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Higher Education Coordination Commission

Explore Private Degree-granting Colleges and Universities

Oregon’s numerous private colleges and universities offer a wide range of degrees and programs. These institutions award undergraduate and graduate degrees in many fields, from nursing degrees to juris doctorates. The information here can help you explore independent colleges and universities that are authorized in the State of Oregon.

Private Degree-granting Colleges and Universities

The colleges and universities listed here are authorized by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), or they have an exemption that allows them to operate. This includes nonprofit and for-profit institutions. Without authorization or explicit exemption from regulation from the HECC Office of Degree Authorization, a college or university cannot legally operate in our state or offer degrees to Oregonians. View our Resources for Students of Private Institutions for tips to consider as you explore college options. Learn more about our authorization work here.

Authorized Private Colleges and Universities

These nonprofit and for-profit colleges and universities are authorized to operate in Oregon.

Authorized Private Colleges and Universities

Authorized and Exempt Private Colleges and Universities

These nonprofit colleges and universities are also authorized to operate in Oregon. They are listed separately because they do not have the same requirements for state monitoring as the other institutions listed above.

Authorized Independent Colleges and Universities Exempt From Regulation

You can also find out more about these colleges and universities through a partner organization, the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Distance Education

Many of the state’s authorized private degree-granting Oregon institutions also offer approved distance education coursework and programs. View their websites for details. In addition, the HECC authorizes out-of-state institutions to offer distance education in Oregon.

Approved Distance Education in Oregon

Help for Students of Private Institutions, Including Closed Schools

Visit Resources for Students of Private Institutions to learn consumer protection tips, how to request transcripts from a closed school, and more.

Consumer Alerts

Visit Consumer Alerts for time-sensitive news and alerts about the status of private institutions.

Stay Engaged in the State’s Work With Private Institutions

Stay connected with the State of Oregon’s work to support private postsecondary opportunities for Oregonians! As a policy and funding coordinating agency, the HECC works regularly with private institutions statewide on licensing, authorization, and support. Find out how to stay engaged here: Engage in Our Public Policy and Funding Work.






 

Plan and Pay for College

Apply for Financial Aid in Oregon: OregonStudentAid.gov

Oregon student aid logo

Financial aid can help you afford your education after high school. Go to OregonStudentAid.gov to apply for grants and scholarships, get help completing financial aid applications, and learn about preparing for college, training, and careers.

Research College Costs

The most up-to-date college cost information is located on the website for the college, university, or program that interests you. You can also find an overview of standard student budgets, including at some Oregon private institutions, on the OregonStudentAid.gov publications page.

Outreach, Publications, and Webinars

Find brochures and posters, events, webinars, and more to help you navigate the world of financial aid, college, and careers.


 

Additional Resources  

HECC Resources

National Resources

  • College Navigator: Search for and compare college facts, including costs, majors offered, size of school, graduation rates, and more.
  • GI-Bill® Comparison Tool: Compare programs that are eligible for veteran benefits.
  • Accreditation: Determine if a school is accredited or if an accrediting agency is legitimate. For a quick accreditation verification, visit the U.S. Department of Education database for relevant up-to-date information on the authorized accrediting agencies and the individual schools they accredit.

Note: Even if an institution is accredited, it may not be authorized to confer degrees or certificates in Oregon, so it is important to check our lists of licensed schools as well.

Partner Resources