Head-to-head · 2026
Columbia Gorge Community College vs Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Compare average net price ($10,416 at Columbia Gorge Community College; $18,048 at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus), ROI score (10.67 vs 8.87), ten-year median earnings ($44,440 vs $64,010), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Columbia Gorge Community College; 63.1% at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. Columbia Gorge Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Columbia Gorge Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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 | Columbia Gorge Community College | Oregon State University-Cascades Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.67 ✓ | 8.87 |
| Avg net price | $10,416 ✓ | $18,048 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,440 | $64,010 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 63.1% |
| Graduation rate | 28.8% | 55.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,397 ✓ | $21,221 |
| Enrollment | 543 | 1,044 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1255 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus costs $7,632 more per year than Columbia Gorge Community College ($18,048 vs $10,416). Oregon State University-Cascades Campus graduates report $19,570 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,010 vs $44,440). On EduGradify's model that puts Columbia Gorge Community College ahead on projected ROI (10.67 vs 8.87, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Columbia Gorge Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus reports 63.1% acceptance; Columbia Gorge Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Columbia Gorge Community College vs Oregon State University-Cascades Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Columbia Gorge Community College or Oregon State University-Cascades Campus the better value?
Columbia Gorge Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.67 vs 8.87), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Columbia Gorge Community College is cheaper — average net price $10,416 per year vs $18,048 at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus. The annual difference of $7,632 adds up to about $30,528 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,010 vs $44,440 at Columbia Gorge Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $19,570.
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. Columbia Gorge Community College reports a B value grade; Oregon State University-Cascades Campus reports B.