Considering themselves one of the conservative denominations of Christianity, Baptist colleges focus on offering students a good education while incorporating faith-based courses and principles. The following colleges in Oregon all have strong Baptist ties.
School Comparison
While all of these colleges are relatively small, the tuition costs vary greatly. This list will look at population size and average tuition costs for the 2021-2022 school year.
| School Name | Institution Type | Student Population (All Campuses) | Location | Tuition (2021-2022)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corban University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 1,082 | Salem, OR | $34,756 |
| Linfield College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 1,297 | McMinnville, OR | $46,032 |
| Western Seminary | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 835 | Portland, OR | $14,808 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Comparing Baptist Schools in Oregon
Of the Baptist schools located in the state, two have undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Corban University and Linfield College also both offer on-campus housing options.
Corban University
Corban University is set on a 220-acre campus in Salem, OR. Corban offers a variety of degree programs both on-campus and online. There are over 50 programs for undergraduate and graduate study offered through Corban's four schools: The School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and Counseling, the School of Ministry, and the Hoff School of Business. Class sizes are kept relatively small, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1.
Financial aid is available for all students; in fact, traditional full-time students have, on average, 89% of their tuition costs covered by grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. Corban also offers a unique incentive for students who qualify: the Corban LRAP (loan repayment assistance program). This program helps students repay their students loans if they are working at least 30 hours a week and make less than $40,000. On top of Sunday services off-campus, students are encouraged to attend Chapel. This is an opportunity offered three times a week where students gather and worship through music, services, student panels, and guest speakers. No classes are offered at 10 AM, when Chapel takes place, and many campus offices are closed.
Linfield College
The student-to-teacher ratio averages at 10:1 on Linfield College campuses. There are 25 different departments at the college, with diverse program offerings (48 majors). Though the options are many, Linfield confers three undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). For those who want to live on campus, there are 14 residence halls available, and some college apartments. Student life is rich: nearly anyone can join any of the 19 NCAA sports teams or 40 clubs and organizations. 100% of students receive financial aid.
There is a strong Christian presence on campus, with services, spiritual formation retreats, Bible studies, and service and faith activities. The Emmaus House is a cottage dedicated to holding worship and Bible studies. Faith-based activities are also scheduled at the house to bring students together. In the basement, a sacred space has been set up for prayer and reflection. Once a month, a candlelight service is held at the house.
Western Seminary
Though all three school on this list are considered small, Western Seminary is the smallest. The Portland campus has only 835 enrolled students. Western Seminary was originally founded in 1927 by the Baptist church, and today, there is still a strong Baptist presence in the education and campus life. This is a graduate school, offering only master's and doctoral degrees, though some post-graduate certificate programs are offered. All programs are also faith-based, focusing on providing leadership, ministry and counseling skills that can be carried into the workplace.
Western Seminary has a diverse student demographic, and the school works to encourage growth for women in ministry with the Women's Center for Ministry and the Pastoral Care to Women (PCW) program track. Some courses that are offered in this track are Women in Pain, Women in Leadership, Pastoral Understanding of Women, and Building Relational Ministries to Women.
