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University of Oregon vs Reed College: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

University of Oregon has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $88,728 in 6.8 years versus 9.1 years at Reed College, on median earnings of $61,324 vs $62,927 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of OregonReed College
Net price / yr$22,182$33,013
Total net cost$88,728$132,052
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,324$62,927
Median debt$20,139$21,500
Payback6.8 yrs9.1 yrs
20-year net return$170,552$159,288

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

Which is cheaper, University of Oregon or Reed College?

University of Oregon, at $22,182 a year after aid versus $33,013 — a gap of $10,831 a year, or $43,324 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 Reed College graduates earn more?

Reed College graduates report a median $62,927 ten years after entry, $1,603 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 Reed College?

University of Oregon: its completers carry a median $20,139 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Reed College, a difference of $1,361. 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 71% at Reed 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.

University of Oregon vs Reed College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Oregon or Reed College a better value?
University of Oregon. It clears its $88,728 net cost in about 6.8 years versus 9.1 years at Reed College, on median earnings of $61,324 vs $62,927 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Oregon or Reed College?
University of Oregon: $22,182/yr net price after aid versus $33,013/yr at Reed College — a difference of $10,831 a year, or about $43,324 over four years.
Do University of Oregon or Reed College graduates earn more?
Reed College graduates earn a median $62,927 ten years after entry, versus $61,324 at University of Oregon — a $1,603 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.