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Key Takeaways
Best machine learning degree programs: Oregon State, Lewis & Clark College, Portland State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,032 to $61,916/year
Clackamas Community College offers the most affordable option at $5,535/yr
Machine Learning degree programs available: 5 associate's, 3 master's, 3 doctoral in Oregon
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online machine learning degree programs in Oregon
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Oregon community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Intel, Nike, Salesforce, Autodesk
Tech hubs in Portland and Beaverton
Hakia Research 2026
Machine Learning degree programs near 33+ cities across Oregon
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Oregon Machine Learning programs
We rank 19 accredited machine learning 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.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Oregon
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Oregon by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Machine Learning Programs in Oregon
Program Landscape
Oregon offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in machine learning, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Clackamas Community College, Lane Community College, Rogue 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 $4,822/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 machine learning schools in Oregon, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their machine learning degrees in Oregon.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Oregon
Program Landscape
Oregon ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 5 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Oregon State, Lewis & Clark College, Portland State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Oregon machine learning 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 $8,694 to $61,916 annually, with an average of $37,102/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 89%, 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 machine learning degrees in Oregon, these top-ranked machine learning 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 | Linfield University | McMinnville, OR | Private | $49,810 | — | 37.1 |
| #7 | Southern Oregon University | Ashland, OR | Public | $9,675 | — | 35.3 |
| #8 | Pacific University | Forest Grove, OR | Private | $53,174 | — | 33.5 |
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in Oregon
Program Landscape
Oregon offers 3 master's degree programs in machine learning, 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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in Oregon
Program Landscape
Oregon is home to 3 doctoral programs in machine learning, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Oregon State, Portland State, U of Oregon 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 machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in Oregon
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $23,798/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $59,495/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,950/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $142,788 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $35,696 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students in Oregon
State Aid Programs
Oregon residents pursuing machine learning degrees have access to multiple funding pathways designed to reduce out-of-pocket education costs. The primary state-level aid program is the Oregon Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant program exclusively for Oregon residents attending eligible institutions. This grant complements federal aid options, including loans and work-study opportunities available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All Oregon students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans, and other federal aid programs that can significantly reduce overall borrowing costs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions in Oregon offer additional merit-based and need-based scholarships to machine learning students. Oregon State University, the state's leading ML program with 1,036 completions, and Portland State University, with 268 completions, both provide institutional aid packages to qualifying students. Community colleges in Oregon, such as Mt Hood Community College and Chemeketa Community College, offer tuition rates starting as low as $4,392 annually, making them excellent entry points for students considering the Oregon Transfer Module, which enables seamless transfer of general education credits to four-year institutions. For detailed information on all available aid options, prospective students should consult the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission and explore institution-specific financial aid offices.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Oregon
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+959%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,774,135
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.
$120,833
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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Graduates in Oregon
Oregon hosts several major employers actively recruiting machine learning talent across diverse sectors. Providence Health, Intel, Nike, and OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University) represent significant employers leveraging machine learning for healthcare innovation, semiconductor manufacturing, athletic technology, and medical research respectively. These organizations are concentrated primarily in the Portland Metro and Willamette Valley regions, creating strong career markets for graduates of nearby institutions. The BLS occupational data for Oregon tracks employment trends across these sectors, providing insights into salary ranges and job growth projections. Machine learning professionals in Oregon can explore career opportunities spanning healthcare informatics, supply chain optimization, consumer analytics, and advanced manufacturing.
Educational partnerships between employers and Oregon's top-ranked programs strengthen career outcomes. Oregon State University's machine learning program leads the state with 1,036 program completions, positioning graduates for employment with major corporations. Similarly, Portland State University with 268 completions maintains strong industry connections in the Portland Metro area where Intel and Nike maintain significant operations. University of Oregon contributes 17 completions focused on research and applied machine learning. For comprehensive salary and employment data, prospective students should consult the College Scorecard and BLS resources to evaluate return on educational investment and career advancement potential across Oregon's employer landscape.
Transfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Oregon
State Transfer System
Oregon offers strong transfer pathways for students pursuing machine learning degrees across institution types. The state's Oregon Transfer Module is a statewide system that enables seamless credit transfer of general education requirements between institutions, eliminating redundant coursework and accelerating degree completion. Students can begin their machine learning education at one of Oregon's 7 community colleges offering associate's degrees in machine learning, then transfer directly to bachelor's programs at four-year institutions. Mt Hood Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Linn-Benton Community College, Central Oregon Community College, and Clackamas Community College provide affordable, high-quality foundational coursework at costs ranging from $4,392 to $5,817 annually (IPEDS).
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between Oregon community colleges and universities streamline the transition to bachelor's programs. Students completing an associate's degree in machine learning can transfer up to 90 credits toward bachelor's degrees at institutions like Oregon State University, Portland State University, and University of Oregon, reducing both time to degree and overall education costs. This pathway proves particularly valuable for working professionals and students from underrepresented backgrounds seeking affordable entry into tech careers. The Oregon Opportunity Grant provides additional need-based financial support for eligible Oregon residents throughout their transfer journey. For students seeking alternative formats, online bachelor's programs and most affordable programs offer flexibility. Consult your community college advisor about transfer requirements and explore computer science in Oregon programs that may complement your machine learning focus.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Oregon?
Industry & Workforce
Oregon has established itself as a hub for machine learning education and innovation, with 21 institutions offering machine learning programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state's strong academic foundation is anchored by leading universities like Oregon State University, which leads the nation in machine learning completions with 1,036 graduates, followed by Portland State University with 268 completions. These numbers reflect Oregon's commitment to preparing students for careers in one of the fastest-growing fields in technology. Whether you're pursuing an associate's degree in machine learning or a doctoral program, Oregon institutions provide comprehensive pathways to expertise.
Salary Outlook
Oregon's strategic location within the Pacific Northwest technology corridor offers opportunities for hands-on learning and career placement. Major employers including Intel, Nike, Providence Health, and Oregon Health & Science University actively recruit machine learning graduates, creating a strong job market for skilled professionals. The state's affordability stands out: public four-year institutions charge an average of $9,555 in-state tuition, significantly lower than the national average (College Scorecard). Students can access additional support through the Oregon Opportunity Grant, a need-based financial aid program for eligible residents. Explore related fields like artificial intelligence in Oregon and data science in Oregon to build a comprehensive technical skillset.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024, Oregon Business, Silicon Forest
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Oregon
Employment Outlook
Oregon's machine learning job market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a diverse economy spanning technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. The state's major metropolitan areas. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Eugene-Springfield, and Salem, represent key employment hubs for machine learning professionals. According to BLS occupational data, Oregon's tech sector continues to expand, with opportunities concentrated in the Portland Metro area where major technology companies and established corporations are expanding their data science capabilities. The state's machine learning programs are preparing graduates to meet this demand, with 1,137 bachelor's degree completions reported across 8 institutions in 2023, indicating strong pipeline development.
Salaries by Metro
Career pathways in Oregon are strengthened by the state's transfer-friendly education system. The Oregon Transfer Module enables seamless progression from associate's to bachelor's programs, allowing students to start at community colleges offering machine learning training before transferring to four-year institutions. This pathway is particularly valuable given that 7 associate's programs produced 25 completions in 2023, offering affordable entry points with average costs around $4,500–$6,000 annually. For prospective students, exploring Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission resources provides comprehensive labor market insights aligned with state economic priorities. Graduates can also leverage Federal Student Aid and Oregon Opportunity Grants to manage education costs while building machine learning expertise.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Oregon
Online Programs
1 available in Oregon
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
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Machine Learning Degree Programs in Oregon: FAQ
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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.