Best Data Science Degree Programs in Oregon — 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Oregon students pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The Oregon Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant program specifically for Oregon residents attending eligible institutions, providing direct financial support without loan repayment requirements. Students should begin their financial aid journey by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through Federal Student Aid, which determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Oregon's commitment to educational access means that many public institutions, including the state's leading data science programs, prioritize need-based aid packages for qualifying students.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state and federal aid, Oregon's data science programs offer institutional scholarships and assistantships. Oregon State University, which leads the state with 1,044 completions in data science, and Portland State University, with 277 completions, both maintain robust scholarship programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Many institutions also offer graduate assistantships that provide tuition support and stipends in exchange for research or teaching contributions. Students should review individual institution aid pages and contact financial aid offices directly to maximize available funding. The College Scorecard tool provides transparent data on average aid packages and net price calculations for specific schools, helping students make informed enrollment decisions. For comprehensive guidance, the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission maintains resources on state financial aid programs and transfer pathways that can reduce overall education costs.

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

Oregon attracts data science talent through a diverse portfolio of major employers spanning healthcare, technology, and consumer goods sectors. Providence Health, OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University), and related healthcare organizations drive substantial demand for data science professionals in the Portland and broader metro areas. The state's strong technology presence includes Intel, headquartered in the Beaverton-Hillsboro region, and Nike, based in the Portland area, both requiring advanced analytics and data engineering talent. These Fortune 500 companies and healthcare systems create competitive career pathways for graduates from Oregon's top programs, including Oregon State University, Portland State University, and University of Oregon. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides detailed occupational employment data for these sectors.

Beyond major corporate employers, Oregon's data science ecosystem includes government agencies, research institutions, and growing mid-market technology firms across Portland, Eugene, Salem, and Bend. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland combines academic research with healthcare innovation, creating opportunities for data scientists in clinical analytics and biomedical research. Students preparing for these opportunities should explore Computer Science in Oregon and Artificial Intelligence in Oregon programs that complement data science training. For state-specific career guidance and labor market information, visit the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission and review national best bachelor's programs to benchmark Oregon schools against peers nationally.

State Transfer System

Oregon's transfer system is one of the nation's most streamlined, enabling students to begin their data science education at community colleges and seamlessly transfer to four-year institutions. The Oregon Transfer Module (Oregon Transfer Module) ensures that general education credits earned at any community college transfer automatically to all public universities and most private institutions statewide. This system eliminates redundancy and accelerates degree completion, making it an ideal pathway for students beginning at 8 associate's degree institutions including Mt. Hood Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Central Oregon Community College, Clackamas Community College, and Linn-Benton Community College.

How Transfers Work

The associate's-to-bachelor's pathway offers significant cost advantages. Community college tuition averages $4,392–$6,012 annually, compared to $9,555 at public four-year institutions (College Scorecard). Students can complete lower-division coursework in data science fundamentals, mathematics, and programming before transferring to flagship programs at Oregon State University, University of Oregon, or Portland State University. Articulation agreements between community colleges and universities specify which courses satisfy bachelor's degree requirements, ensuring credits count toward the major. Additionally, Oregon residents may qualify for the Oregon Opportunity Grant, a need-based financial aid program that supports transfer students (Oregon Opportunity Grant). For prospective students exploring degree options at all levels, review best bachelor's programs and most affordable programs to identify ideal transfer destinations aligned with your goals and budget.

Industry & Workforce

Oregon has established itself as a premier destination for data science education, with 21 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 1,171 bachelor's degree completions in data science, demonstrating robust demand and institutional commitment to the field. Oregon State University alone accounts for 1,044 completions, making it one of the nation's most productive data science programs. Beyond traditional metrics, students benefit from Oregon's thriving tech ecosystem centered in Portland, Eugene, and the Willamette Valley, where major employers like Intel, Nike, Providence Health, and OHSU actively recruit graduates.

Salary Outlook

The state's affordability makes Oregon particularly attractive for aspiring data scientists. Average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions stands at just $9,555, significantly below the national average (College Scorecard). Oregon's top-ranked programs—including Oregon State University and Portland State University—remain among the most competitively priced options nationally while maintaining strong graduation rates. Additionally, students pursuing advanced degrees can access 3 master's programs and 2 doctoral programs across the state, providing clear pathways to specialized expertise. Oregon's strategic location in the Pacific Northwest, combined with its commitment to accessible higher education through institutions like the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission), makes it an ideal choice for building a data science career. For comparative context, explore Data Science in California or Data Science in Texas to see how Oregon stacks up nationally.

Employment Outlook

Oregon's data science job market is experiencing significant growth, supported by a robust educational pipeline and diverse employer base. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon institutions are producing substantial numbers of data science graduates to meet regional demand. In 2023, Oregon colleges and universities awarded 1,171 bachelor's degrees in data science, along with 225 master's degrees and 24 doctoral degrees, creating a well-trained workforce across multiple credential levels. The state's 21 institutions offering data science programs span community colleges, regional universities, and research-intensive institutions, ensuring accessible pathways for students at all stages of their careers.

Salaries by Metro

The primary job markets for data science professionals are concentrated in major metropolitan areas. The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area serves as Oregon's largest tech hub, alongside growing opportunities in the Eugene-Springfield and Salem regions. Oregon State University leads the state with 1,044 completions, while Portland State University contributes 277 graduates to the workforce, establishing these institutions as key talent sources for employers. Career-focused students should explore national best bachelor's programs and compare opportunities across Data Analytics in Oregon and Machine Learning in Oregon to understand the broader data science landscape. For detailed regional employment statistics and growth projections, prospective students can consult the College Scorecard and state labor data resources.

Core Requirements

Data science curricula in Oregon are designed to develop both theoretical foundations and practical skills. Core coursework typically includes statistics, linear algebra, probability theory, data structures, algorithms, and database management. Most bachelor's programs emphasize programming languages such as Python and R, alongside SQL for data manipulation. Students also complete courses in machine learning, data visualization, and business analytics to prepare for real-world applications. Many programs incorporate capstone projects where students work on industry-sponsored data challenges or research initiatives, often in collaboration with employers like Intel, Nike, and Providence Health who actively partner with Oregon institutions.

Degree Pathways

Associate's degree programs—offered at 8 institutions including Mt. Hood Community College, Chemeketa Community College, and Linn-Benton Community College—provide foundational coursework in data analysis, introductory programming, and statistics designed for workforce entry or transfer to bachelor's programs. Master's programs at Oregon State University, Portland State University, and University of Oregon offer specializations in areas such as statistical modeling, big data technologies, artificial intelligence, and domain-specific applications. Students often complete 30-36 credit hours including electives, projects, and thesis or capstone requirements. These advanced programs leverage faculty research expertise and partnerships with regional tech companies. For students interested in related fields, explore Machine Learning in Oregon and Artificial Intelligence in Oregon to see complementary specialization options available across the state (IPEDS).

Online Program Growth

Oregon offers both on-campus and online data science programs, catering to diverse student needs and circumstances. Online bachelor's programs provide flexibility for working professionals and non-traditional students seeking credentials without geographic constraints. Pacific University ranks among Oregon's top online data science programs, offering $53,174 tuition with asynchronous coursework options. George Fox University ($40,220) and Southern Oregon University ($9,675) also deliver robust online bachelor's curricula, with Southern Oregon offering particularly affordable online access. For students prioritizing cost-effectiveness with online delivery, Western Oregon University ($9,000) and Eastern Oregon University ($8,618) provide quality programs at competitive rates. These online options eliminate commuting costs and allow students to maintain employment while earning degrees—a significant advantage for career-changers and place-bound learners.

Accredited Online Options

Campus-based programs at Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and Portland State University offer traditional advantages including in-person mentorship, hands-on laboratory work, and immediate networking within regional tech hubs like Portland and Corvallis. These institutions benefit from proximity to major employers including Intel, Nike, and Providence Health, creating internship and employment pipelines. Oregon State University's 1,044 completions reflect strong campus infrastructure supporting data science education. Hybrid models increasingly bridge both worlds, combining on-campus core courses with online electives and capstone projects. Students should evaluate program structures through institution websites and consider their learning preferences, career timelines, and financial situations. The College Scorecard tool helps compare graduation rates and outcomes across online and traditional formats, enabling informed decisions aligned with individual goals and circumstances.

The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area represents Oregon's premier destination for data science professionals, combining the largest employer base with significant educational institutions and competitive compensation. Home to Intel in Beaverton-Hillsboro and Nike in Portland, this region offers unmatched career density and networking opportunities. Portland State University, located in the heart of the city, ranked #3 among Oregon's best bachelor's programs with affordable tuition at $8,694, making it an excellent choice for students targeting Portland-area opportunities. The Eugene-Springfield metro area provides an alternative hub with the University of Oregon, ranked #2 among Oregon's best bachelor's programs at $12,240 tuition, and a growing tech ecosystem. Salem, Oregon's capital, offers government and healthcare opportunities through agencies and OHSU's growing presence. For cost-conscious students, most affordable programs across these metros range from $8,618 to $9,675 annually at regional universities.

Students seeking flexibility should consider online bachelor's programs available through institutions like Pacific University and George Fox University, which serve professionals across all Oregon cities. Corvallis, home to Oregon State University—which awarded 1,044 data science completions and ranks #1 among Oregon's best bachelor's programs—offers a college-town atmosphere with strong research and internship opportunities at $11,145 tuition. Central Oregon, anchored by Bend, represents an emerging tech destination with lower costs of living and growing remote work opportunities. The Oregon Transfer Module enables seamless credit transfer between community colleges in these regions and four-year institutions, supporting flexible academic pathways. Explore Data Analytics in Oregon and Machine Learning in Oregon to identify specialized programs near your preferred city.

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