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Oregon State University vs Portland State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Corvallis OR · vs · Public, Portland OR

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Portland State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $38,208 in 4 years versus 5 years at Oregon State University, on median earnings of $57,906 vs $64,010 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureOregon State UniversityPortland State University
Net price / yr$19,604$9,552
Total net cost$78,416$38,208
Median earnings, 10 yrs$64,010$57,906
Median debt$21,221$20,500
Payback5 yrs4 yrs
20-year net return$234,584$152,712

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Oregon State University or Portland State University?

Portland State University, at $9,552 a year after aid versus $19,604 — a gap of $10,052 a year, or $40,208 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 Portland State University graduates earn more?

Oregon State University graduates report a median $64,010 ten years after entry, $6,104 more than the $57,906 at Portland State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Oregon State University or Portland State University?

Portland State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $21,221 at Oregon State University, a difference of $721. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

70% of students finish at Oregon State University, against 53% at Portland State University. 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.

Oregon State University vs Portland State University: frequently asked questions

Is Oregon State University or Portland State University a better value?
Portland State University. It clears its $38,208 net cost in about 4 years versus 5 years at Oregon State University, on median earnings of $57,906 vs $64,010 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Oregon State University or Portland State University?
Portland State University: $9,552/yr net price after aid versus $19,604/yr at Oregon State University — a difference of $10,052 a year, or about $40,208 over four years.
Do Oregon State University or Portland State University graduates earn more?
Oregon State University graduates earn a median $64,010 ten years after entry, versus $57,906 at Portland State University — a $6,104 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.