Online and On-Campus Colleges in OREGON

Oregon State University wants its students to step "out there" to find solutions to today's pressing problems. The university prides itself on being an international research institution and one of only two land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the United States.

As one of the best colleges in Oregon, OSU draws students from across the globe to its top-ranked degree programs in fields such as forestry, oceanography, robotics and big data. Overall, there are 11 colleges at the school which cover everything from the liberal arts to veterinary science. Dozens of online degrees are available as well.

Founded in 1868, Oregon State University has grown to enroll more than 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Its main campus is in Corvallis.

As another of the top colleges in Oregon, the University of Oregon says it is in the constant pursuit of excellence. The accredited school has a strong retention rate, diverse student body and affordable tuition.

Within its nine schools and colleges, UO offers more than 300 degrees and certificates. Popular degree programs include business administration, journalism and economics. The university is one of only two Oregon schools to be accepted into the Association of American Universities and is considered a top national research institution. The faculty at the University of Oregon include Pulitzer Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows and National Medal of Science recipients. Alumni include award winners, statesmen and entertainers.

The University of Oregon opened its doors in 1876. It has its main campus in Eugene.

Not all the top schools in Oregon are public institutions. The private University of Portland makes the list as well. The institution can trace its roots back to 1901 when it was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross. The Catholic order guides the university even today.

There are five colleges and schools at the University of Portland. In addition to the College of Arts & Sciences, there are schools of business, education, engineering and nursing. All students, regardless of their major, complete a core curriculum of 13 classes designed to provide a foundation in the liberal arts.

As its name suggests, UP has its campus in Portland. Nicknamed "The Bluff" because of its location, the campus overlooks the Willamette River and hosts approximately 4,000 students each year.

George Fox University is another of the best schools in Oregon. The nationally recognized Christian university seeks to provide quality academics in a Christ-centered environment.

As the oldest Christian university in Oregon, George Fox University was founded in 1885 as the Pacific Friends Academy. President Herbert Hoover was an early alumni of the academy. Later, the school would be renamed for a founding leader of the Society of Friends, often referred to Quakers.

More than 4,000 students are enrolled in the dozens of degree programs offered at George Fox. While the school has its main campus in Newberg, there are also learning sites in Portland, Salem and Redmond. Plus, as one of the state's online colleges, there are a number of online programs for those who prefer online courses as well.

Known more commonly as Oregon Tech, the Oregon Institute of Technology takes a different approach to education. Unlike Oregon colleges that focus primarily on the liberal arts, Oregon Tech is all about practical, hands-on instruction.

Founded in 1947, the school is the only public institute of technology in the Pacific Northwest. While it originally offered only associate degrees, it has evolved into a four-year school that teaches some of the most cutting-edge technologies. Students can combine disciplines to create a personalized education in the fields of engineering, computer science and health.

Oregon Tech gets high marks for affordability and accessibility. It offers a robust catalog of online degrees as well as traditional degree programs at three sites throughout the state. Its residential campus is in Klamath Falls.

Pacific University claims its spot among the best universities in Oregon for having generous financial aid, a strong placement rate for graduates and a diverse catalog of degree options at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels.

At Pacific, students can choose from programs available through five academic colleges including a College of Optometry. Continuing education options are also available. To help students succeed, the school provides them with an advising team that includes a professional from the Advising Center, a faculty academic advisor and a career development adviser. Special services are also available for transfer students and first-generation students.

More than 3,800 students are enrolled at Pacific University. The school's main campus is in Forest Grove with other learning locations in Hillsboro, Eugene, Woodburn and Portland.

There is power in a small college, says Linfield College. The private, co-educational school enrolls approximately 1,600 students at its main campus in McMinnville in addition to those studying for online degrees and at its Portland location.

With dozens of degree programs, Linfield College is unique in that it focuses exclusively on undergraduate education. The school's four academic divisions all make use of the Linfield Curriculum. That approach to learning is designed to promote intellectual exploration, civic engagement and experimental learning.

Linfield College was chartered in 1858. Its accredited programs have been the starting point for alumni who have gone on to work in diverse occupations such as those of business and non-profit executives, sports professionals, educators and health workers.

Founded by the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod in 1905, the Concordia University System includes 10 campuses nationwide. The Portland location has since grown from humble roots to become one of the top Oregon universities.

Concordia is notable for several reasons, not the least of which is the challenging academic environment it strives to create. What's more, its students benefit from a low student-faculty ratio, study abroad opportunities and generous financial aid packages.

There are five colleges and schools at Concordia University - Portland, including a College of Education and a School of Law. The university notes more teachers earn their graduate degrees at Concordia than any other school in the Northwest. Through Concordia Online, there is also an opportunity to complete fully online degrees at a quicker than usual pace.

The words creative and unexpected are used by some to describe Lewis & Clark College. Although a private institution, the school says it has a public conscious and is working to create global thinkers and leaders.

Founded in 1867 as the Albany Collegiate Institute, the school was established by the Presbytery of Oregon. Today an independent institution, Lewis & Clark College has grown to include three schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Law and the Graduate School of Education and Counseling. At the undergraduate level, there are dozens of majors and minors available as well as more than 30 overseas and off-campus programs.

On its Portland campus, students learn in an environment that promotes diversity, sustainability and community engagement. Small class sizes with personalized instruction are the norm.

Thanks to affordable tuition and a large degree catalog, Portland State University is another of the top universities in Oregon. The public research institution enrolls more than 27,000 students from diverse backgrounds to its accredited campus-based and online degree programs.

There are nine colleges and schools within PSU. They offer more than 200 degree programs in fields such as engineering, social work and the liberal arts. As an innovative school, Portland State University is the only Oregon university to offer a Four-Year Degree Guarantee. That promises participating students will graduate within four years or pay no additional tuition costs to finish their degree.

Portland State University was founded in 1946 as the Vanport Extension Center. It is now an urban research university located in the heart of Portland.