Oregon State University–Cascades Campus in Bend is OSU for students who want the state university degree without the sprawl of Corvallis. The campus is intentionally small (under 2,000 students), so you're not a number in a 400-person lecture. You'll see the same professors multiple times across your major. Advising is accessible. The location in Bend is genuinely beautiful, with mountains, snow, and genuine outdoor culture as a lifestyle baseline.
It's the same rigorous OSU curriculum and the same degree that employers recognize, but with a smaller, more intimate experience. Class sizes stay manageable. Outdoor internships and research opportunities are plentiful. Perfect if you want a state school experience scaled down to human proportions.
Bend's cost of living is rising but still cheaper than Portland. The university community is tight and collaborative. You'll graduate with a strong network and hands-on experience in your field.