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Best Nursing Schools in Oregon: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 5, 2026

Compare Oregon's top nursing programs from Portland Community College to OHSU, with tuition from $4,941 to $54,900 and nursing graduate earnings up to $127,021.

Overview of Nursing Education in Oregon

Oregon offers 15 institutions with nursing programs, spanning affordable community college ADN pathways and prestigious university BSN and doctoral programs. The state's nursing workforce is in high demand, driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare systems in the Portland metro area, Eugene, and across rural communities.

Community college programs start as low as $4,941/year at Central Oregon Community College, while Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland stands as the state's premier research-focused nursing institution with graduates earning a median of $110,617/year.

Top University Nursing Programs

Oregon Health & Science University (Portland) is Oregon's flagship nursing institution. OHSU offers First Professional Degree nursing programs, and graduates earn a median of $110,617/year. As a dedicated health sciences university with just 788 undergraduates, OHSU provides an immersive clinical environment.

University of Portland offers a Doctoral Degree nursing program with graduates earning $127,021/year — the highest in the state. Tuition is $54,900/year with a 95.4% acceptance rate and 79.7% graduation rate, making it accessible yet outcomes-focused.

George Fox University (Newberg) provides a BSN program at $40,940/year. With a 96.4% acceptance rate and nursing graduates earning $81,113/year, it's a solid option for students seeking a smaller university experience.

Linfield University (McMinnville) charges $49,530/year but delivers strong outcomes with a 67.9% graduation rate and nursing graduate earnings of $87,592/year.

Bushnell University (Eugene) offers the most selective university option at 66.4% acceptance, with BSN graduates earning $102,985/year at a tuition of $34,740.

Community College Nursing Programs

Oregon's community colleges offer the most affordable path to becoming an RN through Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs.

Portland Community College is the largest, serving 18,365 students with in-state tuition of just $5,040/year. ADN graduates earn a median of $80,297/year — competitive with many BSN graduates nationally.

Central Oregon Community College (Bend) has the lowest tuition at $4,941/year, with nursing graduates earning $69,487/year.

Lane Community College (Eugene) charges $5,879/year and produces nursing graduates earning $73,718/year, serving 5,861 students.

Linn-Benton Community College (Albany) at $6,288/year offers graduates earning $74,032/year, while Rogue Community College (Grants Pass) provides an affordable option at $5,184/year with graduate earnings of $77,009.

Mt Hood Community College (Gresham) stands out with the highest community college nursing earnings at $89,499/year on tuition of $5,175.

How to Choose the Right Program

Consider these factors when selecting a nursing program in Oregon:

Budget: Community college ADN programs range from $4,941-$6,840/year vs. $34,740-$54,900 at universities
Career goals: ADN gets you working as an RN fastest; BSN opens more doors; MSN/DNP leads to advanced practice
Location: Portland has the most options, but programs exist statewide from Bend to Coos Bay
Transfer path: Many Oregon CCs have articulation agreements with universities for ADN-to-BSN bridges

Nursing Job Market in Oregon

Oregon's nursing job market is strong. The Portland metro area, home to major health systems like Providence, Legacy, and Kaiser Permanente, consistently has nursing openings. Rural Oregon faces even greater nursing shortages, which can mean signing bonuses and loan forgiveness for nurses willing to work outside metro areas.

Community college ADN graduates in Oregon earn $69,487-$89,499/year, while university BSN and advanced degree holders earn $81,113-$127,021/year.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students

Oregon offers several financial aid options for nursing students:

Oregon Opportunity Grant — need-based aid for Oregon residents
Federal Pell Grants and Stafford Loans — available at all accredited programs
HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship — covers tuition and provides a living stipend in exchange for service in underserved areas
Employer tuition reimbursement — many Oregon hospitals help ADN nurses complete BSN degrees

The 2+2 path — completing an ADN at a community college then bridging to a BSN — can save $30,000-$50,000 compared to starting at a university.

Next Steps

Ready to compare nursing programs in Oregon? Search and compare Oregon nursing schools on GradeToGrad to find the right fit for your budget, location, and career goals.