The best community colleges in Oregon with student housing provide an affordable place to live and a high-quality education. With the rising costs of higher education, many Gen Z students are seeking alternatives to traditional four-year colleges. One emerging trend is the availability of on-campus housing at community colleges, including dormitories and partnerships with nearby housing facilities.
Choosing an Oregon community college with student housing can provide an affordable and convenient transition to college life. Community colleges generally have lower tuition and housing costs than four-year universities, making them a more budget-friendly option for students. Oregon community colleges with student housing offer affordability, convenience, and a solid foundation for higher education.
Contents:
- Community Colleges in Oregon with Campus Housing
- 1. Treasure Valley Community College
- 2. Umpqua Community College
- 3. Lane Community College
- 4. Southwestern Oregon Community College
- 5. Central Oregon Community College
- How Many Community Colleges Have Dorms?
- Why are there so Few Community Colleges with Dorms in?
- Cost of Community College Dorms Versus Traditional College Dorms?
- What are the Pros of Living in Campus Housing at a Community College?
- Why Choose an Oregon Community College with Student Housing?
Community Colleges in Oregon with Campus Housing
The availability of community colleges with dorms in Oregon can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the community college. It’s best to directly contact the community colleges you’re interested in to inquire about their student housing options.
1. Treasure Valley Community College
Location: Ontario, Oregon
Website: Treasure Valley Community College
Housing: The on-campus housing at Treasure Valley Community College is a beautiful three-story building built in 2007. It features very spacious furnished apartment-style suites with a living room, bathroom, and shower room in each suite. Apartment-style suites in double or single rooms offer a comfortable living space for four people. All suites come fully furnished and include WiFi and Internet for your convenience. Double rooms start at $1,626 or around $406.50 a month.
Meals: All Students living in the Residence Hall are required to purchase a meal plan. The Chukar Meal Plan provides 14 meals per week and $75 in declining points (Flex Money) for the quarter. Meals are all you can eat with multiple main dish options, salad bar, soup, soft drinks and dessert.
On Campus Degree Pick: The 13 credit Geospatial Analyst certificate prepares students for entry-level employment as Geospatial Analysts for state, federal, and private agencies. This certificate also applies to the Natural Resources AAS degree.
Online Degrees: A variety of degree and certificate programs are available or currently being developed for online delivery.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Oregon In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $117.00 | $127.00 |
| Bachelor’s per credit hour | NA | NA |
| Housing estimate per month | $406.50 | $406.50 |
College Video Tour:
2. Umpqua Community College
Location: Roseburg, Oregon
Website: Umpqua Community College
Housing: Umpqua Community College offers affordable, community-oriented housing units for students. Its living and learning community offers single to triple occupancy all conveniently situated near local restaurants and shops in downtown Roseburg. Options include Hawk’s Landing, Hawk’s Nest, Jackson Street Apartments, Currier House, Heidi Apartments, Heidi’s Loft, Kohlhagen Apartments, Main Street Apartments, and Rifle Range House. Rates vary but start at $265 per month.
Meals: The school does not offer any meal plans, but the community apartments have kitchens for preparing meals. Additionally, the school has a resource page for food pantries and kitchens for low income students.
On-Campus Degree Pick: Mechatronics is our pick for an on campus program. This engineering field is at the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and computing. Mechatronics specialists create simpler and smarter processes using robotics, control systems, and electro-mechanical systems for the growing automation and manufacturing industry. They also earn around $52 an hour!
Online Degrees: UCC offers a wide range of certificate and degree programs that can be fully completed online.
Tuition Cost: Oregon Residents, Out-of-State students , and International Students all pay the same per credit rate for tuition!
| Degree Type | Oregon In-State Tuition | Out of State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| Bachelor’s per credit hour | NA | NA |
| Housing estimate per month | $265.00 | $265.00 |
Tour of the UCC Campus:
3. Lane Community College
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Website: Lane Community College
Housing: Lane Community Colleges does not have housing run by the school. However, Titan Court is local affordable private housing in the heart of Eugene and in the hub of downtown hot spots!
Meals: On campus options for food include Craft Pizzeria, Doug’s Place, Irie Jamaican Kitchen, J & J Java, and the Titan Store for convenience foods.
On Campus Degree Pick: After completing the AAS in Business Management, students can go on to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Applied Business Management program at Lane. It is the first bachelor degree offered by the school.
Online Degrees: LaneOnline offers more than 250 credit courses each year students can take and earn an Associate of Arts (Oregon Transfer) degree or an Associate of General Studies degree online.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Oregon In-State Tuition | Out of State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $144.50 | $335.50 |
| Bachelor’s per credit hour | $144.50 | $335.50 |
| Housing estimate per month | Not Available | Not Available |
4. Southwestern Oregon Community College
Location: Coos Bay, Oregon
Website: Southwestern Oregon Community College
Housing: Southwestern’s apartment-style housing is located on the shores of the stunning Empire Lakes and in walking distance of classes. Each Lighthouse Depot apartment is fully furnished with a living room, dining area, and a full kitchen. The apartments feature three to four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. All furniture and appliances have been recently updated. So, how much is housing at Southwestern Oregon Community College? Shared bedroom units cost around $820 per month and the cost includes a 110 meal plan each term (or 10 per week). Students also get access to many amenities like the student rec center and indoor climbing gym included with the cost of housing!
Meals: Dining Services prepare all meals fresh daily by the dining services staff, with additional support from the culinary students at the on-campus Oregon Coast Culinary Institute. Meal plans are included in the cost of housing based on single or double room.
On-Campus Degree Pick: The AAS in Agroecology is our pick for an on campus degree. Agriculture meets ecology and sustainability in this new Agroecology program.
Online Degrees: The Business Management Entrepreneurship associate degree is our pick for an entirely online degree.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Oregon / US Tuition | International Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $114.00 | $228.00 |
| Bachelor’s per credit hour | NA | NA |
| Housing estimate per month | $820.00 | $820.00 |
5. Central Oregon Community College
Location: Bend, Oregon
Website: Central Oregon Community College
Housing: Wickiup Hall is COCC’s 320-bed residence hall. This modern five-story structure features comfortable rooms, common spaces, and scenic views. The building is centrally located, so its close to classes and campus resources. Amenities include a game room, study areas, student activities, community TV lounges, a communal kitchen, and a team of live-in community assistants. Rental rates vary, but start at $4,056.33 per term, or around $1,014 per month, and include a meal plan.
Meals: All students residing in COCC’s housing must choose one of three meal plans with their dorm rental. Dining options include the Dining Hall at Coats Campus, the Cafe at the Coats Campus Center, or the Market at the Coats Campus Center.
On-Campus Degree Pick: Associate of Science (AS) in Geospatial Science, (OSU Transfer) Emphasis
Online Degrees: Courses are available completely online for eight associate degrees and four bachelor’s degrees.
Tuition Cost:
| Degree Type | Oregon In-State Tuition | Out of State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Associate per credit hour | $121.00 | $357.00 |
| Bachelor’s per credit hour | NA | NA |
| Housing estimate per month | $1014.00 | $1014.00 |
Wickiup Hall Video Tour:
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How Many Community Colleges Have Dorms?
In total, there are around 200-300 community colleges that provide on-campus housing out of the approximately 1,000 community colleges nationwide. So, about 25-30% of community colleges in the United States offer on-campus housing. The American Association of Community Colleges reported that 22.8% of public community colleges ran on-campus housing in 2010. By 2022, this number increased to 26.6%. But, the exact number can fluctuate depending on new construction or changes in housing policies.
Dorm-equipped community colleges are more common in rural areas where commuting might be difficult or where the school draws students from a wider geographic region. And residence halls help to meet the needs of students who live farther away or are enrolled in specialized programs.
Why are there so Few Community Colleges with Dorms in?
There are relatively few community colleges with dorms for a variety of reasons. However, community colleges in Oregon with housing are a growing trend.
Historical Mission of Community Colleges
Community colleges were originally created to offer accessible education to local residents, especially for those who couldn’t afford or didn’t prefer a four-year residential college. They cater to commuting students who live nearby. Many community college students are part-time and juggle work, family, and other responsibilities, so on-campus housing is not a top priority for them. Because of this local focus, community colleges typically have less demand for on-campus housing compared to universities that attract students from wider geographic areas.
What’s changing?
Community colleges are offering increasingly diverse programs and more advanced degrees like bachelor’s degrees and some offer master’s degrees. Thus, they are attracting students from wider geographical areas. This creates a greater demand for housing when commuting distances become too long. Additionally, the increasing cost of traditional colleges attracts more students to schools that offer housing.
Cost Considerations
Building and maintaining community colleges with dorms in Oregon requires a significant financial investment. Many community colleges have limited budgets and prioritize spending on academic programs, faculty, and facilities directly related to education. Building and managing dormitories also involves compliance with various regulations and accreditation standards, which may pose additional challenges for community colleges.
What’s changing?
Many community colleges are forging partnerships with local housing providers. Instead of investing in on-campus dormitories, some may establish partnerships with nearby apartment complexes or housing options to provide off-campus housing for students.
Shorter Duration of Study
The majority of community college students are enrolled in two-year programs or certificate programs. So they typically spend less time on campus compared to students at four-year universities. The transient nature of the student body reduces the demand for long-term on-campus housing.
What’s changing?
Many of thee schools now offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs.
Community colleges across the country are evolving and are exploring or implementing on-campus housing options to meet the needs of their student populations. Campus housing also promotes campus life and attracts students from outside their immediate area.
Cost of Community College Dorms Versus Traditional College Dorms?
The cost of living in community college dorms versus traditional four-year college dorms in Oregon can vary significantly due to differences in amenities, the size of the institution, and their location. Here’s a general breakdown of the comparison:
Community College Dorms in Oregon
Community colleges that offer dorms in Oregon, such as Central Oregon Community College (COCC) or Southwestern Oregon Community College, typically have lower housing costs compared to traditional four-year universities.
- COCC: On-campus housing for 2023-2024 at Wickiup Hall (COCC’s dorm) costs approximately $6,500 to $9,000 per academic year, depending on room choice and meal plan.
- Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC): Dorm costs at SWOCC are around $7,000 to $9,500 per academic year, which includes the meal plan.
These prices reflect a more affordable option due to the lower operational costs of community colleges and the type of housing provided.
Traditional Four-Year College Dorms in Oregon
Four-year universities such as Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of Oregon (UO) generally have higher dorm costs due to the amenities and services offered.
- Oregon State University (OSU): Dorm prices range from $11,000 to $14,000 per academic year, including room and board.
- University of Oregon (UO): Housing costs vary between $12,000 and $15,000 per academic year, depending on the dorm style and meal plan.
| Oregon School Type | Housing Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Community Colleges | $6,500 to $9,500 per year |
| Four-Year Universities | $11,000 to $15,000 per year |
In summary, on-campus housing at community colleges in Oregon is typically more affordable than at traditional four-year universities, with community colleges being about 30-40% less expensive in many cases. This affordability aligns with the overall mission of community colleges to provide accessible education at a lower cost.
What are the Pros of Living in Campus Housing at a Community College?
Living on campus can significantly assist first-year students in transitioning from living at home to living independently. Residing in a residence hall on campus ensures that many essential services, such as cable, internet, and laundry, are readily available to you without the need for additional arrangements. Also, rent, utilities, and internet are included in the price of on-campus housing, so you don’t have to worry about paying separate bills.
Many schools also provide additional amenities such as dining halls, recreation centers, gyms, and community spaces. Living in on-campus housing is like having a VIP pass to campus life, as it allows you to easily access campus activities, amenities, and services, enhancing your overall college experience.
On-campus housing typically offers double rooms, which means having a roommate. However, these living arrangements often lead to lasting friendships that extend beyond your college years. Residence halls are communities where you can meet new friends and share experiences with students who have similar interests and are in the same life stage.
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Why Choose an Oregon Community College with Student Housing?
While community colleges traditionally don’t offer on-campus housing like traditional universities, there are a growing number of exceptions across the United States that offer dormitories or residential facilities. Given the escalating costs of four-year colleges and the scarcity of affordable housing, the Online Schools Guide strongly recommends considering community college dorms as a practical and viable choice.
Choosing an Oregon community college with student housing can provide an affordable and convenient transition to college life. Community colleges generally have lower tuition and housing costs than four-year universities, making them a more budget-friendly option for students. Living on campus not only saves students from long commutes but also provides easy access to campus resources such as libraries, tutoring, and extracurricular activities, enhancing the convenience and comfort of their college life.
Dorm living offers a structured environment that aids students in adjusting to college life while fostering social connections and a sense of community. Community colleges with dorms can play a pivotal role in facilitating a seamless transition by providing a campus experience while keeping costs in check for students considering a transfer to a four-year college. Oregon community colleges with student housing offer affordability, convenience, and a solid foundation for higher education.
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