The 8 Largest College Campuses in Oregon

Administrative building exterior Johnson Hall on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene.
© Joshua Rainey Photography/Shutterstock.com

Written by Kathryn Koehler

Updated: November 17, 2023

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Despite being the nineth largest U.S. State, Oregon’s college campuses tend to be on the smaller side. This juxtaposition between the state’s size and its diminutive campuses reflects a leaning towards intimate and personalized learning environments. Students in Oregon enjoy the benefits of a small, close-knit college community while surrounded by nature’s unspoiled bounty. This balance of vast natural areas and cozy college campuses allows students in Oregon to experience the best of both worlds as they prepare for adult life. So, lace up your hiking boots as we trek across the eight largest college campuses in Oregon.

Oregon Tech Klamath Falls Campus – 190 acres

Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) campus in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Purvine Hall

Purvine Hall on the Klamath Falls campus of Oregon Tech.

©OregonTech, CC BY-SA 4.0 - Original / License

Oregon Institute of Technology, also known as Oregon Tech, is a public polytechnic university with its main campus in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The Klamath Falls campus of Oregon Tech focuses on technical and engineering education. Originally founded as a vocational college following WWII, the school now offers 47 advanced degrees. While the Klamath Falls campus has residential halls, a satellite campus in Wilsonville (Portland metro area) gives commuting students an urban option. Oregon Tech boasts a championship soccer team. The Hustlin’ Owls play in the Cascade Collegiate Conference.

Central Oregon Community College – 200 acres

The Central Oregon Community College campus has green spaces and tree-lined walkways.

©Oregon State Archives, CC BY 4.0 - Original / License

Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is a public community college in Bend. The COCC campus is scenic, with plenty of green spaces and tree-lined walkways. COCC focuses on the needs of the Bend community, providing resources such as community education classes, and workforce training programs. The school is also a starting point for students seeking four-year degrees. Many COCC students matriculate to major universities. The school hosts events like the First Nations Native American Salmon Bake, workshops, and art exhibits.

Mt. Hood Community College – 212 acres

A building at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham.

The MHCC campus is designed to serve the community needs of the surrounding region.

©Oregon State Archives, CC BY 4.0 - Original / License

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is a public community college in Gresham, Oregon. The MHCC campus is designed to serve the educational and community needs of the surrounding region. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or advance your career, MHCC has you covered. The school offers associate degrees, technical certificates, and just-for-the-fun-of-it community education classes. MHCC also hosts a variety of events throughout the year including food drives, art fairs, and an annual jazz festival.

Corban University – 222 acres

The clock tower, constructed in 2006, is a relatively new addition to the Corban campus.

©M.O. Stevens, CC BY-SA 3.0 - Original / License

Corban University is a private Christian university located in Salem, Oregon. Established in 1935, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus and online, with over 50 areas of study. Literature, Public Safety Administration, Computer Science, Marketing, and Kinesiology are a few of the wide-ranging choices. From Science Saturdays to theatrical productions to the annual Turkey Trot for scooters, walkers, and runners, Corban provides excellent events for the community. The clock tower, constructed in 2006, is a relatively new addition to the Corban campus. It is, nonetheless, a central landmark.

Portland Community College – 226 acres

The exterior of the library on the Cascade campus of Portland Community College, in Portland, Oregon.

PCC serves the Portland metropolitan area and offers a wide range of academic programs.

©Steve Morgan, CC BY-SA 4.0 - Original / License

Portland Community College (PCC) is a multi-campus community college located in Portland, Oregon. PCC serves the greater Portland metropolitan area and offers a wide range of academic programs and workforce training. Dedicated to community education, PCC has a Mobile Welding Outreach & Skills Training Center, which can accommodate typically underserved populations.

University of Oregon – Eugene – 295 acres

Oregon Hall, University Of Oregon, Eugene

University of Oregon was established in 1876.

©Oregon State Archives, CC BY 4.0 - Original / License

The University of Oregon (UO) is located in Eugene. Locals recognize this school for its distinctive duck mascot. OU is a public research university that was established in 1876. Today, the school offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university has benefited from the generous support of Phil Knight, a co-founder of Nike, and a major contributor to the school.

Oregon Health & Science University 400 acres shock absorber

Oregon Health and Science University, Marquam Hill, Portland

OHSU is a research institution.

©Oregon State Archives, CC BY 4.0 - Original / License

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is primarily a health sciences-focused institution located in Portland, Oregon. OHSU is a research institution, and the campus houses numerous research centers focused on areas like biomedical sciences, cancer research, and neuroscience. Most recently, the university is making strides in functional knee repair. The procedure presently treats osteoarthritis and involves the implantation of a shock absorber, which recipients have praised as miraculous.

Oregon State University – 400 acres

the Memorial Union at Oregon State. by air.

The Memorial Union (MU) is a central hub of student life, with dining options and a bookstore.

©saml123, CC BY 2.0 - Original / License

Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, Oregon. The campus is in the Willamette Valley, covering approximately 400 acres. The school is renowned for its excellence in Computer Science, Agricultural Science, and Forestry programs. The Memorial Union is a central hub of student life. It houses dining options, meeting rooms, and a bookstore.


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About the Author

Kathryn Koehler is a writer at A-Z-Animals where her focus is on unusual animals, places, and events. Kat has over 20 years of experience as a professional writer and educator. She holds a master's degree from Vanderbilt University. When she is not writing for A-Z-Animals, Kat enjoys puttering in her garden, baking deliciously healthful treats for her family, and playing with her two rescue mutts, Popcorn and Scooter. She resides in Tennessee.

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