2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Oregon

1

Klamath Community College
Klamath Falls, OR

Our analysis ranked Klamath Community College the best value for a degree in general education in Oregon. Klamath Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Klamath Falls. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,965, while out-of-state students pay about $8,025. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $14,644. General Education graduates of Klamath Community College earn a median of $24,370 early in their careers. Set against $14,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Portland State University
Portland, OR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Portland State University earned it the #2 place for general education. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $26,475. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $50,274. Set against $26,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

Southern Oregon University
Ashland, OR

Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at Southern Oregon University, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Ashland, Southern Oregon University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,762 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,887 for out-of-state students. General Education graduates carry a median of $24,951 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $56,157. Set against $24,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Oregon University admits about 89% of applicants.

4

Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR

Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at Western Oregon University, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Monmouth, Western Oregon University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,514, with out-of-state students paying around $32,169. General Education graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $43,879. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

5

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. General Education graduates carry a median of $24,043 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $49,928. Set against $24,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.

6

University Of Oregon
Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $20,096. General Education graduates of University Of Oregon earn a median of $23,105 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,096 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

7

Corban University
Salem, OR

Corban University landed the #7 spot for general education value this year. Set in the city of Salem, Corban University is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,963. General Education graduates carry a median of $26,528 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $43,558. Set against $26,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

8

Pacific University
Forest Grove, OR

Pacific University came in at #8 for value in general education this year. Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Forest Grove. Students from in state pay about $56,374 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Pacific University generally make around $34,067. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Pacific University admits about 90% of applicants.

9

University Of Portland
Portland, OR

University Of Portland landed the #9 spot for general education value this year. Set in the city of Portland, University Of Portland is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. General Education graduates carry a median of $23,169 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $51,984. That is a strong return on a $23,169 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.