Best Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Oregon — 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Oregon residents pursuing cybersecurity degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support, starting with the Oregon Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant program exclusively for eligible Oregon students. This state-specific aid complements federal resources, allowing students to combine grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. All students—regardless of residency—can access federal aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov, which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, and other federal programs. Oregon's higher education system is overseen by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, which publishes financial aid guides and manages state-level funding initiatives.

Key Programs & Amounts

Community colleges in Oregon offer significant tuition advantages for students beginning their cybersecurity education. Schools like Portland Community College charge approximately $4,608 annually in tuition, making them highly accessible entry points. Many Oregon institutions participate in the Oregon Transfer Module, which enables seamless transfer of general education credits between community colleges and four-year universities without losing credits or financial aid eligibility. This transfer-friendly framework allows students to complete their first two years affordably, then transition to a bachelor's program while maintaining financial aid momentum. Additionally, individual institutions—particularly private universities and public research universities—offer merit-based scholarships and cybersecurity-specific scholarships for qualified applicants. Students should explore both state and institutional aid simultaneously to maximize total financial support.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a cybersecurity 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.

Oregon's cybersecurity job landscape is anchored by major employers across healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Leading employers include Providence Health, Intel, Nike, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), and the University of Oregon. These organizations employ thousands of IT and cybersecurity professionals across the state and actively recruit from local colleges and universities. The healthcare sector, represented by Providence Health and OHSU, has become a major driver of cybersecurity demand due to increasing regulatory requirements and data protection needs. Tech giants and manufacturing companies in the Portland and Hillsboro metros require robust security infrastructure, creating sustained demand for entry-level and experienced cybersecurity talent.

For comprehensive career information and current job openings in Oregon's cybersecurity sector, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides detailed occupational data and wage information for information security analysts and related roles. Major employment clusters exist in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area, which hosts the majority of tech companies and enterprise organizations requiring cybersecurity expertise. Students graduating from Oregon programs like Oregon State University, Portland State University, and George Fox University have strong placement opportunities with these major employers. The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission tracks workforce development initiatives that connect graduates with cybersecurity positions across the state. Additionally, prospective students can explore related fields through programs in Information Security in Oregon and Information Technology in Oregon to maximize career pathways.

State Transfer System

Oregon's transfer system is designed to facilitate seamless progression from associate's to bachelor's degree programs, making the state an attractive destination for students beginning their cybersecurity education at community colleges. The Oregon Transfer Module enables students to complete general education coursework at one of Oregon's 8 associate's degree-granting institutions with the confidence that their credits will transfer directly to any of the state's 4 bachelor's degree-granting institutions. This system eliminates duplicate coursework and reduces overall time-to-degree, allowing students to manage education costs effectively. Portland Community College, which awarded 87 cybersecurity completions in 2023, serves as a primary entry point for students pursuing the associate-to-bachelor's pathway. Lane Community College (22 completions) and Mt Hood Community College (16 completions) similarly support transfer-bound students through carefully articulated agreements with four-year institutions.

How Transfers Work

Articulation agreements between Oregon's community colleges and universities like Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and Portland State University specify which cybersecurity and computer science courses transfer as equivalent credits toward bachelor's degrees. Students completing an associate's degree at Portland Community College or Mt Hood Community College can transition directly into junior-level coursework at bachelor's institutions, bypassing remedial requirements and accelerating degree completion. The Oregon Opportunity Grant program provides need-based financial aid to Oregon residents at eligible institutions, supporting transfer students throughout their educational journey. For prospective students interested in exploring related transfer opportunities, Information Technology in Oregon and Computer Science in Oregon programs also participate in the transfer module system. Visit the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission website for detailed articulation agreements and transfer requirements specific to your chosen institutions.

Industry & Workforce

Oregon offers a robust cybersecurity education landscape with 12 institutions actively training the next generation of security professionals. According to IPEDS data, Oregon's cybersecurity programs awarded 144 associate's degrees and 34 bachelor's degrees in 2023, demonstrating strong academic output across multiple degree levels. Students can choose from 4 bachelor's-granting institutions and 8 associate's-granting institutions, providing flexible pathways to enter this high-demand field. The state's commitment to cybersecurity education is evident in the diversity of program offerings and the quality of institutions delivering these programs.

Salary Outlook

Oregon's geographic position as a technology hub significantly enhances cybersecurity career prospects. The Portland Metro area, Eugene-Springfield, and Salem regions host major employers including Intel, Nike, Providence Health, and Oregon Health & Science University—organizations actively recruiting cybersecurity professionals. Average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at $9,555, making Oregon an affordable option compared to the national average. Top-ranked programs like Oregon State University's bachelor's program and Portland State University's offerings combine quality education with reasonable costs. Students interested in related fields can explore Information Security in Oregon and Network Administration in Oregon for complementary career pathways.

Employment Outlook

Oregon's cybersecurity job market is experiencing steady growth driven by increased digital transformation across state industries and government agencies. The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area serves as the primary technology hub, supported by major employers and a growing tech workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon's information technology sector continues to expand, with cybersecurity roles becoming increasingly critical across healthcare, manufacturing, and tech sectors. The state's location in the Pacific Northwest tech corridor, combined with a lower cost of living compared to California and Washington, makes Oregon an attractive destination for both employers and cybersecurity professionals seeking career growth.

Salaries by Metro

Major metropolitan areas driving the cybersecurity job market include Portland, Eugene, Salem, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Bend, and Corvallis. The Portland metro area is the largest employment center, home to major technology and healthcare organizations. According to IPEDS data, Oregon has 12 institutions offering cybersecurity programs across 8 associate's and 4 bachelor's degree levels, producing 144 completions annually at the associate's level. Public four-year institutions in Oregon charge an average in-state tuition of $9,555, making cybersecurity education accessible for local students entering this growing field. The state's Oregon Transfer Module also enables seamless progression from associate's to bachelor's programs, allowing students to start their careers faster while pursuing advanced credentials. For detailed career outlook information, prospective students should consult the College Scorecard and career planning resources at top Oregon programs.

Core Requirements

Cybersecurity curricula in Oregon are designed to equip students with both foundational and advanced technical competencies. Associate's degree programs typically include core courses in networking fundamentals, systems administration, cryptography, threat analysis, security policies, and ethical hacking. Students complete 144 total completions across Oregon's associate's programs annually, reflecting strong enrollment in hands-on, applied coursework. Bachelor's degree programs build on these foundations with advanced courses in risk management, incident response, digital forensics, cloud security, secure software development, and governance frameworks. Programs often integrate real-world scenarios and industry standards, preparing graduates for certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Degree Pathways

Many of Oregon's top-ranked programs incorporate capstone projects, cybersecurity labs, and partnerships with major employers. George Fox University and Oregon Institute of Technology emphasize practical experience through simulated attack environments and collaborative projects with industry partners. Research opportunities and internships with organizations like Intel and Providence Health provide students exposure to enterprise-level security challenges. Master's programs feature specialized tracks in cloud security, governance and compliance, threat intelligence, and secure architecture design. For students exploring related fields, Information Technology in Oregon and Network Administration in Oregon offer complementary curricula that build foundational skills applicable to cybersecurity roles. The Oregon Transfer Module ensures that courses completed at community colleges like Portland Community College align with bachelor's degree programs statewide.

Online Program Growth

Oregon offers both on-campus and online cybersecurity bachelor's degree options to accommodate diverse student schedules and learning preferences. Online programs provide flexibility for working professionals, military-connected students, and those with caregiving responsibilities, eliminating geographic constraints and commute times. Southern Oregon University ($9,675 tuition) and Western Oregon University ($9,000 tuition) lead Oregon's online cybersecurity bachelor's rankings, delivering fully asynchronous or hybrid coursework while maintaining the same academic rigor as campus-based programs. These online options are particularly valuable for students in rural areas across Oregon—including Central Oregon, Southern Oregon, and the Willamette Valley—who may lack convenient access to four-year campus facilities. Online students typically enjoy lower facility costs passed through as tuition savings, though they must ensure reliable internet infrastructure and independent study discipline.

Accredited Online Options

Campus-based cybersecurity programs at schools like Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and Portland State University offer direct laboratory access, hands-on security labs, peer networking, and embedded research opportunities. On-campus students benefit from real-time faculty mentoring, industry guest speakers, and campus-based internship pipelines with Oregon employers like Intel, Nike, and Providence Health. Linfield University ($49,810 tuition) offers a hybrid model combining in-person labs with flexible coursework. Community colleges like Portland Community College provide affordable on-campus associate's credentials with strong transfer partnerships, enabling students to start locally before moving to online or campus bachelor's programs. The choice between online and campus depends on individual circumstances: working professionals typically prefer online flexibility, while recent high school graduates often benefit from campus community and hands-on resources. See national online program rankings for additional context.

Explore cybersecurity programs by city: Eugene · Klamath Falls · Portland

Portland, Oregon's largest metro area, dominates the state's cybersecurity job market and offers the most abundant employment and educational opportunities. The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area hosts Intel, Nike, major healthcare systems, and dozens of technology companies requiring comprehensive cybersecurity expertise. This region benefits from robust public transportation, a vibrant tech community, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Nearby Salem and Corvallis serve as secondary tech hubs with growing cybersecurity needs in state government and academic institutions. Eugene, home to the University of Oregon, offers a smaller but growing tech market with opportunities at OHSU and regional employers. Southern Oregon and Central Oregon (including Bend) are emerging regions with increasing cybersecurity demand from growing tech startups and remote-work companies.

Students seeking to balance affordability with proximity to employers should consider top cybersecurity programs strategically located across the state. Portland Community College, the leading producer with 87 completions annually, serves the Portland metro and offers affordable tuition at $4,608. For bachelor's degrees, Oregon State University, located in Corvallis, ranks #1 and charges in-state tuition of $11,145. Portland State University, centrally located in Portland, offers one of the state's most affordable options at $8,694 and ranks among the top master's programs. Lane Community College in Eugene produced 22 completions and charges $5,004 in tuition. The Oregon Transfer Module enables students to start at community colleges in any region and transfer seamlessly to four-year institutions, allowing flexibility in choosing between metro areas based on career goals and personal preferences.

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.