An independent college is a nonprofit, private regional college with a curriculum that typically focuses on the liberal arts and sciences. Independent colleges are self-governed institutions of higher learning not affiliated with the state's public colleges and universities. Many students choose independent colleges because they feel the smaller setting and non-profit status contributes to a better quality of education through an emphasis on individualized learning.
Independent colleges in Oregon fill a crucial niche. They draw more undergraduate freshmen from out of state than the entire Oregon university system does. Independent colleges place an emphasis on contributing to the local community, and are flush with student volunteers. Their facilities are usually open to the public for free. Best of all, they save taxpayers money and contribute to Oregon's economy by providing jobs for faculty and staff and generating local business.
There are 17 independent colleges in Oregon. Not surprisingly, a majority are situated in and around Portland, the state's largest city. These colleges are the Art Institute of Portland, Concordia University, Lewis & Clark College, Linfield College (one of two campuses), Pacific Northwest College of Art, Reed College, University of Portland, University of Western States, Warner Pacific College and Western Seminary.
A number of independent colleges can be found in the Willamette Valley outside of Portland. In the state capital of Salem, you will find Corban University and Willamette University. Eugene is home to Northwest Christian University. George Fox University in Newberg, Linfield College in McMinnville, Marylhurst University in Marylhurst, Pacific University in Forest Grove and Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict round out the list.