Best Online Colleges in Portland

Check out our ranking of the best online colleges in Portland. Learn what type of programs local schools offer and what makes them stand out.
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Updated on May 31, 2023
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Considered one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the nation, Portland houses many businesses focused on sustainability. Just a few of these companies include Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Tillamook, and Tofurky.

Top industries in Portland include healthcare, tech, manufacturing, and athletic and outdoor apparel. PayScale reports that some of the most popular occupations in the city include software engineer and mechanical engineer; these positions earn average annual salaries of $83,000 and $73,000, respectively. Both of these professions require a bachelor's degree, with some employers favoring applicants with a master's.

Portland houses over half of all the colleges and universities in Oregon, helping students prepare for success in the local job market, as well as across the country and around the world. We ranked the 10 best online colleges in Portland to help you find the program best suited for your career goals.

What Are the Best Online Colleges in Portland? Here Are Our Top 3:

Ranking compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

#1 Multnomah University Portland, OR
#2 Portland State University Portland, OR
#3 Oregon Health & Science University Portland, OR

How We Rank Schools

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At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Portland

Best Online Colleges in Portland

  1. Multnomah University
    Location

    Portland, OR

    One of the best online colleges in Portland, Multnomah offers 13 online programs. Students can choose from three bachelor's and 10 master's options. Learners can earn degrees like an online bachelor's in business management, an online MA in nonprofit management, and an online MA in Christian leadership.

    Online programs typically last 2-4 years and begin in the fall and spring. The university delivers most online coursework asynchronously, although some courses feature synchronous components as well.

    Minimum GPA requirements vary depending on the program. Standardized test scores may be required for some applicants.

  2. Portland State University
    Location

    Portland, OR

    Tuition

    $13758

    Since its founding in 1946, PSU has grown into one of the best accredited online colleges in Portland. Overseeing 23 undergraduate and 21 graduate programs for online learners, PSU offers diverse degree options. Select options include an online bachelor's in social work and an online master's in public health practice.

    PSU's online courses may run entirely asynchronously or feature synchronous sessions. The university offers courses in the fall, spring, summer, and winter. Students can start at the beginning of any term.

    Prospective undergraduates need a high school diploma with a minimum 2.5 GPA (or the GED equivalent). Graduate applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  3. Oregon Health & Science University
    Location

    Portland, OR

    Founded in 1910 as a hospital training school, OHSU is now one of top online colleges in Portland. The school offers online nursing programs. Distance learners can enroll in an online RN-to-BSN program. They can also pursue a master's in nursing education and a health systems and organizational leadership certificate.

    OHSU's online programs typically start in the fall and offer full-time and part-time study options. All OHSU students pay the same tuition rate, no matter where they live. Most online classes run asynchronously, though some programs may feature in-person intensives. Prospective students need a minimum 2.8 GPA. Medical school applicants need an MCAT score of at least 497.

Top Degree Programs in Portland

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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