Best Community Colleges in Oregon

Hannah Muniz
By
Updated on October 18, 2024
Edited by
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A guide to educational opportunities offered at the best community colleges in Oregon and career paths that await graduates.

Oregon’s community colleges offer more than just a basic two-year associate degree. The state’s Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development focuses on higher education on many levels. That includes training in basic skills for “adulting,” technical training, and affordable strategies for budget-conscious learners.

Whether a student is strained for time or money, the community colleges in Oregon offer options to fit anyone’s schedule or budget. Not only will Oregon’s best community colleges get you ready to pursue a job, they’ll also help you find a career where you thrive.

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Best Accredited Community Colleges in Oregon

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Best Community Colleges in Oregon

North Dakota State College of Science

  • Location-markerWahpeton, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

At NDSCS, learners can select a degree or certificate in one of 13 academic areas, including human services, liberal arts, or information technology. The liberal arts transfer option features more than 24 majors that degree-seekers can complete in two years. This North Dakota community college offers courses on its Wahpeton and Fargo campuses as well as online.

The Academic Services Center at NDSCS offers academic and career counseling, in addition to college-readiness courses such as effective reading and college writing. The center also boasts educational resources for English language learners. In addition, flex-time courses allow degree-seekers to learn at an individual pace; students can take up to nine months to complete a course.

NDSCS accepts GED certificates. Applicants who possess transfer credit from a school within the North Dakota University System do not need to submit transcripts. Incoming degree-seekers with a minimum score of 22 on the ACT may qualify for college-funded scholarships. Students submit only one application to apply for all scholarship opportunities.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,928
  • Out-of-state$6,926
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled2,942
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Community Colleges in Oregon

Williston State College

  • Location-markerWilliston, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

WSC's six academic pathways feature transfer programs, career-oriented degrees, and certificates. Students planning to transfer to a four-year school can earn a degree through one of four departments. For certificate-seekers, the Trades Technology Department offers programs in agriculture, petroleum production, and welding, among other in-demand fields. Student learning outcomes at this North Dakota community college include skills in communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.

Besides awarding degrees and certificates, WSC provides over 100 workforce training and professional development programs. These short courses cover areas like transportation, technology, and first-aid skills. Local business owners can also take courses such as communicating for leadership success and resolving workplace conflict.

Prospective students can apply for the spring, summer, or fall semester. WSC considers transfer credit from foreign colleges and universities. Incoming degree-seekers without ACT or SAT scores take placement tests. Learners interested in scholarship opportunities should apply by the May 1 deadline. Additionally, students who are part of a cultural or racial minority may qualify for a tuition waiver.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,140
  • Out-of-state$4,140
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate60%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled924
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment71%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Community Colleges in Oregon

Cankdeska Cikana Community College

  • Location-markerFort Totten, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

A tribal college located in Fort Totten, CCCC serves residents living on and around the Spirit Lake Reservation. Incoming students can select from 14 academic programs, 11 of which confer an AA, AS, or AAS degree while three certificate programs prepare graduates for careers as carpenters, office technology professionals, or truck drivers.

CCCC participates in the Federal TRIO Program to assist first-generation and low-income college students. In TRIO, learners can receive academic support services at no additional cost. This North Dakota community college also hosts a Head Start program that serves pregnant students and degree-seekers' young children.

All incoming learners at CCCC take the ACCUPLACER test. The college accepts transfer credit that reflects a minimum C grade. Financial aid opportunities at this North Dakota community college include scholarships. The college uses both November 1 and March 1 scholarship deadlines. Tribal members qualify for additional scholarships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,600
  • Out-of-state$3,600
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate53%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled316
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment93%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Community Colleges in Oregon

Lake Region State College

  • Location-markerDevils Lake, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

From its Devils Lake campus, LRSC educates over 2,000 students through numerous degree and certificate programs. Learners can select from three types of academic programs: career and technical education, liberal arts (transfer), or apprenticeship. Apprenticeship programs match learners of all ages and experience levels with in-demand career fields (e.g., information technology).

LRSC features additional academic opportunities, including a GED-preparation course. This community college in North Dakota also boasts dozens of courses that active-duty service members can take on the nearby Grand Forks Air Force Base. Through a partnership with Mayville State University, degree-seekers can earn a bachelor's degree in early childhood education through LRSC.

LRSC accepts the ACT and ACCUPLACER to determine initial English and math course placement. All incoming learners also submit FAFSA results. Students with a minimum score of 18 on the ACT receive a college-funded scholarship. LRSC awards a full-tuition scholarship to incoming degree-seekers with a minimum score of 28 on the ACT, 1310 on the SAT, or 175 on the GED.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,249
  • Out-of-state$4,249
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,679
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment57%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Community Colleges in Oregon

Dakota College at Bottineau

  • Location-markerBottineau, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

DCB boasts a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, making this North Dakota community college an excellent choice for prospective students who want individualized instruction. The college offers AA, AS, and AAS degrees in diverse topics such as horticulture, photography, and human services. All transfer programs require 61 credits and take approximately two years to complete.

Like other community colleges on this ranking, DCB hosts an honors program. Incoming degree-seekers with a minimum score of 21 on the ACT and at least a 3.25 high school GPA qualify. Honors students complete specialized coursework in anatomy, literature, and U.S. history, among other topics. The program's benefits include small class sizes and networking opportunities.

DCB accepts applications throughout the year. In-state students save approximately 40% on tuition compared to out-of-state and international learners. Degree-seekers submit only one application to apply for over a dozen scholarship opportunities. Scholarships award up to $5,000 each semester and can renew if recipients maintain excellent grades.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,663
  • Out-of-state$6,344
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate59%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,080
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes

Best Online Colleges in Oregon

Why Study in Oregon?

Educational Opportunities

The state of Oregon lays out 17 career clusters summarizing the top education options at the community or technical college level. Students can explore educational opportunities that prepare them for careers in areas like agriculture, food, and natural resources; arts, information, and communications; business and management; health sciences; human resources; and industrial or engineering systems.

Students can pursue one of these 17 clusters at one of the 17 community colleges in the state. The schools are located in major Oregon cities and smaller towns, including Portland, Bend, Astoria, Salem, Roseburg, Eugene, and Tillamook.

Economy

In a recent executive summary, the state of Oregon writes “the economic outlook is bright.” People put more money aside during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state received impactful federal funding.

The state projects 100,000 additional jobs by 2022, barring any hiring or staffing challenges. The state also says that as of September 2021 there are a record amount of jobs posted. Wages increased more than 10% in the last 18 months throughout Oregon.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Oregon varies greatly depending on where a person resides in Oregon. Overall, the state ranks among the more expensive states in which to live. If the nationwide index is 100, Oregon comes in at 127. Only five states have higher costs of living.

Housing is the most expensive cost. The state admits housing instability “continues to be a major challenge.”

Cultural and Community Offerings

The Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon protects and encourages culture and arts statewide. Nine Native American tribes call Oregon home.

Oregon’s major metropolitan area of Portland offers a range of cultural activities, cuisine options, and local breweries. The city is known for its rich music scene and has several historical theaters. Portland hosts a long-running H.P. Lovecraft film festival and is the setting for the popular sketch comedy show “Portlandia.”

Climate

The Cascades divide the state, resulting in different climates for west and east of the mountain range. West of the Cascades receives more rainfall throughout the year. The Pacific Ocean helps keep temperatures mild.

In contrast, the Cascade mountains keep moisture at bay from the eastern part of the state, leading to a much drier climate. For those who don’t like thunderstorms, Oregon might be a top destination to call home. The National Centers for Environmental Information says the state rarely gets storms.

Top Degree Programs in Oregon

Oregon Employment Outlook

The state of Oregon expects to regain all the jobs lost during the pandemic by the summer of 2022. In an executive summary offered in September 2021, the state recognized that increased consumer spending is needed for this forecast to hold true. The state repeatedly says that household income is strong, even higher than before the pandemic.

The state says all industries are expected to see increased job openings, with leisure and hospitality getting a big boost after being hit hard by the pandemic.

5 In Demand Oregon Jobs


Preschool Teachers

  • Annual Average Salary: $34,190
  • Projected Job Growth, 2020-30: 38%

To become a preschool teacher in Oregon, you typically will not need a bachelor’s degree; an associate degree is sufficient. You will also need to fulfill state licensing requirements. Preschool professionals can get a job in Head Start programs, private organizations, and daycares.


Construction Managers

  • Annual Average Salary: $111,070
  • Projected Job Growth, 2020-30: 17%

This position oversees construction projects related to buildings, homes, and roads. These professionals need to be trained in all the phases of a construction project. Job candidates will need a license. A construction training partnership program between Central Oregon Community College, Facebook, and Fortis Construction gives students hands-on training to build two new Facebook data centers.


Graphic Designers

  • Annual Average Salary: $58,370
  • Projected Job Growth, 2020-30: 12%

Graphic designers create visual concepts by hand, computer, or other technologies. One in five graphic designers chose to be self-employed. Associate degrees in graphic design can be obtained at several of Oregon’s community colleges. Major brands in the state requiring graphic artist work include Nike, Harry & David, Dutch Bros. Coffee, and Columbia Sportswear.


Paralegals/Legal Assistants

  • Annual Average Salary: $58,780
  • Projected Job Growth, 2020-30: 10%

Paralegals assist lawyers throughout trials and during pre-trial preparations. These professionals may need to handle tight legal deadlines. Applicants will need an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies. Portland Community College offers a certificate and degree approved by the American Bar Association.


Electrical Engineering Technicians

  • Annual Average Salary: $67,410
  • Projected Job Growth, 2020-30: 10%

Students in this field learn how to maintain equipment that runs on electricity. Generally, these technicians work with electrical engineers in a team setting on projects. Candidates will also need to get licensed by the state. Associate degrees in this field are available at several community colleges in Oregon.


Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges in Oregon

Community colleges offer lower tuition than traditional four-year schools while still preparing students for in-demand jobs. Attending a community college is often worth it if you are pursuing a career that only requires an associate degree or a professional certification, or if you plan on transferring from community college to a four-year degree program to save money.

Yes, Oregon has good accredited and affordable community colleges. Oregon’s community colleges are built around preparing students for either higher education or to fill a job in demand. They also cater to adults looking for a career change.

Students can apply for an Oregon Promise grant if they have lived in Oregon a year prior and have a 2.5 high school GPA or a 145 on the GED test. Students may be able to find scholarships, grants, or other financial aid opportunities online or through their local community college.

Oregon is home to 17 community colleges. These colleges can be found across the state in cities and smaller towns alike.

Tuition costs at community colleges in Oregon range from a low of $105 per credit at Clatsop Community College to $130 at Chemeketa Community College. Some schools offer 50% discounts for people over the age of 65.

Feature Image: David Papazian / The Image Bank / Getty Images

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