University of Oregon vs Portland State University: which has better ROI?
Portland State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $38,208 in 4 years versus 6.8 years at University of Oregon, on median earnings of $57,906 vs $61,324 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Oregon | Portland State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,182 | $9,552 |
| Total net cost | $88,728 | $38,208 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,324 | $57,906 |
| Median debt | $20,139 | $20,500 |
| Payback | 6.8 yrs | 4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $170,552 | $152,712 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Oregon or Portland State University?
Portland State University, at $9,552 a year after aid versus $22,182 — a gap of $12,630 a year, or $50,520 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 State University graduates earn more?
University of Oregon graduates report a median $61,324 ten years after entry, $3,418 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, University of Oregon or Portland State University?
University of Oregon: its completers carry a median $20,139 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Portland State University, a difference of $361. 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 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.