Comprehensive Oregon education resources directory covering K-12 public schools, universities, community colleges, trade schools, and educational services for students, educators, and families.
Oregon's public education system serves 552,380 students across 197 school districts and 29 education service districts. The system is overseen by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), which implements state standards and graduation requirements established by the seven-member State Board of Education.
Current Enrollment Trends
Total K-12 enrollment: 552,380 students (2022-23 school year)
Student diversity: 226,280 students of color (41% of enrollment)
Linguistic diversity: 333 unique languages spoken by Oregon students
Enrollment decline from 2018-19: 5.1% reduction (29,350 fewer students)
Current trend: Stabilizing with only 632 fewer students in 2022-23
Largest School Districts
Portland Public Schools (PPS) - Oregon's largest school district
Salem-Keizer Public Schools - Second largest district
Beaverton School District - Suburban Portland area
Eugene School District 4J - Lane County
Gresham-Barlow School District - Multnomah County
Hillsboro School District - Washington County
Medford School District - Jackson County
Corvallis School District - Benton County
2024-25 Assessment Results
Oregon released state assessment scores for 2024-25, showing mixed results with improvement in reading proficiency and challenges continuing in mathematics and science.
State Proficiency Rates (2024)
English Language Arts proficiency: Increased 0.2 percentage points
Mathematics proficiency: 31.5% of students proficient (up 0.2 percentage points)
Science proficiency: 30% of students proficient (up 0.2 percentage points)
Test participation: 89% of students in English Language Arts assessments
National comparison: Reading and math scores rank 46th and 48th respectively in 4th grade
Graduation Requirements
Oregon requires 24 credits for high school graduation, with specific course requirements across multiple subject areas.
Credit Requirements for Class of 2026 & Earlier
4 credits in Language Arts (English)
3 credits in Mathematics
3 credits in Science
3 credits in Social Sciences
1 credit in Health
1 credit in Physical Education
0.5 credits in Civics
9.5 elective credits to reach 24-credit total
New Requirements for Class of 2027
Starting with the class of 2027, Oregon is adding new requirements integrated into the existing 24-credit structure:
0.5 credits in Higher Education and Career Path Skills
0.5 credits in Personal Financial Education
Existing credits maintain 24-credit total
Alternative Diploma Options
Modified Diploma - for students with reasonable accommodations
Extended Diploma - for students unable to meet standard content standards
Essential Skills Assessment - currently suspended through 2028
Education Funding & Budget
Oregon's K-12 education system receives funding through the State School Fund, supplemented by local property taxes and federal grants.
Spending increase: 4.65% from 2023 to 2024 (8th-highest rate nationally)
2023 State School Fund: $10.2 billion (largest allocation in Oregon history)
Proposed 2025-27 increase: $515 million additional funding
Recent Budget Challenges
Federal COVID-19 relief funds ended September 2024 ($1.6 billion distributed 2020-2024)
Enrollment decline impacts district budgets
Increasing special education costs
Teacher salary pressures and workforce shortages
Oregon Public Universities
Oregon operates eight public universities under state boards, offering comprehensive academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The system has experienced enrollment growth in recent years, with total enrollment across public universities and community colleges increasing 3% in fall 2024.
General Universities
1. Oregon State University (OSU) - Corvallis
Enrollment: 38,460 students (fall 2025)
Main Campus: 25,374 students in Corvallis
Ecampus: 11,647 online students
Branch campuses: Portland, Bend, Newport
Distinction: Largest university in Oregon for 12th consecutive year; only public R1 university in nation with 28+ years consecutive enrollment growth
Founded: 1868
Website: oregonstate.edu
2. University of Oregon (UO) - Eugene
Freshman class: ~5,300 students (fall 2025, largest in university history)
Pandemic impact: Lost only 1.4% enrollment (2019-2021), better than peers
Located: Lane County
Founded: 1872
Website: uoregon.edu
3. Portland State University (PSU) - Portland
Location: Downtown Portland
Transfer students: More than 50% of PSU students are transfers
Challenge: Enrollment declined from pandemic impacts and reduced community college transfers
Founded: 1946
Website: pdx.edu
4. Western Oregon University - Monmouth
Established: 1856
Location: Polk County
Focus: Teacher education and liberal arts
Website: wou.edu
5. Southern Oregon University - Ashland
Founded: 1882
Location: Jackson County (Southern Oregon)
Setting: College town near Shakespeare festival
Website: sou.edu
6. Eastern Oregon University - La Grande
Established: 1929
Location: Union County (Eastern Oregon)
Focus: Rural and regional education
Website: eou.edu
Specialized Universities
1. Oregon Institute of Technology - Klamath Falls
Founded: 1947
Specialization: Technology and applied sciences
Multiple campuses: Klamath Falls, Portland, online programs
Website: oit.edu
2. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) - Portland
Established: 1887
Specialization: Health sciences, research, and patient care
Notable: Major research institution and teaching hospital
Website: ohsu.edu
Oregon Community Colleges
Oregon operates 17 community colleges providing affordable access to degree programs, certificates, workforce training, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon with nearly 73,000 students.
Community College Directory
Portland Metropolitan Area
Portland Community College (PCC) - 73,000+ students; largest post-secondary institution in Oregon; multiple campuses (Sylvania, Cascade, Southeast)
Clackamas Community College - Oregon City; specialized programs in Homeland Security, Cosmetology
Mount Hood Community College - Gresham; career and technical education focus
Southern Oregon
Rogue Community College - 75+ career and technical training programs
Southwestern Oregon Community College - Home to Oregon Coast Culinary Institute
Central Oregon
Central Oregon Community College (COCC) - 70+ programs; nearly equal mix of associate and certificate programs
Willamette Valley & Coast
Chemeketa Community College - Salem area; 25,000+ students annually
Linn-Benton Community College - Albany/Lebanon
Oregon Coast Community College - Coastal communities
Columbia Gorge Community College - Hood River area
Lane County
Lane Community College - Eugene; 25,000+ students annually; eight fields of study
Eastern & Blue Mountains
Blue Mountain Community College - Pendleton
Umpqua Community College - Roseburg; notable for Sustainable Forestry program
Klamath Community College - Klamath Falls
Community College Program Types
Associate Degree Programs
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certificates
Workforce Training and Development
University Transfer Pathways
Adult Basic Education
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Community College Costs (Annual)
Certificate programs: $2,000 - $8,000
Associate degree (in-state): $5,000 - $15,000
Private vocational programs: $15,000 - $25,000
Private Colleges & Universities
Oregon's higher education system includes 39 private institutions (27 nonprofit private schools and 12 for-profit institutions) offering specialized programs and alternative educational pathways.
Notable Private Institutions
Reed College - Portland; independent liberal arts college
Willamette University - Salem; comprehensive private university
University of Portland - Portland; Catholic-affiliated university
Lewis & Clark College - Portland; liberal arts and graduate programs
Pacific University - Forest Grove; liberal arts and graduate education
Linfield University - McMinnville; liberal arts and professional programs
Marylhurst University - Marylhurst; adult and graduate education
Corban University - Salem; Christian liberal arts education
George Fox University - Newberg; evangelical Christian university
Vocational & Trade Schools
Oregon offers 43 accredited trade schools and numerous career and technical education programs through community colleges and specialized vocational institutions, preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades.
Apprenticeships (on-the-job training with classroom instruction)
Online and accelerated courses
Continuing professional education
Specialized Trade Programs
Oregon Coast Culinary Institute - Southwestern Oregon Community College; culinary arts and hospitality
Sustainable Forestry Program - Umpqua Community College; forest management and conservation
Pathways to the Trades - Oregon Goes to College initiative; career exploration
Online & Virtual Learning Options
Oregon provides comprehensive online and virtual learning options for K-12 students and post-secondary learners, including fully online public schools, district virtual programs, and community college distance education.
Virtual Charter Schools (K-12)
Oregon Virtual Academy - Full-time virtual school; grades K-12; serves students statewide
Cascade Virtual Academy (CVA) - Full-time online public school; K-12 comprehensive programs
Oregon Connections Academy - Virtual learning with flexible pacing; college preparation focus
Oregon Virtual School District (ORVSD) - Multi-district online school program
Approximately 20 virtual charter schools operating throughout Oregon
District Virtual Programs
Salem-Keizer Public Schools EDGE - Full-time online learning option; K-12
Portland Public Schools Virtual Scholars - High school virtual program; college preparatory focus
Many districts offer supplementary online courses alongside traditional instruction
Community College Online Programs
ORVED (Oregon Virtual Education) - Statewide online curriculum; grades 6-12 with teacher instruction; K-5 available through local district participation
Portland Community College online programs
Lane Community College distance education
Most community colleges offer online and hybrid course formats
Digital Literacy Initiatives
Oregon Digital Leaders Coalition - collaboration of online educators and stakeholders
Digital learning professional development for teachers
Student digital citizenship and technology skills programs
Early Childhood Education
Oregon provides state-funded preschool programs for eligible children ages 3-4, supporting early learning and school readiness through multiple program models.
State-Funded Preschool Programs
Oregon Pre-Kindergarten (OPK)
Eligibility: Ages 3-4 from low-income families
Funding: State general fund and federal Head Start partnership
Services: Comprehensive child and family development
History: Established 1987
Enrollment expansion: 1,400 part-day slots converted to full-day (2021)
Preschool Promise
Eligibility: Children from families up to 200% of federal poverty level
Program model: Mixed-delivery (public and private providers)
Services: Free or reduced-cost preschool
Launched: 2016
Growth: Added 2,516 slots (2021-22)
Oregon Pre-Kindergarten Prenatal to Three
Focus: Infants and toddlers
Services: Early intervention and family support
Expansion: Added 265 slots (2021)
Healthy Families Oregon
Focus: Prenatal to age 5
Services: Home visiting, parent education, family support
Coverage: Served additional 100 families (2021 expansion)
Early Childhood Funding & Resources
Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) administers programs
Student Success Act: $200 million annually to early learning
Early Childhood Equity Fund: Grants for culturally-specific programs and native language instruction
Preschool Development Grant (PDG): Federal funding for program quality and expansion
Quality improvement initiatives through community partnerships
Special Education & STEM Initiatives
Special Education Services
The Oregon Department of Education Special Education division provides oversight and support for programs serving students with disabilities (ages 3-21) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Services Provided
Special education identification and assessment
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Inclusive classroom support
Specialized instruction and therapy services
Assistive technology and accommodations
Transition planning for post-secondary life
Alternative diploma options for students unable to meet standard requirements
Diploma Options
Standard Oregon Diploma - requires 24 credits and meets all requirements
Modified Diploma - with reasonable accommodations and modifications
Extended Diploma - for students unable to meet academic content standards
STEM Education Initiatives
Oregon is investing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education to build a skilled workforce and increase student engagement with technical fields.
Key STEM Programs
STEM CORE (University of Oregon)
Produces broader and deeper pool of STEM talent; goal to double STEM degrees awarded by 2030.
Oregon MESA
Pre-college, out-of-school time program; 600+ students annually; focuses on underrepresented populations in STEM (girls, lower socioeconomic, rural communities); operated through Portland State University.
CS Oregon
Computer Science education program; enhances equitable and inclusive access to high-quality CS education; serves all student populations.
Oregon STEM Hubs
Regional coordination through Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) and Oregon Department of Education; grant management for STEM initiatives.
Southern Oregon STEAM Hub
Southern Oregon Education Service District; increases investment and engagement in STEM for traditionally underrepresented populations.
Oregon students have access to substantial state and federal financial aid through grants, scholarships, and loan programs administered by the Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC) and individual institutions.
State Grants & Scholarships
Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG)
Need-based financial aid program
Serves: Approximately 40,000 students annually
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time at Oregon colleges/universities
Type: Grant (no repayment required)
Oregon Promise Grant
State grant for eligible Oregon students
Supports post-secondary education access
Type: Grant (no repayment required)
Oregon Tribal Student Grant
Eligibility: Oregon tribal members
Supports: Attendance at eligible Oregon colleges/universities
Type: Grant
Oregon Student Child Care Grant
Supports: Parent students needing child care
Goal: Enable completion of academic programs
Type: Grant
Chafee Education and Training Grant
Eligibility: Current or former foster care youth
Supports: Postsecondary education and training
Type: Grant
Deceased or Disabled Public Safety Officer Grant
Eligibility: Dependents of Oregon public safety officers
Supports: Education costs for dependents of killed or disabled officers
Type: Grant
Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant
Eligibility: Culturally and linguistically diverse Oregon residents
Focus: Teaching, school counseling, school social work, school psychology
Support: Preliminary teacher licensure programs
Type: Grant
Annual Scholarship Awards
OSAC awards: Over $118 million annually to Oregon students
OSAC Scholarship Application: Opens November 1 each year
Deadline: March 3, 2025 for 2025-26 academic year
Application method: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Oregon Community Foundation Scholarships
Numerous scholarships for various student populations
Healthy Oregon Workforce Training Opportunity (HOWTO) Grant Program available
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Federal program: Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Eligible loans: Federal Direct and FFEL Program Loans
Forgiveness: Up to $17,500 of loan debt
Requirement: Teaching service in eligible schools
Oregon State Bar Loan Repayment Assistance
Eligibility: Oregon law school graduates
Focus: Public service law, public defenders
Assistance: Up to $7,500 per year
Requirement: 3 years of service
Support Organizations
Oregon Student Loan Ombuds - Help with student loan issues
HECC Office of Student Access and Completion - Financial aid and college access programs
Division of Financial Regulation - Consumer protection for student loan matters
Education Career Paths
Oregon education sector offers diverse career opportunities for educators, administrators, support professionals, and specialists across K-12 schools, higher education, and educational services.
Teacher Careers in Oregon
Average Teacher Salaries (2025)
Average teacher salary: $71,223 per year
Salary range: $42,987 - $109,915
Entry-level: $43,116 - $75,014
Mid-career: $47,600 - $65,600 (majority)
Top earners: $75,595+ (90th percentile)
National comparison: Oregon teachers earn approximately 2% above national average
Teacher Subject Areas
Elementary Education
Secondary Education (Math, Science, English, Social Studies, etc.)
Special Education
English Language Learner (ELL) Education
Physical Education and Health
Career and Technical Education
Early Childhood Education
Teacher Benefits & Retirement
Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) - comprehensive pension system
Health insurance coverage and medical benefits
Professional development opportunities
Summer planning and preparation time
Workforce Challenges
Teacher shortage across Oregon districts
Low compensation relative to other professions
Legislature passed workforce development package (2024) to address shortages
Loan repayment programs available for teachers
Educational Administration & Leadership
School Principal - Building-level instructional leader and administrator
Assistant Principal - Support for school operations and student discipline
District Superintendent - Top district education leader
Assistant Superintendent - District-level instructional or operations support
Curriculum Director - District curriculum development and instruction
Special Education Director - Oversight of special education services
Advancement Path
Teachers can advance to administrative roles (principal, superintendent, district leadership) by completing additional certification or advanced degree requirements.
Education Support Professionals
Paraprofessionals / Teaching Assistants - Classroom and instructional support
School Counselors - Student social-emotional and college/career guidance
School Psychologists - Assessment and behavioral support
School Social Workers - Student and family support services
Speech-Language Pathologists - Communication support
School Nurses - Student health services
Occupational Therapists - Therapeutic services for students with disabilities
Library Media Specialists - Information literacy and library services
Higher Education Careers
Faculty and Instructor positions at universities and colleges
Department chairs and academic leadership
Student affairs and student services professionals
Academic advisors and counselors
Research and institutional effectiveness specialists
Enrollment management and admissions professionals
Career services and internship coordinators
Teacher Education Programs in Oregon
Multiple Oregon universities offer teacher education and master's degree programs for educators seeking advanced certification and professional development:
University of Oregon College of Education
Oregon State University College of Education
Portland State University Graduate School of Education
University of Portland School of Education
Other universities with specialized programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Oregon has 197 school districts serving all regions of the state. These districts vary in size from small rural districts with fewer than 1,000 students to large urban districts like Portland Public Schools with tens of thousands of students. Additionally, there are 29 education service districts that provide support services to school districts including special education, professional development, and instructional resources.
Oregon requires 24 credits for high school graduation, including: 4 credits in English Language Arts, 3 credits in Mathematics, 3 credits in Science, 3 credits in Social Sciences, 1 credit in Health, 1 credit in Physical Education, 0.5 credits in Civics, and 9.5 elective credits. Starting with the class of 2027, new requirements add 0.5 credits each in Higher Education/Career Path Skills and Personal Financial Education, integrated into the existing 24-credit structure.
Oregon has eight public universities: six general universities (Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Portland State University, Western Oregon University, Southern Oregon University, Eastern Oregon University) and two specialized universities (Oregon Institute of Technology and Oregon Health & Science University). Additionally, Oregon operates 17 community colleges and has 39 private colleges and universities (27 nonprofit and 12 for-profit institutions).
Oregon State University is Oregon's largest university with 38,460 students as of fall 2025. The main Corvallis campus has 25,374 students, while the online Ecampus division serves 11,647 students. Oregon State also operates branch campuses in Portland, Bend, and Newport. Remarkably, OSU has achieved 28 consecutive years of enrollment growth and is the only public Research 1 university in America with this achievement.
Portland Community College (PCC) is Oregon's largest post-secondary institution with nearly 73,000 students. PCC is larger than even Oregon State University when measuring total enrollment, making it a major educational provider for the Portland metropolitan area. PCC operates multiple campuses including Sylvania, Cascade, and Southeast locations, serving both traditional and distance education students.
The average teacher salary in Oregon is $71,223 per year. Salaries range from $42,987 (entry-level) to $109,915 for experienced teachers. Most teachers fall between the 25th percentile at $47,600 and 75th percentile at $65,600. Oregon teachers earn approximately 2% above the national average. Teacher salaries increase with experience and additional education (master's degrees, certifications), with many teachers advancing to administrative roles like principal or superintendent for higher compensation.
Oregon offers substantial financial aid through multiple programs. The Oregon Opportunity Grant serves approximately 40,000 students annually with need-based aid. Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC) awards over $118 million in scholarships and grants yearly. Specific programs include Oregon Promise Grant, Tribal Student Grant, Child Care Grant, Chafee Grant for foster youth, and Teacher Scholars Program Grant. Students apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, loan repayment programs exist for teachers, healthcare providers, and behavioral health professionals serving underserved areas.
Oregon operates 17 community colleges distributed throughout the state, providing affordable access to degree programs, career certificates, and transfer pathways to universities. Major institutions include Portland Community College (73,000+ students), Lane Community College (25,000+ students), and Central Oregon Community College with 70+ programs. Community colleges offer career and technical education, workforce training, and academic transfer programs at significantly lower cost than four-year universities.
Oregon provides comprehensive online learning options for K-12 students including full-time virtual charter schools (Oregon Virtual Academy, Cascade Virtual Academy, Oregon Connections Academy) and district virtual programs (Salem-Keizer EDGE, Portland Virtual Scholars). For higher education, ORVED (Oregon Virtual Education) provides online courses in grades 6-12. Many community colleges offer fully online and hybrid course formats. These programs serve students across Oregon and accommodate diverse learning preferences and schedules.
Oregon operates two state-funded preschool programs. Oregon Pre-Kindergarten (OPK), established in 1987, serves ages 3-4 from low-income families through state and federal partnership. Preschool Promise, launched in 2016, serves children from families earning up to 200% of federal poverty level through mixed-delivery model with public and private providers. Both programs provide comprehensive child development services and school readiness preparation. Additional programs include Oregon Pre-Kindergarten Prenatal to Three and Healthy Families Oregon for infant and toddler support.
Oregon supports STEM education through multiple initiatives. STEM CORE at University of Oregon aims to double STEM degrees awarded by 2030. Oregon MESA serves 600+ students annually in pre-college STEM programs, particularly underrepresented groups. CS Oregon enhances computer science access statewide. Oregon STEM Hubs coordinate regional STEM efforts through the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. These programs focus on building technical workforce talent, increasing STEM engagement, and ensuring equitable access across all student populations including girls, rural students, and lower-income students.