By Iris Stone
In this ranking, we examine top-value universities and colleges in Oregon. Also see our ranking of the best value online colleges and universities in Oregon.
If one were asked to describe the stereotypical Oregonian resident, the typical response would probably outline a progressive, stylish, eco-conscious activist with an affinity for organic produce and handmade goods. While we don't like to endorse stereotypes, we must admit that many of the best universities in Oregon seem to cater to this exact individual. From the Oregon College of Art and Craft, which consists almost entirely of studio art classes in areas of study like ceramics and "fibers," to Portland State University, which is popular for its socially-conscious curriculum as well as majors like Environmental Studies and Urban Planning, higher education in Oregon is undoubtedly oriented toward serving a higher purpose. Even the schools that deviate from the above description, like the religious Warner Pacific College and gargantuan Oregon State, display a level of conscientiousness and community involvement that should make residents – and students – proud.
And ultimately, when you consider how these top 15 colleges balance their budgets with the academic, social, and career benefits they offer students (the very definition of "best value," as far as we are concerned), it's not hard to see the advantages in attending a university in this state.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Oregon Colleges and Universities Based on Value
Graduation Rate: This indicator refers to the percentage of students who complete their degree within 150% of normal time (six years for a typical four-year degree program). Schools that perform well in this area have a track record of keeping students engaged and successful for their entire time on campus. We weighted this category 30% of the total and retrieved the information from College Navigator.
Net Price: In order to make sure that cost was still a factor in the ranking, we also considered overall net price as an indicator. Taken from data on College Navigator, "net price" is an approximate value that refers to the average amount of money a student could expect to pay each year after taking into account tuition, room and board, living expenses, scholarship awards, and financial aid packages. We weighted this category 25% of the total.
Acceptance Rate: Academically challenging, popular universities tend to be more selective and thus have a lower acceptance rate. In order to pinpoint those colleges that boast rigorous academics and also receive a large number of applications, we considered acceptance rate – the percentage of students out of the total number of applicants who receive an acceptance letter. We retrieved this information from College Navigator and weighted it 30% of the total.
20-Year Net Return on Investment: Taken from information on the website PayScale, this statistic provides a picture of how much students can expect to make after they graduate from a particular college. More specifically, the figure is calculated by taking the average income an alumnus will make over his or her first 20 years after graduation and subtracting the amount paid in tuition. Schools with a high ROI tend to be better at preparing their students for the job market. We weighted this category only 15% because data was not available for all colleges considered.
After adding all the points, we gave each university a final score out of 200. The schools below have scores ranging from 89 to 143, and each has something different to offer in terms of its cost, quality, and reputation. No one college is perfect (which is why the scores vary so much) but this ranking offers you a premier selection of universities to help get you started on your search for an education in Oregon.
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Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Sources:
College Navigator
Pay Scale
This concludes our ranking of best Oregon colleges and universities based on value.
About the Author:
Iris Stone began her writing career as a freelance writer and researcher. She now owns and operates a writing and editing firm that works with clients all across the country. Her work has included articles related to education policy, colleges and universities, academic programs, and careers.
