Updated December 2025

Best Computer Programming Programs in Oregon: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 7 top accredited computer programming programs in Oregon. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro.

Programs Ranked:7
Median Salary:$105,670
Cost of Living:102.9%
Tech Hubs:3

Top 3 Computer Programming Programs in Oregon 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Oregon State University

Corvallis, ORPublic

912 computer programming graduates annually, 84% graduation rate

$11K
Tuition/yr
84%
Grad Rate
78.3
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Lewis & Clark College

Portland, ORPrivate

18 computer programming graduates annually, 95% graduation rate

$62K
Tuition/yr
95%
Grad Rate
48.1
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Willamette University

Salem, ORPrivate

5 computer programming graduates annually, 87% graduation rate

$48K
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad Rate
43.1
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Oregon offers 7+ accredited computer programming programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Oregon State University leads with 84% graduation rate
  • 3.Oregon software developers earn median $105,670 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro
  • 5.Cost of living index: 102.9% of US average (above average)

Computer Programming Education in Oregon: Overview

Oregon offers 7 accredited computer programming programs, producing approximately 1,067 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, with major employers including Intel, Nike, Salesforce.

With a median software developer salary of $105,670 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 102.9% compared to the US average, Oregon offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.

The top computer programming programs in the state are led by Oregon State University, Lewis & Clark College, Willamette University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 7 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Computer Programming degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Oregon-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Oregon Computer Programming Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Oregon State UniversityCorvallis, ORPublic$11,14584%78.3
2Lewis & Clark CollegePortland, ORPrivate$61,91695%48.1
3Willamette UniversitySalem, ORPrivate$48,00087%43.1
4Portland State UniversityPortland, ORPublic$8,694โ€”41.6
5University of PortlandPortland, ORPrivate$54,400โ€”35.1
6Linfield UniversityMcMinnville, ORPrivate$49,810โ€”32
7Pacific UniversityForest Grove, ORPrivate$53,174โ€”30.2

Top 5 Computer Programming Programs in Oregon: Side-by-Side

SchoolOregon StateLewis & Clark CollegeWillamettePortland StateU of Portland
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$11,145
$61,916
$48,000
$8,694
$54,400
Graduation Rate
84%
95%
87%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
912
18
5
87
38
Acceptance Rate
79%
75%
79%
91%
95%
Type
Public
Private
Private
Public
Private
Score
78.3/100
48.1/100
43.1/100
41.6/100
35.1/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Programming in Oregon

Oregon offers 7 bachelor's-level computer programming programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Oregon State University, Lewis & Clark College, Portland State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $73,969 in the Oregon market.

A bachelor's in computer programming typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs in Oregon

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Oregon State
$11,145
84%
912
78.3
#2 Lewis & Clark College
$61,916
95%
18
48.1
#3 Portland State
$8,694
N/A%
160
45.6

Top Computer Programming Schools for Master's Degrees in Oregon

For graduate study, Oregon offers 2 master's-level computer programming programs. Leading institutions include Oregon State University, Portland State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Oregon reaching $137,371 or more.

Top 3 Computer Programming Master's Programs in Oregon

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Oregon State
$11,145
84%
103
78.3
#2 Portland State
$8,694
N/A%
87
41.6

Most Affordable Computer Programming Colleges in Oregon

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer programming programs in Oregon are at Portland State University ($8,694/year), Oregon State University ($11,145/year), Willamette University ($48,000/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Oregon's competitive tech salaries.

At Portland State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $34,776 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $73,969, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.9 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs in Oregon (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Portland State
$8,694
$34,776
0.9 years
Public
#2 Oregon State
$11,145
$44,580
1.1 years
Public
#3 Willamette
$48,000
$192,000
4.9 years
Private

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Programming Schools in Oregon

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer programming programs in Oregon, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#11 Designation

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $11,145 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 912 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 78.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 84% graduation rate
  • 912 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 78.3 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (912 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Oregon State's Computer Science program offers strong industry partnerships with companies like NVIDIA, Amazon, and Google, plus access to one of the nation's fastest supercomputers. The program provides multiple specialization tracks and both on-campus and online degree options with comprehensive research opportunities across cutting-edge areas like AI, cybersecurity, and robotics.

Program Accreditations & Designations
ABET
Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขfour years of mathematics
  • โ€ขfour years of science
  • โ€ขfour years of English
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
  • Credits: 180
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Applied Computer ScienceComputer SystemsCybersecurityComputer Science Double Degree
#2

Lewis & Clark College

Portland, OR โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $61,916 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 18 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 48.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 95% graduation rate
  • 18 computer programming graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 48.1 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (75% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

Willamette University

Salem, OR โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $48,000 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 5 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 43.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 87% graduation rate
  • 5 computer programming graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 43.1 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#41 Designation

Portland State University

Portland, OR โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,694 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 87 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 41.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 87 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 41.6 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (87 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

PSU's Computer Science program blends core programming, systems, and theory courses with diverse electives covering AI to cloud development, while offering paid internships with major tech companies like Intel and Nike. The program features world-class labs, expert faculty with industry experience, and an 85% job placement rate with starting salaries exceeding $90,000.

Program Accreditations & Designations
ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
Program Details
  • Credits: 180 credits
Career Outcomes
  • Starting Salary: more than $90,000
  • Job Placement: 85% job placement for graduates
  • Top Employers: Intel, Nike, Amazon, Zoom
Available Specializations / Concentrations
artificial intelligencemachine learningweb and cloud development
#5

University of Portland

Portland, OR โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $54,400 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 38 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 95%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 35.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 38 computer programming graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 35.1 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (38 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (95% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

University of Portland's Computer Science program offers small class sizes with design experiences integrated across all four years, culminating in a capstone project, while emphasizing ethical leadership development rooted in the Holy Cross tradition. Students benefit from undergraduate research opportunities and access to the Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation with virtual and augmented reality resources.

Admissions
  • Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
  • Top Employers: Amazon, Garmin, Apple, Daimler
Available Specializations / Concentrations
artificial intelligencemachine learningroboticscomputer networkscomputer securitybig data analytics
$73,969
Starting Salary
$105,670
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
6,371
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$105,802

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$96,579

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$100,615

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$123,690
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$119,114

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Oregon if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro
  • You're seeking competitive salaries ($105,670 median)
  • You want to work at companies like Intel or Nike
  • You prefer Oregon's quality of life
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Oregon's 7)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)

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Computer Programming Programs in Other States

Computer Programming in Oregon FAQ

Related Resources

Data Sources & Methodology

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Oregon salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

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