Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Oregon 2025
Oregon State University
912 computer science graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
Lewis & Clark College
18 computer science graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Reed College
20 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Oregon offers 13+ accredited computer 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)
Computer Science Education in Oregon: Overview
Oregon offers 13 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 1,171 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 computer science programs in the state are led by Oregon State University, Lewis & Clark College, Reed College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 13 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer 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 Computer 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 | Reed College | Portland, OR | Private | $66,710 | — | 46.8 |
| 4 | Willamette University | Salem, OR | Private | $48,000 | 87% | 43.1 |
| 5 | University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | Public | $12,240 | 78% | 41.7 |
| 6 | Portland State University | Portland, OR | Public | $8,694 | — | 41.6 |
| 7 | University of Portland | Portland, OR | Private | $54,400 | — | 35.1 |
| 8 | Southern Oregon University | Ashland, OR | Public | $9,675 | — | 34.6 |
| 9 | Western Oregon University | Monmouth, OR | Public | $9,000 | — | 32.8 |
| 10 | Eastern Oregon University | La Grande, OR | Public | $8,618 | — | 32.5 |
| 11 | Linfield University | McMinnville, OR | Private | $49,810 | — | 32 |
| 12 | George Fox University | Newberg, OR | Private | $40,220 | — | 31.5 |
| 13 | Pacific University | Forest Grove, OR | Private | $53,174 | — | 30.2 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Oregon: Side-by-Side
| School | Oregon State | Lewis & Clark College | Reed College | Willamette | U of Oregon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,145 | $61,916 | $66,710 | $48,000 | $12,240 |
| Graduation Rate | 84% | 95% | N/A% | 87% | 78% |
| Annual Graduates | 912 | 18 | 20 | 5 | 17 |
| Acceptance Rate | 79% | 75% | 27% | 79% | 85% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 78.3/100 | 48.1/100 | 46.8/100 | 43.1/100 | 41.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Oregon
Oregon offers 13 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Lewis & Clark College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $73,969 in the Oregon market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Oregon
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Oregon State | $11,145 | 84% | 912 | 78.3 |
| #2 U of Oregon | $12,240 | 78% | 74 | 49.2 |
| #3 Lewis & Clark College | $61,916 | 95% | 18 | 48.1 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Oregon
For graduate study, Oregon offers 3 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Oregon. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Oregon reaching $137,371 or more.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Oregon
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Oregon State | $11,145 | 84% | 103 | 78.3 |
| #2 Portland State | $8,694 | N/A% | 87 | 41.6 |
| #3 U of Oregon | $12,240 | 78% | 17 | 41.7 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Oregon
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Oregon are at Eastern Oregon University ($8,618/year), Portland State University ($8,694/year), Western Oregon University ($9,000/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Oregon's competitive tech salaries.
At Eastern Oregon University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $34,472 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $73,969, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.9 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Oregon (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Eastern Oregon | $8,618 | $34,472 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #2 Portland State | $8,694 | $34,776 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 Western Oregon | $9,000 | $36,000 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Oregon
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer 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)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 912 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 78.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 912 computer 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 Computer Science program offers strong industry ties including a $50 million donation from NVIDIA's CEO for a supercomputer facility, and provides both online and on-campus degree options with faculty leading research in cutting-edge areas like AI, cybersecurity, and robotics.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MTH 112
- •CS 161
- •CS 162
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, OR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,916 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 75%
- • Ranking Score: 48.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 18 computer 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 offers a Computer Science major with an optional cybersecurity concentration, taught by professors recognized on the U.S. News Best Undergraduate Teaching list. The program provides both traditional CS courses and interdisciplinary options, with small class sizes averaging 19 students and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Available Scholarships
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Reed College
Portland, OR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,710 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 20 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 27%
- • Ranking Score: 46.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 20 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 46.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (20 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (27% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Reed's Computer Science program offers an interdisciplinary approach with faculty from multiple departments contributing expertise in areas like quantum computation, artificial life, and bioinformatics. The program culminates in a year-long senior thesis allowing students to conduct original research at the forefront of computer science, with opportunities for publication-ready work.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Calculus
- •Discrete Structures
Willamette University
Salem, OR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $48,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 43.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 5 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,240 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 78% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 17 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 41.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 78% graduation rate
- 17 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (78%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Science program offers both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree options with six specialized concentrations including Machine Learning/AI/Data Science and Computer Security. Students receive comprehensive education that prepares graduates to adapt to future opportunities and create them in a rapidly-growing field where graduates are in demand.
Admission Prerequisites
- •one college-level composition course with C- or better
- •one college-level mathematics course with C- or better
- •B- or higher in CS 210, 211, and 212
- •B- or better in Discrete Math (Math 231 and 232) for CS 313
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.25 for Oregon residents, 2.50 for nonresidents, 2.00 for AAOT/ASOT transfer students
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity 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 13)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Oregon
Explore artificial intelligence programs in Oregon
Explore machine learning programs in Oregon
Explore data science programs in Oregon
Explore data analytics programs in Oregon
Explore cybersecurity programs in Oregon
Explore information security programs in Oregon
Explore software engineering programs in Oregon
Explore computer engineering programs in Oregon
Explore information technology programs in Oregon
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Computer 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.