nursingadmissionscareerscommunity-collegeOregon

Best Nursing Schools in Portland: Programs, Tuition & Rankings for 2026

G

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

January 25, 2026

Compare 8 Portland nursing programs with real tuition and graduate earnings data.

Quick Answer

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.

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

Not sure which path is right? Compare colleges and trade schools near you with real salary data.

Try the Calculator →

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.

College vs. Trade School — Which Pays Off Faster?

Enter your ZIP code and compare tuition, time-to-career, and earning potential for schools near you.

Compare Pathways →