programs in Portland, OR, offers pathways from practical nursing to bachelor's and graduate degrees. Coursework commonly includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing ethics, and clinical practice. Students build skills through supervised placements in hospitals and community settings. Graduates may work as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical educators, or public health nurses. Popular options include Portland Community College, Oregon Health & Science University, and the University of Portland, each with nursing programs.

Best Colleges in Portland, OR Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 35,083.0, compared with 65,787.8 at schools in the top 10%, making the top-school figure substantially higher.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 67.38% at top-10% schools. The average acceptance rate is 67.38%.
• Schools receive an average of 3,156.25 applicants, while the top 10% average 8,631.6. The median number of male applicants is 127.5, compared with 337.5 female applicants.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,296.5 and 29.5, respectively. Schools enroll an average of 1,283.44 students, including averages of 68.38 men and 133.75 women.
• The average graduation rate is 69.57%, compared with 89.8% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 71.0% for men and 76.0% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, 10 offer bachelor's degrees, nine offer master's degrees, and four offer doctor's degrees. Eight schools are coeducational; zero are schools for men and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh total cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, test scores, enrollment, and graduation outcomes. They should also consider which degree levels are offered and whether a coeducational school suits their preferences, comparing overall averages with top-10% figures where relevant.

How much does studying at a college in Portland, OR cost?

The average reported total cost of getting a degree in Portland, OR, is $37,116.25. Use this as a planning benchmark for your budget, not a guaranteed bill: actual expenses depend on college, program, enrollment, and housing.

Other reported averages offer context, but should not be added to the total because they may use different calculations:

• Tuition and fees: $36,673.33
• Room and board: $19,125.43
• Books and supplies: $1,463

Good news: comparing campuses, commuting, and reviewing aid can help you build a manageable budget. Ask schools for current cost-of-attendance estimates and check whether scholarships or transfer credits could lower your bill. Compare Portland State University, University of Portland, and Portland Community College directly: tuition and housing vary by institution and student circumstances. Add transportation and personal expenses to your own plan, since these averages do not itemize them. A little research can make planning feel clearer and your Portland degree more exciting.

How long does it take to finish college in Portland, OR?

In Portland, OR, a traditional bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree at Portland Community College (PCC) commonly takes about two. At Portland State University, University of Portland, or Reed College, your pace depends on program requirements, course availability, and whether you study full time.

Finishing may take longer if you attend part time, change majors, or need courses that fill quickly. Graduation-rate figures offer a useful, though not individual, snapshot: the average is 69.57%, while schools in the top 10% average 89.8%. The reported averages are 66.83% for men and 69.71% for women; these figures describe completion outcomes, not a promise about your timeline.

Options that may help you finish sooner include:

• Transfer AP, IB, or prior college credits to avoid repeating coursework.
• Take summer classes or a heavier course load when feasible.
• Ask PCC or PSU advisers about transfer pathways and year-round courses.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Portland, OR, earn a median alumni salary of about $54,237. For graduates of schools ranked in the top 10%, the median is about $66,782 - a promising benchmark if you're weighing the payoff of earning a degree in the Portland area.

Portland students can explore schools such as Portland State University, the University of Portland, Reed College, and Oregon Health & Science University. Your own earnings can vary considerably based on your field, experience, and employer; careers in technology, health care, and business, for example, may follow different salary paths. Consider comparing programs' costs and career opportunities alongside these local salary figures.

People also ask

What is the prettiest university in Portland?

There's no objective winner, but the University of Portland is a strong pick for its dramatic setting on a bluff above the Willamette River. Its historic collegiate-style buildings and leafy grounds give the campus a welcoming feel, and the views add something special. Lewis & Clark is another beautiful option, especially if you love wooded surroundings.

What is the most selective college in Portland?

Reed College is generally considered Portland's most selective undergraduate college. Its small student body, academically demanding curriculum, and comparatively low acceptance rate make admission competitive. Rates change from year to year, so check Reed's latest admissions information when planning your application. If you enjoy close faculty interaction and serious academic discussion, Reed may be worth a closer look.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Private Colleges Ranking in Portland, OR Ranking in 2026-2027

Reed College is a liberal arts college in Portland, offering an academically intensive setting for students who value close faculty engagement and independent inquiry. Its 1,278 enrolled students create a small campus community. The reported graduation rate is 71%, while the acceptance rate is 25%. Total reported study cost is $69,040, and median alumni salary is $33,924. For Portland-area students, its location can make exploring internships, cultural life, and neighborhoods convenient, though budget planning is important given the reported cost.

The University of Portland is a private Catholic university in the city's northwestern area, known for combining professional preparation with a values-centered campus experience. It enrolls 3,104 students, with an 80% graduation rate and 89% acceptance rate. Reported total study cost is $56,800, and median alumni salary is $65,825. For someone already based in Portland, nearby access may ease commuting and help connect campus learning with the region's employers, service organizations, and recreational opportunities, while still offering a residential university environment.

Warner Pacific University is a small, private Christian university in Portland, with a community-oriented atmosphere and programs designed to support varied student goals. Its 383 enrolled students make it the smallest institution in this group. The reported graduation rate is 49%, acceptance rate 71%, and total study cost $21,260; median alumni salary is $54,237. Living locally could let Portland students reduce relocation needs and engage with the city, but they should compare program details, aid, and commuting options before choosing.

Lewis & Clark College is a private liberal arts college in Portland, offering a campus setting known for its wooded surroundings and emphasis on broad-based learning. It has 3,337 enrolled students, a 75% graduation rate, and a 78% acceptance rate. Reported total study cost is $64,394, while median alumni salary is $34,202. Portland residents can weigh the appeal of study and access to opportunities against tuition and living expenses, then investigate financial aid, academic programs, and transit routes to campus.

American College of Healthcare Sciences is a specialized institution focused on integrative health and wellness education, with online learning options that may suit students balancing work or family commitments. It enrolls 1,052 students and reports a 100% graduation rate and 53% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $9,840, the lowest listed here, while median alumni salary is $21,094. For Portland-based learners, online study can reduce daily commuting, though students should confirm program format, costs, and any in-person requirements before enrolling.