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Key Takeaways
Portland's Silicon Forest, home to Intel, Nike, and 6,000+ tech companies, creates a deep CS job market without Bay Area living costs
Portland metro CS salaries reach $116,237; Intel and Nike headquarters in Beaverton/Hillsboro drive demand for systems design and ML talent
Hakia Research 2026
Oregon State University ranks #1 with an 84% graduation rate and $11,145/yr in-state tuition, producing 1,032 CS completions annually
OSU is a national-scale CS program; University of Oregon follows at #2 with a CAE-R research designation and $12,240/yr tuition
Oregon CS graduates earn a $105,670 median salary with 22% projected job growth through 2032
81,000+ tech workers are employed statewide, concentrated in the Portland-Beaverton-Hillsboro corridor
Tillamook Bay Community College offers the cheapest associate's pathway at $3,888/yr across 11 community college programs
The Oregon Transfer Module guarantees credit transfer from all 33 community colleges to four-year institutions
Portland State University provides an affordable urban option at $8,694/yr with direct access to Portland's employer ecosystem
The Oregon Opportunity Grant offers need-based aid for residents, and average public in-state tuition is $9,555/yr statewide
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Oregon Computer Science programs
We rank 30 accredited computer science programs in Oregon using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Science Degree Programs in Oregon Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Science Degree Rankings in Oregon
Compare the top-ranked Computer Science programs in Oregon by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Science Programs in Oregon
Program Landscape
Oregon offers 11 accredited associate's degree programs in computer science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Chemeketa Community College, Linn-Benton Community Col..., Mt Hood Community College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Oregon offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,856/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $58,119 in Oregon.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Oregon's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Intel, Nike, Salesforce hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer science schools in Oregon, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer science degrees in Oregon.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Programs in Oregon
Program Landscape
Oregon ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer science education, with 13 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 public and 7 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Oregon State, U of Oregon, Lewis & Clark College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Oregon computer science programs earn a median salary of $89,820, 9% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Intel, Nike, Salesforce.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,618 to $66,710 annually, with an average of $33,354/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, with the highest reaching 95%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Oregon's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer science degrees in Oregon, these top-ranked computer science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Portland State University | Portland, OR | Public | $9,114 | 53% | 70.5 |
| #7 | Pacific University | Forest Grove, OR | Private nonprofit | $55,036 | 67% | 67.5 |
| #8 | Corban University | Salem, OR | Private nonprofit | $37,172 | 61% | 62.8 |
Best Master's Computer Science Programs in Oregon
Program Landscape
Oregon offers 3 master's degree programs in computer science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Oregon State, Portland State, U of Oregon, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Oregon earn a median salary of $105,670, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Intel, Nike, Salesforce actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $10,693/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Oregon's computer science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Computer Science Programs in Oregon
Program Landscape
Oregon is home to 3 doctoral programs in computer science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Oregon State, U of Oregon, Portland State are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Oregon PhD holders earning a median of $132,088, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Intel, Nike, Salesforce.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Oregon programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer science degrees in Oregon, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Computer Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Oregon
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $20,292/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $50,730/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,073/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $121,752 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $30,438 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Science Students in Oregon
State Aid Programs
Oregon residents pursuing computer science degrees have access to multiple financial aid resources designed to make higher education affordable. The primary state-funded opportunity is the Oregon Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant program exclusively for Oregon residents attending eligible institutions. This grant supplements federal aid and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for students from low- to middle-income families. All students, regardless of state residency, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through StudentAid.gov to access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The FAFSA opens October 1st annually and determines eligibility for Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and other federal assistance programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, Oregon's computer science institutions offer competitive institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. Many schools, including those ranked on national best programs lists, provide additional funding for high-achieving students or those in specialized tracks. Community colleges like Chemeketa Community College and Mt Hood Community College offer particularly affordable entry points with strong transfer agreements through the Oregon Transfer Module, allowing students to complete general education requirements at lower cost before transferring to four-year institutions. The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) maintains a comprehensive database of scholarships and aid programs. Students should also explore employer partnerships, as major Oregon tech employers like Intel and Providence Health sometimes offer tuition assistance or internship-to-employment pathways for computer science graduates.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator, Oregon
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree in Oregon. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+854%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,580,373
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$112,500
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Oregon metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Portland | $116K |
| Beaverton | $111K |
| Hillsboro | $106K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Science Graduates in Oregon
Oregon attracts computer science talent through major employers spanning healthcare, technology, athletic goods, and research sectors. Providence Health, Intel, Nike, OHSU, and Oregon Health & Science University represent the state's largest employers recruiting computer science professionals. These organizations create diverse career pathways, from software development and systems architecture to data analysis and cybersecurity roles. The concentration of these employers in the Portland Metro and Willamette Valley regions creates competitive salary packages and strong advancement opportunities for graduates from Oregon's top computer science programs.
Intel and Nike, headquartered in the Portland Metro area (Beaverton and Hillsboro regions), drive significant demand for computer science talent with emphasis on systems design, machine learning, and enterprise software development. Healthcare organizations including Providence Health and OHSU represent another major employment sector, where computer science professionals develop electronic health records systems, medical imaging software, and health informatics platforms. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these sectors offer competitive compensation and strong job security. IPEDS data shows that Oregon's educational institutions produce graduates well-suited to these employers' technical requirements.
Students interested in employer-specific career pathways should explore internship opportunities at these organizations through their chosen university's career services office. Top programs like Oregon State University and Portland State University maintain direct partnerships with major employers. For broader context on computer science career opportunities, review national best computer science programs to understand how Oregon institutions rank nationally.
Transfer Pathways for Computer Science Degrees in Oregon
State Transfer System
Oregon's streamlined transfer system makes it easy for students to begin at community colleges and transition to four-year institutions. The Oregon Transfer Module enables seamless transfer of general education credits across 33 two-year institutions in the state, eliminating duplicate coursework and saving students time and money. This system is particularly valuable for computer science students, as it allows completion of foundational mathematics and general education requirements at community colleges like Chemeketa Community College, Mt Hood Community College, and Linn-Benton Community College before pursuing upper-level computer science coursework at universities. In 2023, Oregon's community colleges produced 109 associate's degree completions in computer science, with many graduates continuing to four-year programs. The Oregon Transfer Module ensures credits earned at community colleges count directly toward bachelor's degrees (Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission).
How Transfers Work
Specific articulation agreements between community colleges and Oregon's 33 four-year institutions help smooth transitions for computer science students. Oregon State University, Portland State University, and University of Oregon actively recruit transfer students and have established pathways for associate's degree holders. Transfer students enter as juniors with junior-level standing, allowing them to complete bachelor's degrees in two years. This pathway is especially cost-effective given Oregon's public in-state tuition average of just $9,555 annually, combined with community college rates averaging $4,545-$6,012 per year. Prospective students should contact their community college's transfer advisor and target university to confirm specific course equivalencies and application timelines. For additional context on affordable pathways, explore most affordable computer science programs and data science in Oregon for related transfer-friendly programs.
Why Pursue a Computer Science Degree in Oregon?
Industry & Workforce
Oregon has established itself as a premier destination for computer science education, with 34 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 1,328 bachelor's degree completions in 2023, demonstrating strong enrollment and workforce development in technology. Oregon State University alone accounts for 1,032 completions, establishing it as a national powerhouse in computer science education. Beyond traditional four-year institutions, 13 community colleges provide accessible associate's degree pathways, with 109 completions annually, offering students affordable entry points into the field.
Salary Outlook
Oregon's geography positions students near major technology employers and innovation hubs. The Portland Metro region hosts significant operations for Intel, Nike, and Providence Health, creating strong internship and employment opportunities. Eugene and Salem provide additional career pathways through OHSU and Oregon Health & Science University. Public in-state tuition averages just $9,555 annually for four-year institutions (Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission), making Oregon considerably more affordable than national averages. Oregon residents also benefit from the Oregon Opportunity Grant, a need-based financial aid program supporting eligible students. For those seeking flexibility, explore best online computer science programs and most affordable computer science options nationally to compare Oregon's competitive advantages.
Oregon's Tech Ecosystem
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024, Oregon Business, Silicon Forest
Computer Science Job Market & Salary Data in Oregon
Employment Outlook
Oregon's computer science job market is strong and growing, supported by a diverse technology sector spanning multiple metropolitan regions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon offers competitive employment opportunities for computer science professionals across Portland, Eugene, Salem, and emerging tech hubs in Beaverton and Hillsboro. The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area serves as the state's primary technology employment center, home to Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups. The Willamette Valley region, anchored by Salem and Corvallis, provides additional opportunities in both industry and research-focused positions.
Salaries by Metro
Oregon's higher education system produces 1,328 bachelor's degree completions annually in computer science (IPEDS), feeding a strong pipeline of talent into the state's tech industry. The state's 34 institutions offering computer science programs at various levels show the accessibility and diversity of educational pathways available to students. Oregon State University alone contributes 1,032 completions to this pipeline, making it the dominant educational supplier for the region's talent needs. For detailed salary data and employment projections specific to computer science roles in Oregon, prospective students should consult the College Scorecard and BLS resources.
High-Growth Sectors
Students can explore related career pathways through specialized degree programs. Consider investigating Software Engineering in Oregon, Data Science in Oregon, Artificial Intelligence in Oregon, and Cybersecurity in Oregon to understand how computer science education connects to adjacent specializations and emerging job markets.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Science Programs in Oregon
Online Programs
4 available in Oregon
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $7,900
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 141
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 156
- Median Tuition
- $19,000
- Total Programs
- 89
- Median Tuition
- $40,400
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Computer Science Degree Programs in Oregon: FAQ
What are the best computer science degree programs in Oregon?
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Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Oregon salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.