10 Best Community Colleges in Oregon

Key Takeaways

• Oregon’s 17 community colleges offer affordable, high-quality education in diverse geographic regions, from the coast to the high desert.
• In-state tuition typically ranges from $4,000 to $5,000 per year, with strong financial aid options like the Oregon Promise grant.
• Programs align with Oregon’s top industries, including tech, healthcare, sustainability, and natural resource management.
• Students benefit from transfer pathways through the Oregon Transfer Module, flexible scheduling, distance learning, and sustainable campus initiatives.
• These colleges serve local communities with innovative programs and strong support systems for working adults, rural learners, and diverse student populations.

Why Should You Consider Community Colleges in Oregon?

If you’re looking for an affordable and flexible way to start your college journey, Oregon’s community colleges offer outstanding value. With 17 institutions serving communities from the coast to the high desert, you can earn a high-quality education close to home without paying university-level tuition. Most in-state students pay between $4,000 and $5,000 annually, and that’s before financial aid.

These colleges are deeply connected to the state’s leading industries, including technology, healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, and natural resources. Thanks to the Oregon Transfer Module, you’ll also have a clear path to continue your education at a public university if you choose to earn a bachelor’s degree later on.

Oregon’s community colleges are known for going beyond academics. They offer flexible class schedules, distance learning options, and extensive student support services that make it easier to balance college with work or family responsibilities. Many campuses also reflect the state’s commitment to sustainability through eco-conscious initiatives and programs in green energy, forestry, and conservation.

Whether you live in a rural community or an urban center, Oregon’s system is designed to bring higher education to you, so you can pursue your goals without having to relocate far from home.

10 Best Community Colleges in Oregon

Oregon’s community colleges combine practical training with academic transfer pathways, all while embracing the state’s commitment to sustainability and regional accessibility. The following schools represent the best value across different parts of the state, offering diverse programs, beautiful settings, and affordable tuition for in-state students.

Clackamas Community College

Located in Oregon City, Clackamas Community College offers strong technical programs and natural resource training at an affordable $4,666 per year, making it a great option for students in the southern Portland metro area.

Main Courses

CCC specializes in renewable energy technology, horticulture, healthcare, manufacturing, and wildland firefighting programs that align with Oregon’s sustainability goals.

Pros

• Scenic campus with botanical gardens
• Strong partnerships with Portland-area employers
• Affordable in-state tuition

Cons

• Suburban location may require a car for reliable access

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$4,666 – Affordable, with access to green-focused programs near Portland.

Mt. Hood Community College

Serving Gresham and the eastern Portland metro area, Mt. Hood Community College offers broad academic and technical options at $6,670 annually, all set against a dramatic view of its namesake mountain.

Main Courses

MHCC offers standout programs in integrated metals, automotive technology, outdoor leadership, healthcare, and cosmetology.

Pros

• Gorgeous campus setting with views of Mount Hood
• Advanced labs and facilities for hands-on training
• Diverse student population

Cons

• Commute from the western suburbs can be time-consuming

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$6,670 – A strong choice for students seeking both career and transfer programs in the Portland area.

Klamath Community College

Located in the rural Klamath Basin, Klamath Community College delivers critical education and workforce training for southern Oregon at $8,500 per year.

Main Courses

Top programs include agriculture technology, fire science, aviation science, digital media, and healthcare, all of which are tied closely to the local economy.

Pros

• Modern campus with small class sizes
• Strong community partnerships in the forestry and ag sectors
• Vital access point for students in rural southern Oregon

Cons

• Limited public transportation and distance from larger cities

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,500 – A strong value for students in remote areas needing specialized career training.

Treasure Valley Community College

In the far eastern part of the state, Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario serves a wide rural region with robust academic offerings and housing options at $8,520 annually.

Main Courses

TVCC is known for its programs in agriculture, natural resources, welding, nursing, and rodeo, which reflect the local economy and lifestyle.

Pros

• On-campus residence halls
• Specialized agriculture and equine programs
• Strong rodeo team and rural community feel

Cons

• Isolated location with limited access to larger metro areas
• Harsh winter weather conditions

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,520 – Well-suited for students pursuing agriculture or rural technical fields.

Rogue Community College

With campuses in Grants Pass, Medford, and White City, Rogue Community College serves Oregon’s Rogue Valley for $8,600 per year, offering programs aligned with the region’s natural resource and wine industries.

Main Courses

RCC offers career training in fire science, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive technology, and viticulture.

Pros

• Access to multiple campus locations
• Strong connections to southern Oregon’s winery industry
• Solid technical programs with community support

Cons

• Students may need to commute between campuses for specific classes

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,600 – Offers flexibility and specialized training across the Rogue Valley.

Central Oregon Community College

Located in Bend, Central Oregon Community College offers panoramic mountain views and strong academic programs for $8,960 annually, making it a top choice in Central Oregon.

Main Courses

COCC excels in outdoor leadership, aviation, culinary arts, forestry, and healthcare fields that reflect the region’s economy and lifestyle.

Pros

• Breathtaking Cascade Mountain campus
• On-campus housing options
• Strong ties to Bend’s outdoor recreation industry

Cons

• Higher cost of living in Bend adds to overall student expenses

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,960 – A scenic, well-rounded college experience with unique outdoor-oriented programs.

Portland Community College

As the largest community college in Oregon, Portland Community College serves the entire Portland metro area through multiple campuses, offering diverse academic and technical options at $9,120 per year.

Main Courses

PCC provides top-tier programs in healthcare, microelectronics, sustainability leadership, creative arts, and professional-technical fields.

Pros

• Wide course selection across multiple campuses
• Strong partnerships with Portland State University and local industries
• Excellent public transportation access

Cons

• A large student population may result in less individualized support
• Competitive registration for high-demand courses

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,120 – An ideal choice for Portland-area students seeking variety and accessibility.

Southwestern Oregon Community College

On Oregon’s southern coast, Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay offers distinctive culinary and forestry programs for $9,300 per year, along with on-campus housing.

Main Courses

SWOCC specializes in culinary arts, athletic training, nursing, forestry, and its nationally recognized Oregon Coast Culinary Institute.

Pros

• Beautiful coastal setting
• On-campus residence halls
• Highly regarded culinary and athletics programs

Cons

• Remote location creates transportation and employment access challenges

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,300 – A great fit for students seeking hands-on programs in a coastal community.

Umpqua Community College

Located in Roseburg along the North Umpqua River, Umpqua Community College offers scenic views and specialized wine and forestry programs for $10,100 annually.

Main Courses

UCC offers standout programs in viticulture and enology, forestry, nursing, and automotive technology, supported by its Southern Oregon Wine Institute.

Pros

• Gorgeous riverside campus
• Specialized wine production and forestry training
• Strong local industry connections

Cons

• Higher tuition may require careful financial planning
• Fewer urban resources nearby

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$10,100 – A unique opportunity for students interested in wine or natural resource industries.

Columbia Gorge Community College

With campuses in The Dalles and Hood River, Columbia Gorge Community College serves the scenic Columbia River Gorge region at $12,160 per year, offering one-of-a-kind energy and tech programs.

Main Courses

CGCC focuses on renewable energy technology, healthcare, outdoor education, and electro-mechanical technology, responding to the needs of the Gorge economy.

Pros

• Stunning natural surroundings and a tight-knit campus community
• Specialized wind energy and renewable programs
• Strong demand for program graduates in the region

Cons

• The highest tuition among Oregon’s community colleges
• Remote location limits access to public transit and city amenities

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$12,160 – A premium choice with niche technical programs in an iconic setting.

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Best Community Colleges in Oregon

Oregon’s community colleges are designed to be accessible for a wide range of students, but there are a few important steps you’ll need to take before enrolling. These requirements help make sure you’re placed in the right courses and eligible for in-state tuition and financial aid.

High School Diploma Verification

You’ll need to show proof of high school completion through either a diploma or a GED. Many colleges also offer dual credit options that allow current high school students to start earning college credits early through accelerated college programs.

Oregon Application Submission

Most colleges in Oregon require you to apply through their own institutional portal. Application fees generally range from $25 to $50, but fee waivers may be available if you qualify for financial assistance or apply during special enrollment periods.

Placement Assessment Completion

Oregon colleges use a mix of placement tools to determine your course levels. You might be asked to take the ACCUPLACER test, or the school may review your high school GPA and previous coursework instead. This ensures you’re set up for success in math, reading, and writing.

Residency Status Documentation

To get in-state tuition, you’ll need to prove you’ve lived in Oregon for at least 12 months. Most schools require documents like lease agreements, utility bills, or tax records to verify your residency status.

Financial Aid Filing

Filling out the FAFSA is essential. It allows you to access Oregon’s state grants like the Oregon Promise (for recent high school grads) and the Oregon Opportunity Grant. Most colleges also offer institutional scholarships and have priority deadlines in early spring, so it’s smart to apply as soon as possible.

How Do Oregon Community College Costs Compare to National Averages?

Oregon’s community colleges are slightly below the national average in terms of tuition, with most schools charging between $4,000 and $5,000 per year for in-state students. That’s a fraction of the cost of attending a four-year public university in Oregon, which can exceed $13,000 annually, before housing or fees.

What makes Oregon especially cost-effective is its strong financial aid support. Programs like the Oregon Promise grant cover a large portion of tuition for recent high school graduates, while the Oregon Opportunity Grant helps lower-income students. On top of that, many schools offer local scholarships and work-study options.

You’ll also save on costs like housing and transportation if you attend a college close to home. And even at the higher end of the tuition range, Oregon’s community colleges offer excellent value through quality instruction, career-aligned programs, and modern campus facilities.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Community Colleges in Oregon?

International students can expect to pay between $9,000 and $12,000 per year in tuition at Oregon’s community colleges. While that’s more than in-state rates, it’s still far less than tuition at most four-year public universities, where international rates often exceed $30,000 per year.

Although international students aren’t eligible for state-funded financial aid programs like the Oregon Promise, many community colleges offer international scholarships, diversity grants, and on-campus job opportunities to help reduce costs.

Keep in mind that additional expenses, such as mandatory health insurance ($1,500–$2,000 annually), SEVIS fees, and visa-related costs, will also affect your total budget. Cost of living varies widely across Oregon, with rural communities typically offering lower housing costs than cities like Portland or Bend.

How Does University of the People Compare With the Best Community Colleges in Oregon?

If you’re exploring affordable paths to higher education, University of the People offers an entirely different, but equally valuable approach compared to Oregon’s community colleges. Instead of paying tuition, you only pay assessment fees per course: $160 for undergraduate programs, $400 for M.Ed., and $450 for MBA or MSIT. That means your overall costs are often lower than even the most affordable in-state community college tuition.

UoPeople is also fully online and asynchronous, so you can study anytime and anywhere. It is ideal if you need flexibility for work or family responsibilities. While expanding online offerings, Oregon community colleges often still require hybrid or on-campus attendance, especially for hands-on technical programs.

Regarding accreditation, UoPeople is recognized by both the DEAC and WASC, while Oregon’s community colleges hold regional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This difference may matter if you plan to transfer credits to certain universities.

Ready to Choose the Best Community College?

Choosing the right community college in Oregon depends on your goals, lifestyle, and field of interest. Each college offers something unique, from viticulture and wind energy programs in rural regions to healthcare and sustainability pathways in the state’s urban centers.

Use tools like the Oregon Transfer Module to plan for seamless university transfer, and be sure to look into Oregon’s excellent financial aid options like the Oregon Promise grant. Also, consider your location; some colleges are in stunning mountain or coastal areas but may come with additional travel or living costs.

No matter where you are in Oregon, there’s a community college that can help you launch your next chapter, whether you’re planning to earn a degree, pick up new job skills, or prepare for a university transfer.

FAQs

What Is the Cheapest Community College in Oregon?

Clackamas Community College is one of the most affordable, with in-state tuition around $4,666 per year.

What Financial Aid Is Available at Oregon Community Colleges?

You may qualify for the Oregon Promise, the Oregon Opportunity Grant, institutional scholarships, and federal aid through the FAFSA.

Are Oregon Community Colleges Open to International Students?

Yes, most accept international students and offer campus jobs, scholarships, and diversity grants to help offset tuition.

Do Oregon Community Colleges Offer Online Degree Programs?

Yes. Many offer fully online or hybrid programs, though hands-on training programs may require on-campus attendance.

Can I Earn a Bachelor’s Degree at Oregon Community Colleges?

No, but you can complete the first two years of your degree and transfer to a public university through the Oregon Transfer Module.

Do Oregon Community Colleges Accept Out-of-State Students?

Yes, but out-of-state students pay higher tuition unless they meet residency requirements or qualify for special rate waivers.