University of Oregon vs Portland Community College: which has better ROI?
University of Oregon has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $88,728 in 6.8 years versus not at all at Portland Community College, on median earnings of $61,324 vs $44,592 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Oregon | Portland Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,182 | $10,405 |
| Total net cost | $88,728 | $20,810 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,324 | $44,592 |
| Median debt | $20,139 | $12,999 |
| Payback | 6.8 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $170,552 | -$96,170 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Oregon or Portland Community College?
Portland Community College, at $10,405 a year after aid versus $22,182 — a gap of $11,777 a year, or $67,918 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 Portland Community College graduates earn more?
University of Oregon graduates report a median $61,324 ten years after entry, $16,732 more than the $44,592 at Portland Community College. 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 Portland Community College?
Portland Community College: its completers carry a median $12,999 in federal loans versus $20,139 at University of Oregon, a difference of $7,140. 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 18% at Portland Community College. 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.