Portland State University — ROI, Cost & Payback
Portland State University charges a net price of $9,552/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $38,208. Graduates earn a median $57,906 ten years after entry, $9,546/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 4 years — a 20-year net return of $152,712, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
Portland State University's 4-year payback ranks #288 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 78% of them, and #4 of 38 in Oregon.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $9,552/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $38,208 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $57,906 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $9,546/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $20,500 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 4 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $152,712 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on Portland State University's own numbers. Net price $9,552 × 4 years = $38,208 total. Median earnings $57,906 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $9,546 a year of premium. $38,208 ÷ $9,546 = 4 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $152,712. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do Portland State University students graduate with?
A median $20,500 in federal loans among completers, or 35% of the $57,906 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of Portland State University students graduate?
53% finish their degree — 47% leave carrying the cost without the credential. Spread the $38,208 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $72,091 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is Portland State University expensive compared with other Oregon colleges?
Its $9,552 net price runs $7,388 below the $16,940 median across the 38 Oregon colleges we profile, and $29,552 less across the full degree.