Recommendations for colleges in Bend, Oregon?

Hey there! I'm a junior from Bend, Oregon, and I'm considering staying in my hometown for my college years. Can anyone suggest some colleges in Bend, or at least close by? I’m not sure what I want to major in yet. Any help would be much appreciated!

Hello! Great to hear that you're considering options close to home for your college years.

There are a few schools in or near Bend, Oregon that you might want to consider.

One option right in Bend is the Oregon State University - Cascades Campus, which is the only four-year university in Central Oregon. OSU-Cascades offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Since you're not sure what you want to major in yet, it's great to recall that OSU-Cascades has a diverse range of programs, from Business and Computer Science to Tourism, Recreation, and Adventure Leadership.

Located in Bend as well is Central Oregon Community College (COCC). While this is a two-year college, don't dismiss it outright. Community college could be a great and cost-effective way for you to explore different subjects and decide on a major without the financial stress of a four-year school. Plus, COCC has articulation agreements with a number of Oregon public universities, making it easier to transfer credits.

Further afield—but still within a three-hour drive—are the University of Oregon in Eugene and Oregon State University in Corvallis. Both of these research universities offer a plethora of majors, clubs, resources, and opportunities.

I'd recommend starting your exploration by visiting each school's website to get a feel for what they offer, and visiting the campuses if possible. Discover what stands out to you most about each institution, whether that's a certain program, the campus atmosphere, or student support services, for example. Best of luck in your college search!