Top 3 Data Science Programs in Oregon 2025
Oregon State University
912 data science graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
Lewis & Clark College
18 data science graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Willamette University
10 data science graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Oregon offers 8+ accredited data science 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)
Data Science Education in Oregon: Overview
Oregon offers 8 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 1,111 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 data science 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.
Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Oregon-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Oregon Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | Public | $11,145 | 84% | 78.3 |
| 2 | Lewis & Clark College | Portland, OR | Private | $61,916 | 95% | 48.1 |
| 3 | Willamette University | Salem, OR | Private | $48,000 | 87% | 44.2 |
| 4 | Portland State University | Portland, OR | Public | $8,694 | — | 42.5 |
| 5 | University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | Public | $12,240 | 78% | 41.9 |
| 6 | University of Portland | Portland, OR | Private | $54,400 | — | 35.1 |
| 7 | Linfield University | McMinnville, OR | Private | $49,810 | — | 32 |
| 8 | Pacific University | Forest Grove, OR | Private | $53,174 | — | 31.7 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Oregon: Side-by-Side
| School | Oregon State | Lewis & Clark College | Willamette | Portland State | U of Oregon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,145 | $61,916 | $48,000 | $8,694 | $12,240 |
| Graduation Rate | 84% | 95% | 87% | N/A% | 78% |
| Annual Graduates | 912 | 18 | 10 | 102 | 19 |
| Acceptance Rate | 79% | 75% | 79% | 91% | 85% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 78.3/100 | 48.1/100 | 44.2/100 | 42.5/100 | 41.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Oregon
Oregon offers 8 bachelor's-level data science 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 data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in Oregon
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #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% | 172 | 46.2 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Oregon
For graduate study, Oregon offers 3 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include Oregon State University, Portland State University, Willamette University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Oregon reaching $137,371 or more.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Oregon
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Oregon State | $11,145 | 84% | 113 | 78.3 |
| #2 Portland State | $8,694 | N/A% | 102 | 42.5 |
| #3 Willamette | $48,000 | 87% | 10 | 44.2 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Oregon
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Oregon are at Portland State University ($8,694/year), Oregon State University ($11,145/year), University of Oregon ($12,240/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 Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Oregon (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Portland State | $8,694 | $34,776 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #2 Oregon State | $11,145 | $44,580 | 1.1 years | Public |
| #3 U of Oregon | $12,240 | $48,960 | 1.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in Oregon
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data science 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.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,145 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 912 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 78.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 912 data science 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 Data Science program combines machine learning, statistical analysis, and Bayesian modeling with hands-on Python programming. The interdisciplinary approach covers the complete data lifecycle from collection to ethical analysis, preparing students for diverse data science careers.
Admission Prerequisites
- •pre-calculus or calculus for direct Engineering admission
Program Details
- Credits: 32 credits
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, OR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,916 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 75%
- • Ranking Score: 48.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 18 data science 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.
Why Choose This Program
Lewis & Clark's Data Science minor offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach combining computer science, statistics, and ethics courses with specialized facilities including a Data Cafe and High Performance Computing resources.
Program Details
- Credits: 24 credits minimum
Willamette University
Salem, OR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $48,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 44.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 10 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 44.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Portland State University
Portland, OR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,694 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 102 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 42.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 102 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 42.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (102 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Portland State's Data Science program emphasizes mathematical rigor and integrates expertise from mathematics, statistics and computer science, unlike programs that primarily focus on computer science. The program offers real-world learning through seminars, guest lectures and a practicum, while leveraging Portland's Silicon Forest location for access to a vibrant tech community.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 180
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,240 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 78% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 19 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 41.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 78% graduation rate
- 19 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (78%), program size (19 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The UO's data science program features a unique 'data science + domain' structure allowing students to apply quantitative methods to their chosen area of emphasis from ten different domain areas. As a liberal arts university, UO brings a distinctive perspective to data science education, emphasizing not only what can be done with data, but what should be done.
Admission Prerequisites
- •C- or better in 15 college preparatory courses
- •English/Language Arts 4 years
- •Mathematics 3 years
- •Science 3 years
- •Social studies 3 years
- •Second language 2 years
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Data Scientist
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Data Engineer
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Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Machine Learning Engineer opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
Data Analyst
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Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Business Intelligence Analyst opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- 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
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Oregon's 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Oregon
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Explore information technology programs in Oregon
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Data Science 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
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.