7 Cheapest Universities in Portland for International Students

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In Portland, Oregon, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Portland, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 8 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Portland, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Portland for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Portland ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Oregon Health and Science University 18,400 USD - 18,500 USD 54%
Portland State University 18,600 USD 53%
Warner Pacific University 19,300 USD 51%
Pacific Northwest College of Art 45,000 USD -14%
University of Portland 51,400 USD -30%
Lewis and Clark College 57,500 USD -46%
Reed College 64,500 USD -64%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 39,300 USD for universities in Portland.

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1. Oregon Health and Science University

Oregon Health and Science University offers comprehensive training in the health sciences field. It is the only public academic health center in Oregon, which is why the competitiveness in admission is very high. The university does not only offer academic programs but also hosts outreach services to contribute to society and optimize the students’ research findings.

2. Portland State University

Portland State University is one of the most innovative universities in the country. The university is best known for its science and technology courses due to its advanced equipment and training centers. Portland State University also has a vast international connection, enabling students to participate in exchange programs and research collaborations.

3. Warner Pacific University

Warner Pacific University is a Private Christian liberal arts college first founded as the Pacific Bible College in 1937. It is located in Portland, Oregon in the United States where it houses about 870 students in a recent data report. There are over 50 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs offered by the school. Career services are available to students who want knowledge on employment opportunities, and social clubs, as well as events, exist to liven up student life. With a diverse, inclusive, and equitable student community, Warner Pacific University has laid its groundwork for having one of the most welcoming learning environments.

4. Pacific Northwest College of Art

Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) has been educating creative students since 1909. Over the years, this private institution has become one of Oregon’s leading art and design schools. In 2021, it officially merged with Willamette University and will offer programs on its PNCA and Willamette campuses. This amalgamation of two schools will provide students with more comprehensive educational programs and high standards of teaching and research.

5. University of Portland

The University of Portland is a popular institution for international students with a scenic view that overlooks the Willamette River. Beyond its pleasing environment, it also provides a competitive educational curriculum that will truly challenge the skills and abilities of the students. The university seeks to continue its legacy as one of the top schools in Oregon.

6. Lewis and Clark College

Lewis and Clark College aims to produce world-class graduates who will become future leaders of society. Students at Lewis and Clark experience academic learning with an interdisciplinary approach and are constantly exposed to different community engagement activities. The institution is also strongly committed to sustainable practices on-campus.

7. Reed College

Reed College is a leading private college in the country and is best known for its mandatory first-year humanities program. It has gained international recognition due to its high percentage of graduates who proceed to earn doctorate degrees. This milestone signifies that the institution offers a one-of-a-kind and lifelong academic discipline and training.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Portland for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Portland ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Western States 6,750 USD - 8,805 USD 66%
Oregon Health and Science University 10,100 USD - 15,700 USD 49%
University of Portland 10,400 USD - 21,500 USD 47%
Warner Pacific University 11,300 USD 42%
Portland State University 24,300 USD -25%
Pacific Northwest College of Art 32,500 USD - 44,000 USD -68%
Lewis and Clark College 40,000 USD - 65,600 USD -107%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 19,300 USD for universities in Portland.

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1. University of Western States

The University of Western States delivers a world-class, integrated healthcare education and provides an evidence-based strategy for health and fitness. Its graduates offer high-quality health care based on science, the professional’s skill and knowledge, and the patient’s or client’s selections and experiences.UWS’s mission is to advance the science and art of integrated health care through excellence in education and patient respect.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Western States should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 6,750 USD to 8,805 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Oregon Health and Science University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Oregon Health and Science University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Oregon Health and Science University is 10,020 USD to 15,672 USD.

Oregon Health and Science University offers comprehensive training in the health sciences field. It is the only public academic health center in Oregon, which is why the competitiveness in admission is very high. The university does not only offer academic programs but also hosts outreach services to contribute to society and optimize the students’ research findings.

3. University of Portland

The University of Portland is a popular institution for international students with a scenic view that overlooks the Willamette River. Beyond its pleasing environment, it also provides a competitive educational curriculum that will truly challenge the skills and abilities of the students. The university seeks to continue its legacy as one of the top schools in Oregon.

The tuition fee at University of Portland for incoming international master’s students is 10,335 USD to 21,420 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Warner Pacific University

Another affordable university to consider in Portland is Warner Pacific University.

Warner Pacific University is a Private Christian liberal arts college first founded as the Pacific Bible College in 1937. It is located in Portland, Oregon in the United States where it houses about 870 students in a recent data report. There are over 50 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs offered by the school. Career services are available to students who want knowledge on employment opportunities, and social clubs, as well as events, exist to liven up student life. With a diverse, inclusive, and equitable student community, Warner Pacific University has laid its groundwork for having one of the most welcoming learning environments.

The tuition fee in Warner Pacific University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 11,250 USD.

5. Portland State University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Portland State University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 24,240 USD yearly.

Portland State University is one of the most innovative universities in the country. The university is best known for its science and technology courses due to its advanced equipment and training centers. Portland State University also has a vast international connection, enabling students to participate in exchange programs and research collaborations.

6. Pacific Northwest College of Art

Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) has been educating creative students since 1909. Over the years, this private institution has become one of Oregon’s leading art and design schools. In 2021, it officially merged with Willamette University and will offer programs on its PNCA and Willamette campuses. This amalgamation of two schools will provide students with more comprehensive educational programs and high standards of teaching and research.

7. Lewis and Clark College

Lewis and Clark College aims to produce world-class graduates who will become future leaders of society. Students at Lewis and Clark experience academic learning with an interdisciplinary approach and are constantly exposed to different community engagement activities. The institution is also strongly committed to sustainable practices on-campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Portland, Oregon?

Applying to cheap universities in Portland requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Portland?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Portland. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Portland is the Lewis and Clark College, which offers Art History, Computer Science, and Environmental Studies to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Lewis and Clark College offers Art Therapy, Educational Administration, and Marriage, Couple, & Family Therapy.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Portland for international students was helpful!