17 Best Community Colleges in Portland Area Oregon 2023

Best Community Colleges in Portland Area Oregon: Junior colleges on the coast of Oregon offer some of the best associate degree and certificate programs.

Since its establishment, community colleges have proven to be the best way to begin their college education for millions of Americans.

And that goes for residents of Oregon state too. Currently, there are 17 community colleges in Oregon with average annual tuition ranging between $4,676 and $7,715 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Most junior colleges in Oregon offer more than just the basic two-year associate degree, some go as far as offering career counseling, and GED preparation programs as well as transfer courses for students who want to further and earn a bachelor’s degree. 

Also, some colleges offer basic skills for “adulting,” technical training, and affordable strategies for budget-conscious learners.

Whether a student is strained for time or money, the junior colleges in the Portland area of Oregon offer options to fit anyone’s schedule or budget and prepare them ready to pursue a job and find a career where they can thrive.

Out of 17 community colleges in Oregon cities such as Portland, Bend, Astoria, Salem, Roseburg, Eugene, and Tillamook, it may be difficult to choose the best to attend. 

So here in this guide, we have researched and come up with a list of the best Oregon coast community colleges. Also, we have answered all the questions that will guide you into making the right choice.

Ready?

Welcome Aboard Scholar!!!

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Is Oregon A Good Place To Study?

Aside from Oregon being one of the most popular states in the USA, it’s also a good study abroad destination. The scenery and environment make it a cool location for studies.

Besides that, here are some of the reasons why studying in Oregon is a good choice;

• There are numerous educational opportunities in Oregon. Students can leverage the 17 career clusters that will prepare them for a higher education degree or a job after graduation.
• Furthermore, Oregon economy predictions say graduates have a chance of thriving in the state. The state projects about 100,000 additional jobs by 2022 and increased wages by over 10% in the last 18 months.
• Also, the cost of living in Oregon is moderate compared to other states of the USA.  Overall, the state ranks 5 states below the more expensive states in which to live in the USA. 
• There are a lot of cultural and community offerings in Oregon. The Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon protects and encourages culture and arts statewide. Portland in itself is a hub of cultural activities, cuisine options, and local breweries. 
• Oregon’s climate is quite favorable. Some areas receive more rainfall throughout the year while the other parts experience a much drier climate. For students who don’t like thunderstorms, Oregon might be a top destination to call home.

Among these few points are some of the reasons why Oregon is a good study destination. Also, the Portland area hosts some of the best community colleges in Oregon.

What Is The Job Outlook For Graduates in Oregon?

Oregon economy predictions say graduates have a chance of thriving in the state. The state projects about 100,000 additional jobs by 2022 and increased wages of over 10% in the last 18 months.

The state says all industries are expected to see increased job openings for all professionals.

However, the jobs in demand in Oregon include;

#1. Preschool Teachers

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

#2. Construction Managers

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

#3. Graphic Designers

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

#4. Paralegals/Legal Assistants

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

#5. Electrical Engineering Technicians

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

All of these jobs in demand are offered as courses and programs in the best community colleges in Oregon.

How Many Community Colleges Are There in Oregon?

As of 2022, Oregon is home to 17 community colleges. These colleges can be found across the state in cities and smaller towns alike.

What Is The Cost Of Community Colleges In The Coast Of Oregon?

For Oregon community colleges, the average annual tuition is approximately $4,676 for in-state students and $7,715 for out-of-state students. 

Private community colleges on the other hand have an average yearly tuition of approximately $14,004.

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17 Best Community Colleges in Portland Area Oregon

Because the kind of college you choose to study has a lot to define how well equipped you are for your career journey, we have compiled a list of the best junior colleges in Oregon that will help you in the college selection process.

Our list was based on school rankings, graduate reviews, and graduate employability rates. 

Without further ado, here are the best community colleges in Portland Oregon Area; 

#1. Mt Hood Community College

• Tuition Cost:  $6419
• Graduation Rate: 26%
• Location:  Gresham, OR

Mt Hood Community College is one of the community colleges in Oregon located outside the Portland area. Since its establishment, MHCC continuously has been on record as one of the largest community colleges in Oregon. Currently, it has a total student enrollment of over 33,000. 

In its archives are over 130 academic, professional, and apprenticeship programs that enable students to learn a trade while earning an associate degree.

Besides an associate degree, MHCC also offers baccalaureate education. Also, the college offers 31 associate programs that award transferable degrees to a university. 

MHCC maintains relationships with several four-year colleges such as Eastern Oregon University, the Oregon Institute of Technology, and Oregon State University. 

At Mt Hood Community College, there are numerous scholarships that offer over $400,000 in financial assistance each year.

#2. Tillamook Bay Community College

• Tuition Cost: $4887
• Graduation Rate: 23%
• Location: Tillamook and Coverdale OR

Tillamook Bay Community College is one of the junior colleges in Oregon that has a long list of a variety of academic, professional, and healthcare programs.

Its partnership with various public, and private colleges, and universities allows the students at Tillamook Bay Community College to proceed to a four-year institution.

In addition to associate degree programs, Tillamook Bay Community College offers pre-college, lifelong learning, and continuing education programs. 

Also, students get career counseling, transfer support, and other academic advice from the Tillamook Bay Community College tutors.

#3. Columbia Gorge Community College

• Tuition Cost: $7970
• Graduation Rate: 20%
• Location: The Dalles, OR

If you’re looking for a less populated community college in Oregon then you should apply to Columbia Gorge Community College which has just about 800 students.  

At Columbia Gorge, Community College students can enroll in on-campus, online, and hybrid courses that will earn them an associate degree or certificates.

Also, there are several transfer degree courses such as business, computer science, and education where students can transfer to a four-year institution after completing two years at Columbia Gorge Community College. 

There is also academic advising and enrollment counseling for students at CGCC from experienced tutors within 24 hours.

Students in need of financial aid can apply for the different grants and scholarship opportunities available at the college.

#4. Clackamas Community College

• Tuition Cost: $5295
• Graduation Rate: 21%
• Location: Oregon City, OR

Clackamas Community College’s main campus is located at the heart of Oregon City but it has other campuses in Clackamas and Wilsonville. 

This is one of the Oregon coast community colleges that offers professional and academic programs to earn an associate degree or certificates. 

Clackamas Community College is also one of the junior colleges in Oregon that offer several transfer degree options that allow students to easily transfer into four-year institutions. 

In addition to its academic programs, Clackamas Community College houses a small business development center.

#5. Southwestern Oregon Community College

• Tuition Cost: $9373
• Graduation Rate: 41%
• Location: Coos Bay, OR

Since its establishment in 1961, Southwestern Oregon Community College remains one of the oldest junior colleges in Oregon with over 10,000 students.

Besides offering associate degrees and professional certificates southwestern Oregon Community College also offers transfer degrees in over 12 subject areas.

Many of the courses at southwestern Oregon Community College are offered to distance education. In addition to academic studies southwestern Oregon Community College also prepares students for English language acquisition and GED preparation. The college is best known for its open-door admission policy.

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#6. Klamath Community College

• Tuition Cost: $5133
• Graduation Rate: 21%
• Location: Klamath Falls, OR

Klamath Community College is one of the best community colleges outside the Portland area in Oregon. The community college has about 1,400 students enrollment annually. 

Klamath Community College offers degrees and certificates in 5 major courses: arts, humanities, communication, and design; business, hospitality management, and technology; human resources; sciences and health services; and transportation, industry, engineering, and agriculture.

If you would like to go further to earn a four-year degree in a university, you can enroll for the Oregon Transfer Module.

And good news for all students is that Klamath Community College has a Work-study Program option and a variety of Scholarships.

#7. Chemeketa Community College

• Tuition Cost: $4570
• Graduation Rate: 15%
• Location: Salem, OR

Chemeketa Community College is one of the community colleges outside of the Portland Oregon area. Although its main campus is in Salem, Chemeketa Community College has other campuses in McMinnville, Brooks, Dallas, Euola, and Woodburn. 

Chemeketa remains one of the largest junior colleges in Oregon with over 30,000 students across three counties where they offer professional certificates, transfer degrees, and professional degrees.

Also, at Chemeketa Community College students can enroll in the dual-enrollment program that enables students to take courses through its 4 partner schools: the Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland State University, and Western Oregon University. 

#8. Blue Mountain Community College

• Tuition Cost: $10820
• Graduation Rate: 38%
• Location: Pendleton, OR

Blue Mountain Community College offers its educational services to over 2,700 students living in Baker, Morrow, and Umatilla counties.

It is one of the junior colleges in Oregon that offers many associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer programs in the arts, sciences, business, and computer science.

Blue Mountain Community College has an affiliation with other two-year and four-year colleges in Oregon which makes it an easy ride for students who want to complete a bachelor’s degree.

#9. Portland Community College

• Tuition Cost: $8541
• Graduation Rate: 15%
• Location: Portland, OR

One of the best Oregon coast community colleges in the Portland area is the Portland community college. 

Portland Community College has a total enrollment of 89,000 students across 5 counties. This makes it one of the largest Oregon coast community colleges.

Courses such as media arts, computer applications, graphic design, multimedia, and music/sonic arts thrive well at Portland Community College.

You can earn an associate degree, certificate, and professional degrees from Portland Community College. Many programs at the college can transition you into bachelor’s tracks at Portland State University.

#10. Central Oregon Community College

• Tuition Cost: $9389
• Graduation Rate: 20%
• Location: Bend, OR

Since its establishment in 1949, Central Oregon Community College remains one of the best and oldest Oregon coast community colleges. 

Central Oregon Community College has about 8,700 students offering degrees and certificate programs.

The good news about studying at Central Oregon Community College is that you can design your own course of study.

Also, beyond academics, the Central Oregon Community College’s career services center helps students achieve their professional goals through counseling, internship connections, job search strategies, and a small business development center.

Other Oregon Coast Community Colleges

• Lane Community College
• Rogue Community College
• Clatsop Community College
• Umpqua Community College
• Treasure Valley Community College

Are There Online Oregon Coast Community Colleges?

Following the recent technological advancements, most community colleges do not only offer on-campus studies. Some schools offer online and hybrid programs.

Here is a list of online Oregon coast community colleges;

• Lane Community College.
• Umpqua Community College.  
• Portland Community College.  
• Klamath Community College. 
• Blue Mountain Community College.  

What Are The Best Community Colleges for Business Administration in Oregon?

Business administration is one of the top courses in community colleges in the Portland area. 

Here are some of the best Oregon coast community colleges;

• Klamath Community College. 
• Portland Community College.  
• Mt. Hood Community College.  
• Clackamas Community College.  
• Central Oregon Community College.  

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Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges in Portland Oregon Area

Does the Portland Oregon Area Have Good Community Colleges?

Yes, there are a lot of accredited junior colleges in Oregon. Across its counties are affordable community colleges that prepare students for a higher education or to start a career.

Some of the very good community colleges that offer great learning opportunities include Tillamook Bay Community College, Lane Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, and Columbia Gorge Community College.

Are There Free Oregon Coast Community Colleges?

There are no tuition-free community colleges in the Portland area.  Rather students can leverage work-study programs, grants, and scholarships to finance their way through school.

The Oregon Promise Grant will be beneficial to students who have lived in Oregon a year prior and have a 2.5 high school GPA or a 145 on the GED test. 

Are Community Colleges Worth It?

Community colleges stand as a good option for most students. 

The reason is that community colleges offer lower tuition fees than four-year universities.

It’s also a great option if your preferred course of study only requires an associate degree or a professional certification.

But generally, the choice is yours to make.

What Is the Cheapest Junior College In Oregon?

The average tuition cost in Oregon coast community colleges is between $105 to $130 per credit.

However, the cheapest community college is Clatsop Community College with tuition as low as $105 per credit. 

What Is The Most Expensive Community College in the Oregon Portland Area?

The most expensive community college in Oregon is Chemeketa Community College with a tuition cost of $130 per credit. 

Some schools offer 50% discounts for people over the age of 65.

What is The Oldest Community College In Oregon?

The oldest community college in Oregon is Central Oregon Community College, which was established in 1949.

Following our review, we see that Oregon community colleges have more than academics to offer their students. Community or junior colleges in the Portland area offer the best associate degree programs that can launch you to get a bachelor’s degree in a four-year institution or start a career straight up.

Keep in mind that Oregon coast community colleges welcome students within and outside the Portland area.

Visit the school’s website for more details about the application requirements and other information for admission.

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Good luck Scholar!!!

References

• Best Community Colleges in Oregon
• Best Community Colleges in Oregon

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