Best Mobile Development Degree Programs in Oregon — 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Oregon residents pursuing mobile development degrees have access to targeted state financial aid programs designed to reduce educational costs. The Oregon Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant program available to eligible Oregon residents attending participating institutions, providing direct support that does not require repayment. This state-level funding complements federal aid opportunities available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens doors to grants, loans, and work-study programs. All students, regardless of state residency, can access federal aid by completing the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov, which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and other federal programs.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state and federal grants, many Oregon institutions offering mobile development programs provide institutional scholarships and financial aid packages. Public four-year institutions in Oregon average $9,555 in in-state tuition, making state universities significantly more affordable than private alternatives (IPEDS). Community colleges offer an especially budget-friendly pathway, with institutions like Portland Community College charging $4,608 annually. Students should explore scholarship opportunities directly through their chosen institution and consult the College Scorecard to compare net price and aid availability across Oregon's mobile development programs. The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission provides additional resources and program information for prospective students.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a mobile development 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 mobile development sector is anchored by major employers spanning healthcare, technology, and consumer goods industries. Key employers include Providence Health, OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University), Intel, Nike, and numerous mid-sized tech firms concentrated in the Portland Metro and Willamette Valley regions. Providence Health and OHSU represent significant opportunities for mobile developers in healthcare IT and digital health solutions, while Intel and Nike drive innovation in technology infrastructure and consumer applications. These employers actively recruit from Oregon's top-ranked programs, particularly Oregon State University, which leads the state with 1,032 completions, and Portland State University, which has produced 251 completions.

The geographic distribution of employers creates distinct career opportunities across Oregon's major cities and regions. The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area hosts the densest concentration of tech employers, including Intel's significant operations in Hillsboro and Nike's headquarters in Beaverton. The Willamette Valley region, encompassing Salem and Corvallis, supports additional opportunities through state government agencies and Oregon State University's proximity to tech innovation hubs. Career seekers can leverage the Bureau of Labor Statistics state data to research occupation-specific salary and employment trends. For related career exploration, consider Computer Programming in Oregon and UX Design in Oregon, which represent adjacent professional pathways with significant overlap in Oregon's employer landscape.

State Transfer System

Oregon has implemented a robust transfer system designed to facilitate seamless progression from community colleges to four-year universities. The Oregon Transfer Module enables students to transfer general education credits between eligible institutions without duplication or loss of academic progress. With 10 associate's degree programs in mobile development offered across institutions like Portland Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Lane Community College, Chemeketa Community College, and Linn-Benton Community College, students can complete foundational coursework affordably before transferring. The average community college tuition ranges from $4,392 to $5,817, compared to four-year public institution averages of $9,555, allowing students to save significant tuition costs during their first two years.

How Transfers Work

Transfer pathways from Oregon's 33 community colleges to its 33 four-year institutions create flexible entry points for mobile development studies. Many two-year institutions have established articulation agreements with leading bachelor's-degree-granting schools, ensuring that credits earned in mobile development coursework transfer directly toward degree completion. Students completing an associate's degree at Portland Community College, for example, can transition smoothly to four-year programs at Oregon State University, University of Oregon, or Portland State University with junior-standing status. The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission oversees these transfer agreements and maintains comprehensive documentation of program pathways. For financial support during transfer, Oregon residents may qualify for the Oregon Opportunity Grant, a need-based aid program available at participating institutions. Students can research specific program options through the College Scorecard and should connect with transfer counselors at their community college. Explore similar transfer-friendly pathways in related fields like Web Development and UX Design.

Industry & Workforce

Oregon has established itself as a significant hub for mobile development education and technology innovation. With 21 institutions offering mobile development programs across all degree levels—including 7 bachelor's programs, 10 associate's programs, 2 master's programs, and 2 doctoral programs—students have diverse pathways to enter this growing field (IPEDS). Oregon State University leads the state with an impressive 1,032 completions in mobile development, followed by Portland State University with 251 completions, demonstrating the strength of comprehensive programs throughout the state.

Salary Outlook

The state's geographic advantage positions students near major technology employers and innovation centers. Portland, Eugene, Salem, Beaverton, and Hillsboro host significant operations from companies like Intel, Nike, and Providence Health, creating abundant internship and employment opportunities for graduates. Oregon's cost of education remains competitive, with average public four-year in-state tuition at $9,555—substantially lower than the out-of-state average of $26,691. Students can further reduce costs through the Oregon Opportunity Grant, a need-based financial aid program for eligible Oregon residents. For those seeking advanced degrees, Oregon's top-ranked master's programs at Oregon State University and Portland State University provide pathways to specialized roles in mobile application architecture and development leadership. Compare Oregon's programs with comparable offerings in California and Texas to see how the state's education costs and program quality stack up nationally.

Employment Outlook

Oregon's mobile development job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a robust technology sector concentrated in major metropolitan areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon has a thriving tech workforce across Portland, Eugene, Salem, and Beaverton. The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area serves as the primary hub for mobile development opportunities, with significant employment concentrated in tech companies, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $9,555, making education in mobile development relatively accessible compared to national averages.

Salaries by Metro

Oregon's higher education system produces a substantial talent pipeline for the mobile development field. The state has 21 institutions offering mobile development programs across multiple credential levels, including 7 bachelor's-granting institutions, 2 master's-granting institutions, and 10 associate's programs (IPEDS). In 2023, Oregon institutions awarded 1,135 bachelor's degrees, 190 master's degrees, and 43 associate's degrees in mobile development, demonstrating strong program capacity. Career pathways are further supported by the Oregon Transfer Module, which enables seamless credit transfer between institutions, and the Oregon Opportunity Grant, which provides need-based financial aid to resident students. For more information on career pathways, explore Web Development in Oregon and Software Engineering in Oregon, which represent complementary career tracks in the state's tech ecosystem.

Core Requirements

Mobile development programs in Oregon provide comprehensive curricula designed to equip students with both foundational and specialized technical skills. Core coursework typically includes programming fundamentals, object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms—the building blocks necessary for any mobile platform. Most bachelor's programs require courses in iOS development, Android development, cross-platform frameworks (such as React Native and Flutter), user interface design, and mobile application architecture. Advanced topics often include cloud computing integration, mobile security, performance optimization, and backend API development. Programs emphasize hands-on learning through project-based courses and capstone experiences where students develop complete, production-quality mobile applications.

Degree Pathways

Specialized coursework at Oregon's leading institutions reflects current industry demands and emerging technologies. Students may pursue electives in machine learning for mobile applications, augmented reality development, game development for mobile platforms, or enterprise mobile solutions. Master's programs at Oregon State University and Portland State University incorporate research seminars, advanced software engineering methodologies, and opportunities for thesis work or capstone projects. Many programs integrate partnerships with regional tech employers—including Intel, Nike, and OHSU—allowing students to work on real-world problems and build professional networks. The emphasis on practical development translates directly to employment readiness. Explore related technical disciplines through programs in Computer Programming and UX Design to develop complementary expertise in the mobile technology ecosystem.

Online Program Growth

Oregon offers diverse delivery formats for mobile development education, catering to different student needs and schedules. Campus-based programs dominate the state's offerings, with 7 institutions offering bachelor's degrees and 2 institutions providing master's programs (IPEDS). However, online options are expanding, with the University of Oregon ranking as the top online mobile development program in the state at $12,240 in-state tuition. Other online alternatives include George Fox University at $40,220 and Pacific University at $53,174, providing flexibility for working professionals or geographically dispersed learners. These online formats allow students to complete coursework asynchronously while maintaining employment or family commitments.

Accredited Online Options

Campus-based programs offer hands-on lab experience, direct faculty mentorship, and robust peer collaboration essential to mobile development skill-building. Oregon State University, the state's leading institution by completions with 1,032 graduates, and Portland State University with 251 completions, both provide comprehensive in-person experiences. For students seeking affordability with campus engagement, Software Engineering in Oregon and Computer Programming in Oregon programs offer complementary pathways. Online programs from University of Oregon, Southern Oregon University ($9,675), and Western Oregon University ($9,000) deliver quality instruction remotely. The choice between formats depends on learning style preferences, career timeline, and access to technology, with both delivery methods producing job-ready graduates in Oregon's thriving tech hubs.

Portland and the surrounding Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area represent Oregon's premier destination for mobile development careers, offering the highest concentration of employers, highest salaries, and most abundant opportunities. The region is home to tech giants Intel (Hillsboro) and Nike (Beaverton), alongside numerous startups and mid-sized tech firms. Portland itself offers vibrant urban amenities, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong tech culture. Portland State University, located in the city center, has graduated 251 completions in mobile development, providing a direct pipeline of talent to local employers. The average public in-state tuition of $9,555 makes education accessible while maintaining proximity to major career opportunities.

Secondary tech hubs in Oregon include Eugene (home to the University of Oregon), Salem (the state capital with government tech opportunities), Corvallis (home to Oregon State University with 1,032 completions, the highest in the state), and Bend (emerging tech sector in Central Oregon). Eugene and Corvallis offer lower costs of living compared to Portland, with strong university research programs supporting mobile development innovation. The Willamette Valley region spanning Salem and Corvallis provides government and enterprise tech positions with stable career growth. For students seeking the most affordable education while remaining positioned for career mobility, Eastern Oregon University at $8,618 and Western Oregon University at $9,000 offer excellent value. Explore related opportunities in Web Development in Oregon and Software Engineering in Oregon to understand complementary regional tech ecosystems.

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