Head-to-head · 2026
Central Oregon Community College vs Portland Community College
Compare average net price ($12,266 at Central Oregon Community College; $10,405 at Portland Community College), ROI score (7.94 vs 10.71), ten-year median earnings ($38,940 vs $44,592), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Central Oregon Community College; Open / not reported at Portland Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Portland Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Portland Community College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Central Oregon Community College | Portland Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.94 | 10.71 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,266 | $10,405 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,940 | $44,592 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 25.2% ✓ | 18.4% |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $12,999 |
| Enrollment | 3,789 | 19,531 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Central Oregon Community College costs $1,861 more per year than Portland Community College ($12,266 vs $10,405). Portland Community College graduates report $5,652 higher median earnings after ten years ($44,592 vs $38,940). On EduGradify's model that puts Portland Community College ahead on projected ROI (10.71 vs 7.94, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Portland Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Central Oregon Community College vs Portland Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Central Oregon Community College or Portland Community College the better value?
Portland Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.71 vs 7.94), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Portland Community College is cheaper — average net price $10,405 per year vs $12,266 at Central Oregon Community College. The annual difference of $1,861 adds up to about $7,444 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Portland Community College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $44,592 vs $38,940 at Central Oregon Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,652.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Central Oregon Community College reports a B value grade; Portland Community College reports A.