Colleges in Oregon: Universities, Trade and Technical Schools

Oregon Colleges and Schools

Many Oregonians will begin their education at one of the 17 community colleges in Oregon, which have more than 60 campus locations across the state. Nearly 300,000 students enroll each year at these publicly chartered institutions, which are represented by the Oregon Community College Association.

Others choose to enroll at one the seven public four-year universities in Oregon. The state in 2013 disbanded the Oregon University System that oversaw these institutions, and instead handed the reins to each individual organization. Oregon State University in Corvallis, Portland State University and University of Oregon in Eugene are the largest colleges in the state with annual enrollments greater than 20,000 students each.

Oregon also has many different private colleges and independent schools, as well as a host of licensed career and technical schools.

Distance Education in Oregon

Students can pursue distance education at Oregon colleges and universities, or through out-of-state colleges through the schools exempted by the Higher Education Commission or through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. The Oregon State Approving Agency for Veterans also has many programs to help eligible veterans obtain higher education through Oregon colleges.

Higher Education Initiatives in Oregon

The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission's 40-40-20 strategic plan for the year 2025 is to see at least 40 percent of Oregonians ages 25 to 64 complete a four-year degree, another 40 percent complete an associate degree or certificate program, and 20 percent earn their high school diploma or general equivalency degree. The HECC serves as single statewide organization to ensure Oregon citizens obtain a quality college education.

For more information about higher education in Oregon, visit the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).

Sources:

• Independence for Oregon's Public Universities Viewed As A Success, The Oregonian, May 13, 2016, http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2016/05/independence_for_oregons_publi.html
• Oregon Community College Association, http://www.occa17.com/
• Oregon Private Schools, https://www.oregon.gov/highered/institutions-programs/private/Documents/ODA/ODA-in-state.pdf
• Oregon Independent Schools, https://www.oregon.gov/highered/institutions-programs/private/Documents/ODA/ODA-independent.pdf