Find a Job You Really Want In
As prospective college students evaluate their options, a major factor influencing their choice of institution is the potential for improved job prospects after graduation.
In today’s competitive job market, securing employment can be challenging, especially considering the rising cost of living in the United States.
Oregon offers unique advantages for students pursuing higher education, including renowned research universities, quality state colleges, and a variety of programs designed to equip graduates for success in the evolving job landscape.
With numerous excellent colleges in Oregon, we aimed to identify which institutions are particularly effective at helping their graduates secure employment. Utilizing data from IPEDS and College Scorecard, we compiled a list of the top colleges in Oregon for job placement.
The full rankings are available below, but first, let’s explore the ten best colleges for jobs in Oregon:
- Linfield College-School of Nursing
- Linfield College-McMinnville Campus
- University of Portland
- Willamette University
- Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
- Oregon State University
- Pacific University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Lewis & Clark College
- University of Oregon
For those attending these institutions, this recognition is no surprise, given their strong reputations.
For others considering their options, read on to discover why these colleges are among the best in Oregon for job readiness.
How We Determined The Best Schools In Oregon For Jobs
We analyzed College Scorecard Data to identify colleges in Oregon with the highest job placement rates, focusing on employment levels ten years post-graduation.
This analysis was limited to 24 public and non-profit four-year institutions in Oregon that offer at least a bachelor’s degree.
Each college was ranked based on the percentage of graduates employed, with ratings rounded to two decimal places for clarity.
Linfield College-School of Nursing emerged as the top institution, recognized as the ‘Best College For Jobs in Oregon.’
Best Colleges For Getting A Job In Oregon
| Rank | College | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linfield College-School of Nursing | 92.58% |
| 2 | Linfield College-McMinnville Campus | 92.58% |
| 3 | University of Portland | 92.51% |
| 4 | Willamette University | 90.63% |
| 5 | Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | 89.95% |
| 6 | Oregon State University | 89.95% |
| 7 | Pacific University | 89.8% |
| 8 | Oregon Institute of Technology | 88.93% |
| 9 | Lewis & Clark College | 88.89% |
| 10 | University of Oregon | 88.82% |
| 11 | Concordia University-Portland | 88.8% |
| 12 | Reed College | 88.03% |
| 13 | Western Oregon University | 87.96% |
| 14 | George Fox University | 87.49% |
| 15 | Southern Oregon University | 86.85% |
| 16 | Portland State University | 85.16% |
| 17 | Warner Pacific University | 85.1% |
| 18 | Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies | 85.1% |
| 19 | Pacific Northwest College of Art | 84.34% |
| 20 | Northwest Christian University | 84.14% |
| 21 | Eastern Oregon University | 83.94% |
| 22 | Multnomah University | 81.69% |
| 23 | Corban University | 81.56% |
| 24 | New Hope Christian College-Eugene | 78.2% |
In conclusion, selecting the right college can significantly impact your career trajectory. The institutions listed above have demonstrated a strong commitment to preparing students for the workforce, with high employment rates for graduates. Whether you are drawn to an established research university or a specialized college, Oregon’s educational landscape offers diverse opportunities to kick-start your professional journey.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
