Best Online Colleges in Oregon

Oregon State University is a public research university located in Corvallis. Annual enrollment typically exceeds 28,000 students, making OSU the largest university in the state. It is one of only four institutions in the country to obtain all four land-, sea-, space-, and sun-grant designations.

Arguably the best online college in Oregon, OSU offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs designed for distance learners. Dozens of diverse disciplines are represented in OSU's online catalog, including business, education, history, wildlife sciences, and public health. Every online student receives access to vital support services including success coaching, online tutoring, and career guidance.

Prospective students must submit transcripts, applicable test scores, and a resume. Additional admission requirements may apply depending on student status and program selection. OSU welcomes postbaccalaureate students seeking a second bachelor's degree. State residency does not impact per-credit tuition prices.

The Oregon Institute of Technology is a public polytechnic university dedicated to hands-on, practical education. More than 5,000 students attend classes each year through the residential campus in Klamath Falls, several satellite locations, and one of the best online colleges in Oregon.

Online students can choose from more than a dozen online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as certificates. Available areas of study include allied health, engineering, applied psychology, health informatics, and clinical sleep health.

Oregon Tech also offers online bachelor's completion options for registered professionals looking to advance in their field. Completion options are available in seven disciplines, including dental hygiene, radiologic science, and vascular technology. All online students receive access to electronic library resources, an online writing lab, and interactive tutoring.

Admission requirements vary by program selection and student status. Transfer students without a degree must possess a minimum 2.5 GPA in all college coursework. There is no tuition surcharge for out-of-state students.

Bushnell University is a private Christian college located in Eugene. Originally founded as a divinity school and Bible college, Bushnell became a broad liberal arts institution in 1934 after a merger with Spokane University. Approximately 800 students enroll each year.

Bushnell is one of the best online colleges in Oregon designed specifically with working professionals in mind. Eight undergraduate majors are available online, including four of Bushnell's most popular areas of study: K-12 teacher education (requires some in-person classes), business administration, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies. Registered nurses can pursue an RN-to-BSN pathway or an RN-to-MSN pathway.

Asynchronous courses offer new start dates every eight weeks, and students can earn up to 30 credits for prior life or work experience.

Admission to Bushnell's online programs requires a completed, no-cost application and submission of official transcripts. The school does not require ACT or SAT scores. Tuition rates are not higher for out-of-state students.

Located on 295 acres along the Willamette River in Eugene, the University of Oregon serves more than 22,000 students each year. This public flagship research university encompasses five colleges, seven professional schools, and one of the best online colleges in Oregon.

UO Online offers more than 170 individual courses from a variety of academic programs. These courses are primarily designed to supplement an on-campus schedule, but non-enrolled individuals can take up to eight credits of UO Online courses per term through the school's community education program.

UO also offers a master's degree in sports product management entirely online. The program combines asynchronous lectures, live discussions, and four on-site residencies to teach the business of creating sports apparel, footwear, and equipment.

Current UO students are eligible to register for online courses through DuckWeb. Entry into the sports product management program requires submission of transcripts, 2-3 letters of recommendation, a resume, essays, and a product project.

Linfield University is a private, comprehensive liberal arts institution with a main campus in McMinnville, a second campus in Portland, and one of the best online colleges in Oregon. Combined, these locations enroll more than 2,500 students every year, representing 24 states and 23 countries.

Students have been pursuing distance education programs at Linfield since 1975. Currently, the college offers ten online undergraduate degrees, five minors, and 19 certificates. Students can choose from more than two dozen diverse areas of study, including computer information systems, environmental studies, wine marketing, and creative writing.

Linfield allows eligible students to earn up to 30 credits for prior learning and experience. All students receive access to a virtual writing lab and live tutoring.

To apply, prospective students must provide official transcripts; a $50 fee; and information regarding academic history, employment, and personal background. State residency does not impact tuition costs.

Concordia University-Portland is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Approximately 5,800 students attend each year. The university system also operates a law school in Boise, Idaho, one of the best online colleges in Oregon, and branch campuses across the state.

Notable online programs are available in business administration, healthcare administration, and homeland security and emergency management. However, education stands out as the most highly represented online field. Concordia offers two certificates, a bachelor's in early childhood education, three master of education options, and a doctor of education with five concentration tracks. Courses are delivered in a flexible, asynchronous format to provide maximum scheduling flexibility.

Application requirements vary according to program selection and student status. First-time freshmen are not eligible for admission, as Concordia's online undergraduate programs require 12-20 transferable credits. All online learners pay the same tuition rates regardless of state residency.

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, Portland State University enrolls more than 27,000 students each year. This public research university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 100 fields of study, many of which can be pursued entirely online.

PSU's online catalog includes two educator endorsements, 20 certificates, 11 bachelor's degrees, and nine master's degrees. Dozens of diverse fields are available within seven broad disciplines: business, criminology and criminal justice, education, health, interdisciplinary studies, social work, and urban and public affairs.

Course content follows an asynchronous format, although real-time video conferencing is available in some programs. All online students receive access to resources, including online tutoring, career advising, tech support, and library services.

Admission requirements vary depending on program selection and student status. PSU welcomes postbaccalaureate students looking to pursue a second bachelor's degree or other undergraduate credential. Applicants pay a $50-$65 application fee.

Located in Ashland with a satellite campus in Medford, Southern Oregon University provides career-focused, comprehensive education to more than 6,200 students each year. This public liberal arts institution emphasizes both theoretical and experiential learning.

For online learners, SOU offers bachelor's completion programs, master's degrees, and postbaccalaureate endorsement and licensure programs. Business administration studies are available at the undergraduate and graduate level, featuring concentration options such as accounting, management, marketing, and finance. Other areas of study offered to distance learners include early childhood development, criminology and criminal justice, and education. Online courses follow a flexible asynchronous format, allowing for 24/7 access of materials and lectures.

Prospective bachelor's completion students must satisfy varying general education and major-focused prerequisites. Graduate admission requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. Additional requirements may apply depending on program selection.

Eastern Oregon University is a public, state-funded institution located in La Grande. EOU offers comprehensive education options for approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year.

More than half of all EOU students take at least one class through a flexible delivery format, either online or at one of 11 regional learning centers. Distance learners can pursue their bachelor's degree entirely online. EOU offers more than 30 majors and minors, including an individualized integrative studies option. Available graduate programs include a fully online MBA, a fully online master's in education, and two low-residency master's degrees in teaching and creative writing, respectively.

First-time freshmen must submit a completed application, transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. All applicants must pay a $50 fee. Prospective transfer students must demonstrate a minimum 2.25 GPA on prior college coursework. State residency does not impact online tuition costs.