Best Nursing Schools in Portland: Programs, Tuition & Rankings for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
January 25, 2026
Compare 8 Portland nursing programs with real tuition and graduate earnings data.
Why Study Nursing in Portland?
Portland is a growing healthcare market with strong demand for nurses across hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities. The metro area has 8 institutions offering nursing programs at various levels, from affordable ADN degrees to doctoral programs.
Top University Nursing Programs
Chemeketa Community College (Salem). In-state tuition: $6,210/year. Nursing graduates earn $76,909/year (Associate's Degree).
Mt Hood Community College (Gresham). In-state tuition: $5,175/year. Nursing graduates earn $89,499/year (Associate's Degree).
University of Portland (Portland) — 95.4% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $54,900/year. Nursing graduates earn $127,021/year (Doctoral Degree).
Oregon Health & Science University (Portland). In-state tuition: N/A/year. Nursing graduates earn $110,617/year (First Professional Degree).
Bushnell University (Eugene) — 66.4% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $34,740/year. Nursing graduates earn $102,985/year (Bachelor's Degree).
Sumner College (Portland) — 86.7% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: N/A/year. Nursing graduates earn $72,450/year (Associate's Degree).
Community College & Affordable Nursing Programs
- Portland Community College (Portland): $5,040/year, nursing graduates earn $80,297/year
- Lane Community College (Eugene): $5,879/year, nursing graduates earn $73,718/year
- Mt Hood Community College (Gresham): $5,175/year, nursing graduates earn $89,499/year
How to Choose
Consider your budget, career goals, and timeline. Community college ADN programs offer the fastest and cheapest path to an RN license. University BSN and graduate programs lead to higher earnings and more career options. Many nurses start with an ADN and bridge to BSN while working.
Financial Aid
Check your state's grant programs, federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year), and HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarships for nursing-specific aid. Many hospitals also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees.
Next Steps
Compare Portland nursing programs on GradeToGrad.
Related Articles
- Best Community Colleges in Portland: Transfer, Tuition & Programs for 2026
- ADN vs BSN: Which Nursing Degree Is Right for You in 2026?
- ADN vs BSN vs MSN: Which Nursing Degree Is Worth It? Full 2026 Comparison
- Best Nursing Schools in Oregon: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply
- Cheapest Nursing Programs in America for 2026: Tuition vs Earnings