Oregon State University vs Oregon State University-Cascades Campus: which has better ROI?
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $72,192 in 4.6 years versus 5 years at Oregon State University, on median earnings of $64,010 vs $64,010 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Oregon State University | Oregon State University-Cascades Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,604 | $18,048 |
| Total net cost | $78,416 | $72,192 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $64,010 | $64,010 |
| Median debt | $21,221 | $21,221 |
| Payback | 5 yrs | 4.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $234,584 | $240,808 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Oregon State University or Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus, at $18,048 a year after aid versus $19,604 — a gap of $1,556 a year, or $6,224 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Oregon State University or Oregon State University-Cascades Campus graduates earn more?
Graduates of both report a median $64,010 ten years after entry, so earnings do not separate them either — the ROI difference comes entirely from what each degree costs. Figures are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, not programme-level pay.
Which leaves students with less debt, Oregon State University or Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
Completers at both borrow a median $21,221, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Oregon State University, against 56% at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.