Making the Honor Roll: 10 Great Oregon College Towns

Looking for the ultimate college towns in Oregon? You’ve hit the jackpot! Oregon is home to some of the best college towns in the country. From top-notch academic programs to tight-knit communities, there’s something special around every corner. 

Whether you’re looking for an off-campus apartment in Portland or a forever home in Bend, we’ve got all the inside scoop on ten of the top college towns in Oregon to spend your undergrad years and beyond.

1. Eugene – University of Oregon

Population: 176,654 | Student population: 23,163 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,695

Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, known for its stellar journalism and business programs. Students rave about the School of Journalism and Communication, which offers hands-on experience and opportunities to work with professional media outlets. The Lundquist College of Business is another highlight, offering top-tier business education with specializations in sports business, entrepreneurship, and finance.

The University of Oregon has strong ties with Eugene. They partner with local businesses for internships and community projects, providing students with real-world experience. The school’s sports teams enjoy a strong partnership with Nike, headquartered not far away. The annual Eugene Marathon also sees heavy student involvement, showcasing the university’s commitment to community engagement.

Apartments near University of Oregon | Houses for rent near University of Oregon

2. Corvallis – Oregon State University

Population: 59,922 | Student population: 27,038 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,510

Oregon State University is famous for its engineering and agriculture programs. The College of Engineering is one of the best in the nation, offering programs in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. The agriculture programs are also respected, focusing on sustainable practices and innovative research in crop science and animal husbandry.

Oregon State University collaborates closely with Corvallis. Many students work on community projects through the university’s extension service, which supports local farmers and businesses. The university's research in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture often involves partnerships with local companies and farms. Additionally, the annual Da Vinci Days festival, celebrating science and technology, sees significant participation from students and faculty.

Apartments near Oregon State University | Houses for rent near Oregon State University

3. Portland – Portland State University

Population: 652,503 | Student population: 15,674 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,545

Portland State University is right in the heart of Portland. It’s known for its urban planning and environmental science programs. The College of Urban and Public Affairs is top-notch, preparing students to tackle complex urban issues. Environmental science students get hands-on experience with real-world projects, often collaborating with city agencies on sustainability initiatives.

Portland State has deep connections to Portland. Students often intern at local companies, nonprofits, and government agencies, gaining valuable professional experience. The university partners with the city on various sustainability initiatives, including the Portland Climate Action Plan, making a significant impact on urban development and environmental conservation.

Apartments near Portland State University | Houses for rent near Portland State University

4. Ashland – Southern Oregon University

Population: 21,360 | Student population: 3,208 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,540

Southern Oregon University is famous for its theater arts and creative writing programs. The Oregon Center for the Arts is a hotspot for theater students, offering state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to perform in professional-level productions. Creative writing programs are also top-rated, attracting many aspiring writers with courses in fiction, poetry, and screenwriting.

Ashland and the university have a special bond. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival involves many students who gain practical experience in theater production and performance. Local businesses support student artists by providing venues and opportunities to showcase their work, creating an active arts community. 

Apartments near Southern Oregon University | Houses for rent near Southern Oregon University

5. Bend – Oregon State University-Cascades

Population: 99,178 | Student population: 1,374 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,835

Bend is home to Oregon State University-Cascades, known for its outdoor recreation and tourism management programs. The natural surroundings make it perfect for these studies, with students learning about outdoor leadership, adventure sports, and sustainable tourism. The program’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in the growing Pacific Northwest outdoor industry.

The campus works closely with Bend’s outdoor industry. Students often intern at local recreation companies, gaining hands-on experience in guiding, event planning, and tourism management. The university’s partnerships with organizations like the Bend Park and Recreation District provide students with opportunities to lead community programs and outdoor events, fostering a strong connection between Bend and the university.

Apartments near Oregon State University-Cascades | Houses for rent near Oregon State University-Cascades

6. McMinnville – Linfield University

Population: 34,319 | Student population: 1,700 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,250

Linfield University excels in nursing and wine studies programs. The School of Nursing is highly respected, offering comprehensive training in patient care, healthcare management, and nursing research. Wine studies attract students interested in the region’s famous vineyards and winemaking, providing in-depth education on viticulture, enology, and wine business.

Linfield University has a strong presence in McMinnville. The nursing program partners with local hospitals and clinics, offering students hands-on clinical experience and opportunities to work with experienced healthcare professionals. Wine studies students often work with nearby vineyards and wineries, gaining practical skills in winemaking and vineyard management. The annual International Pinot Noir Celebration held in McMinnville sees significant involvement from Linfield students, enhancing their education and professional connections.

Apartments near Linfield University | Houses for rent near Linfield University

7. Salem – Willamette University

Population: 175,535 | Student population: 1,565 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,287

Willamette University is known for its law and business programs. The College of Law is well known, producing many successful lawyers and judges. The Atkinson Graduate School of Management offers excellent business education, with specializations in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management.

Willamette University and Salem are closely linked. Law students often intern at local courts, law firms, and government offices, gaining practical legal experience and networking opportunities. The business school partners with local companies and nonprofits for real-world projects, providing students with hands-on experience in managing and growing businesses. The annual Salem Art Fair & Festival, which involves many Willamette students, showcases the unbreakable ties between the university and the town.

Apartments near Willamette University | Houses for rent near Willamette University

8. Forest Grove – Pacific University

Population: 26,225 | Student population: 3,589 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,275

Pacific University is noted for its health professions and optometry programs. The College of Health Professions offers top-tier healthcare education, preparing students for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and healthcare administration. The College of Optometry is one of the best in the area, with advanced training in eye care and vision science.

Pacific University works with local health facilities, providing students with clinical experience in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Optometry students often intern at eye care centers around Forest Grove, gaining hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating vision problems. The university’s community partnership programs, including free health screenings and educational workshops, benefit both students and residents, fostering a strong sense of community.

Apartments near Pacific University | Houses for rent near Pacific University

9. Newberg – George Fox University

Population: 25,138 | Student population: 4,039 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,410

George Fox University is known for its psychology and engineering programs. The psychology department is respected, for offering specializations in clinical, counseling, and experimental psychology. The College of Engineering provides excellent hands-on training in mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering.

George Fox University has strong ties with Newberg. Psychology students intern at local mental health clinics and schools, gaining practical experience in therapy and counseling. Engineering students often work on projects that benefit the community. 

Apartments near George Fox University | Houses for rent near George Fox University

10. Klamath Falls – Oregon Institute of Technology

Population: 21,813 | Student population: 4,913 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,200

Oregon Institute of Technology excels in engineering and health sciences. The engineering programs are highly technical and industry-focused, offering specializations in renewable energy, civil engineering, and manufacturing technology. Health sciences students receive practical training in cutting-edge facilities, preparing them for careers in medical imaging, respiratory care, and dental hygiene.

The university partners with local industries for internships and job placements, ensuring that students gain relevant experience and professional connections. Health sciences students often work with Klamath Falls medical centers, providing patient care and participating in community health initiatives. 

Apartments near Oregon Institute of Technology | Houses for rent near Oregon Institute of Technology

 

Methodology

College towns are qualified as towns or cities with at least one college or university and fewer than 750,000 people according to U.S. Census data. Average rental data from Rent.com in May 2024.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the towns and cities in the state meeting those requirements.

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