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 strong 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.

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

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 strong 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 strong 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.

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.