College Costs in Portland, OR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 24 colleges in Portland, Oregon. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,585
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$53,947
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,907
per month
Colleges & Universities
24
institutions
Portland Overview
Population
652,503
Student Population
19,612 (3.0%)
Cost of Living Index
112 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
72/100
Transit Score
55/100
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
College Cost Calculator for Portland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$110,788
Total After Financial Aid
$110,788
Annual Cost
$27,697
Annual After Aid
$27,697
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $110,788 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,258 |
| Total Interest | $40,169 |
| Total Loan Cost | $150,957 |
Universities in Portland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Portland State University | Public | $9,585 |
| University of Portland | Private | $51,414 |
| Lewis & Clark College | Private | $56,480 |
| Portland Community College | Community | $4,536 |
Portland has 24 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Portland vs. National Average
| Category | Portland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,585 | $10,940 | -$1,355 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,907 | $1,050 | +$857 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 100 | +12 |
Portland's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Portland
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
19,612 students
Portland has a total population of 652,503, with approximately 19,612 college students (3.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Portland offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Portland
$66,727
Starting Salary
5.1%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Portland earn a median starting salary of $66,727, which is $31,727 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $110,788 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,300 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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