Ten years ago, many of Oregon's top universities did not include distance learning as a delivery method for their degree programs. In recent years, many universities have created online learning options to accommodate the working adult. In 2013, 16 universities in Oregon offered distance learning courses, including the well-regarded Oregon State University. OSU's Ecampus provides both undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like Environmental Sciences, Sociology and Liberal Studies.
Tuition costs in Oregon State have remained competitive with the national average in recent years. Between 2004 and 2014, two-year public schools experienced a 26.5% increase in tuition, and four-year public schools had a 36% increase during the same time. Respectively, the national average for tuition costs between 2006 and 2011 for two-year public schools rose 30.8% and four-year public schools increased 42%.
Discover everything you need to know about online distance education opportunities in Oregon via our expansive database of top online programs, degrees and courses in the state. Also be sure to explore the State Facts tab, which, in great detail, compares the progress of online education in Oregon to the U.S. as a whole.
Featured Online Programs
48 Colleges in Oregon
Additional Resources
Official State Links
College Savings
- Oregon College Savings Plan: The state's 529 plan includes several investment options that allow students and families to save early for college. Contributions to the fund are income-tax free and can be used at a range of schools across the country.
- Oregon Pay it Forward: While not yet in practice, the Oregon legislature is considering a college payment plan that would allow students to shift tuition payments to the future. Instead of paying for tuition up front, students would commit to contributing part of their future income to their postsecondary institution, essentially shifting all payments to a post-graduation loan.
Education Nonprofits
- College Goal Oregon: This nonprofit is part of a national organization that helps students and families through the financial aid application process for college. By way of free events, the organization advises and guides students so that they are better able to afford higher education.
- Oregon Student Access Commission: This state-run organization connects students, especially those from lower socioeconomic brackets, to college preparatory resources. They provide information on financial aid, seminars and workshops, test preparation, career planning, and state college events.
Higher Education News
- Oregon Live, Higher Education: One of Oregon's premier news publications has a section devoted entirely to news and trends in the state's higher education system.
- Education Week Oregon: This national publication offers the option of filtering news by state, so readers can focus on education topics specific to Oregon.