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University of Oregon vs Linfield University: which has better ROI?

Public, Eugene OR · vs · Private nonprofit, McMinnville OR

The verdict

Linfield University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $106,144 in 3.5 years versus 6.8 years at University of Oregon, on median earnings of $78,638 vs $61,324 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of OregonLinfield University
Net price / yr$22,182$26,536
Total net cost$88,728$106,144
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,324$78,638
Median debt$20,139$25,000
Payback6.8 yrs3.5 yrs
20-year net return$170,552$499,416

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

Which is cheaper, University of Oregon or Linfield University?

University of Oregon, at $22,182 a year after aid versus $26,536 — a gap of $4,354 a year, or $17,416 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Oregon or Linfield University graduates earn more?

Linfield University graduates report a median $78,638 ten years after entry, $17,314 more than the $61,324 at University of Oregon. 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, University of Oregon or Linfield University?

University of Oregon: its completers carry a median $20,139 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Linfield University, a difference of $4,861. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

72% of students finish at University of Oregon, against 70% at Linfield 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.

University of Oregon vs Linfield University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Oregon or Linfield University a better value?
Linfield University. It clears its $106,144 net cost in about 3.5 years versus 6.8 years at University of Oregon, on median earnings of $78,638 vs $61,324 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Oregon or Linfield University?
University of Oregon: $22,182/yr net price after aid versus $26,536/yr at Linfield University — a difference of $4,354 a year, or about $17,416 over four years.
Do University of Oregon or Linfield University graduates earn more?
Linfield University graduates earn a median $78,638 ten years after entry, versus $61,324 at University of Oregon — a $17,314 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.