2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	University of Portland	88	89.17	1,180 – 1,380	34951	67913	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon University of Portland Portland, OR A non selective school, the University of Portland accepted 7,400 of applicants, 10% of which enrolled. It’s a private Catholic University, sister to the University of Notre Dame, and affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross. 81% of undergraduates graduate within six years. First Year Retention Rate 88 % 6.0% Acceptance Rate 89.2% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $34,951 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,913
2	Oregon State University	87.8	77.3	1,160 – 1,400	21868	50843	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Oregon State University Corvallis, OR Based in Corvallis, Oregon State University’s acceptance rate is 77% and requests $65 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 87% of students at Oregon State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 88 % 0.3% Acceptance Rate 77.3% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $21,868 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,843
3	Reed College	87	24.61	1,320 – 1,520	36993	38607	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Reed College Portland, OR Founded in 1908, Reed College requires all undergraduates to complete a thesis with a 90-minute presentation and oral defense. Students also need to take various physical education courses. Reed has a 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 87% first year retention rate. Many major in Experimental Psychology. First Year Retention Rate 87 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 24.6% SAT Score 1,320 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $36,993 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,607
4	Willamette University	87	77.09	1,260 – 1,420	27716	38932	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Willamette University Salem, OR Willamette University is the oldest college in the Western United States, having opened in 1842. It has an 87% first year retention rate, 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 72% six year graduation rate. Willamette offers 37 programs, and many study Law, Business Administration and Management, and General. First Year Retention Rate 87 % 0.7% Acceptance Rate 77.1% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $27,716 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,932
5	University of Oregon	86.4	88.3	1,140 – 1,370	23917	46084	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon University of Oregon Eugene, OR Found in Eugene, the University of Oregon accepts 88% of applicants. They charge $65 for undergraduate applications and $70 for graduate applications. Approximately 80% of students attending the University of Oregon will receive grant aid from the school. At the University of Oregon, there is a 86% first year retention rate......Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 1.8% Acceptance Rate 88.3% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $23,917 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,084
6	Lewis & Clark College	86.1	78.49	1,240 – 1,400	38247	43608	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Lewis & Clark College Portland, OR Based in Portland, Lewis & Clark College accepts 78% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 100% of students at Lewis & Clark College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 5.0% Acceptance Rate 78.5% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $38,247 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,608
7	George Fox University	83	93.51	1,060 – 1,340	30649	53568	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon George Fox University Newberg, OR George Fox University is a private Christian institution with an 83% first year retention rate and 17 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. GFU’s student athletes are known as the Bruins. Wearing navy blue and gold, they compete in the NCAA Division III with football Northwest Conference. First Year Retention Rate 83 % 7.8% Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $30,649 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,568
8	Linfield University	79.7	85.17	1,050 – 1,240	31462	70643	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Linfield University McMinnville, OR Linfield College became Linfield University in 2020, but the school has roots going back to 1858, when it was called the Baptist College of McMinnville. Its motto is “Connecting Learning, Life and Community.” Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is the most popular program by far....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 1.0% Acceptance Rate 85.2% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $31,462 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $70,643
9	Pacific University	79	89.56	940 – 1,290	34809	46936	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Pacific University Forest Grove, OR Although Pacific University is nonsectarian today, it still works closely with the United Church of Christ, who was instrumental in the institution’s founding. There are currently more graduate students than undergraduates. Pacific University was a founding member of the Northwest Conference, which the Boxers participate in. First Year Retention Rate 79 % 3.9% Acceptance Rate 89.6% SAT Score 940 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $34,809 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,936
10	Bushnell University	76	67.28	970 – 1,040	22534	43484	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Bushnell University Eugene, OR Located in Eugene, Bushnell University’s acceptance rate is 67% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. They are given $20,178 on average. The first year retention rate is 76%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 67.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $22,534 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,484
11	Western Oregon University	76	98.71	1,010 – 1,230	15249	42537	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Western Oregon University Monmouth, OR Located in Monmouth, Western Oregon University’s acceptance rate is 99%. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. About 88% of students at Western Oregon University will receive institutional grant aid. On average, these students are given $3,982 each. The first year retention rate is 76%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % Acceptance Rate 98.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $15,249 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,537
12	Portland State University	74.7	90.91	1,050 – 1,310	12509	46937	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Portland State University Portland, OR Located in Portland, Portland State University accepts 91% of applicants and requires $60 for undergraduate applications and $67 for graduate applications. About 55% of students at Portland State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 90.9% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $12,509 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,937
13	Eastern Oregon University	71.48	98.31	930 – 1,150	17219	43034	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Eastern Oregon University La Grande, OR Based in La Grande, Eastern Oregon University accepted 98% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 94% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Eastern Oregon University,......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 6.7% Acceptance Rate 98.3% SAT Score 930 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $17,219 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,034
14	Pacific Northwest College of Art	69.5	74.85	--	42195	24101	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Pacific Northwest College of Art Portland, OR Found in Portland, Pacific Northwest College of Art accepted 75% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 99% of students attending Pacific Northwest College of Art will receive grant aid from the school. The institution’s first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 10.3% Acceptance Rate 74.9% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $42,195 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,101
15	Southern Oregon University	69.2	90.07	1,040 – 1,210	17433	39326	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Southern Oregon University Ashland, OR Located in Ashland, Southern Oregon University’s acceptance rate is 90%. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. About 86% of students at Southern Oregon University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 69%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % Acceptance Rate 90.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $17,433 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,326
16	Oregon Institute of Technology	69	95.02	990 – 1,280	17274	68301	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, OR Based in Klamath Falls, Oregon Institute of Technology accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $50 to apply. About 91% of students at Oregon Institute of Technology currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 5.3% Acceptance Rate 95.0% SAT Score 990 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $17,274 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $68,301
17	Warner Pacific University	62.2	58.55	850 – 1,040	18402	45660	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Warner Pacific University Portland, OR Based in Portland, Warner Pacific University accepted 59% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $25 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Warner Pacific University currently receive institutional grant aid. At Warner Pacific University, there is a 62% first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % Acceptance Rate 58.6% SAT Score 850 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $18,402 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,660
18	Chemeketa Community College	61	57.99	--	8455	35771	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Chemeketa Community College Salem, OR Based in Salem, Chemeketa Community College accepted 58% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 6% of students at Chemeketa Community College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate 58.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,455 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,771
19	Multnomah University	47	49.84	1,050 – 1,220	23072	35556	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Multnomah University Portland, OR Found in Portland, Multnomah University accepted 50% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $40 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students at Multnomah University currently receive institutional grant aid. They receive $15,012 on average. The first year retention rate is 47%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 47 % Acceptance Rate 49.8% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $23,072 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,556
20	American College of Healthcare Sciences	0	58.22	--	24016	26458	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon American College of Healthcare Sciences Portland, OR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 58.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $24,016 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,458
21	Corban University	0	89.74	1,010 – 1,240	26028	41735	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Corban University Salem, OR Corban University is non selective. During the last admissions cycle, 28% of those who were accepted enrolled at the school. There are 47 majors and programs to choose from, with Business Administration and Management, General, Divinity/Ministry, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science among the most popular. First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 89.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,028 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,735
22	Mt Hood Community College	0	0	--	6667	36246	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Mt Hood Community College Gresham, OR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $6,667 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,246
23	Oregon Health & Science University	0	66.36	--	0	99818	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Oregon Health & Science University Portland, OR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 66.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $99,818
24	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus	0	68.44	1,100 – 1,330	18949	50843	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, OR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 68.4% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $18,949 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,843
25	Sumner College	0	86.67	--	26716	59213	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Oregon Sumner College Portland, OR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 86.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $26,716 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213