Online Colleges in Oregon (OR)

The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE), which is comprised of 13 members, is responsible for overseeing and formulating policies that govern the seven public campuses within the Oregon University System. In addition to awarding school licensure, determining appropriate class sizes, and regulating admission procedures, the Board’s principle goal is making sure all citizens have access to a postsecondary education. The SBHE encourages innovation among students so Oregon can become a leader in education, as well as contribute positively to the economy.

The Growth of Online Education in Oregon

Online education is slowly developing a strong presence in Oregon. Though there are several Oregon online colleges, Oregon State University is still leading the pack. Its Extended Campus (e-campus), which offers online degrees and professional and noncredit education classes, ranked eighth in the nation by Super Scholar for its quality of online education. By starting at the primary level, the state has made other attempts to lay the groundwork for future online colleges in Oregon. Below are some of the latest initiatives helping Oregon’s higher education system prosper.

40-40-20

This initiative’s name might sound a bit obscure since it’s made up of numbers, but these digits state its goal directly: Oregon’s ambition is for 40% of its adults to earn bachelor or advanced degrees, 40 % to earn associate degrees or postsecondary certificates, and the rest to have a high school diploma or equivalent by the year 2025. To help achieve this goal, the Oregon University System is working closely with the state to issue state- and system-wide policies and programs.

College Access Challenge Grant Programs

The state of Oregon has won two federal College Access Challenge Grant awards since 2008. The first was used to encourage adult learners to pursue a higher education, whether it was through traditional or online means. The second was used to implement college enrichment programs in K-12 schools for higher education preparedness and career exploration.

Oregon GEARUP: Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs

The Oregon GEARUP program began in 2002 to help promote college awareness and career planning from primary and secondary students. Ideally, the goal is to increase the number of low-income students enrolled in postsecondary programs. Although the initial GEAR UP grant lasted six years, a second federal grant won in 2008 will help fund activities through 2014.

The Career Outlook for Oregon Graduates

Oregon’s workforce relies heavily on healthcare and service occupations to sustain its economy and vital industries. Employment projections in Oregon through 2020 list healthcare support specialists and aides, construction support, administrative assistants, and marketing executives among the fastest-growing jobs in the state. With a diverse job market, candidates looking to get a foot in the door of an exciting career in one of Oregon’s healthy state industries may pursue upward mobility, with the required education and experience. Graduates of an undergraduate program and/or vocational training may be qualified for entry-level positions assisting healthcare, construction, or business professionals, while those with an advanced degree may find enhanced opportunities in marketing or even medical field administration. The following occupations top the list of Oregon’s fastest-growing jobs:

Additional Resources:

• Oregon State Board of Higher Education
• Oregon University System
• Oregon Department of Education
• Oregon Education Investment Board