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

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

The verdict

University of Portland has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $112,840 in 3.3 years versus 6.8 years at University of Oregon, on median earnings of $82,804 vs $61,324 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of OregonUniversity of Portland
Net price / yr$22,182$28,210
Total net cost$88,728$112,840
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,324$82,804
Median debt$20,139$21,370
Payback6.8 yrs3.3 yrs
20-year net return$170,552$576,040

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

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

University of Oregon, at $22,182 a year after aid versus $28,210 — a gap of $6,028 a year, or $24,112 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 University of Portland graduates earn more?

University of Portland graduates report a median $82,804 ten years after entry, $21,480 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 University of Portland?

University of Oregon: its completers carry a median $20,139 in federal loans versus $21,370 at University of Portland, a difference of $1,231. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at University of Portland, against 72% at University of Oregon. 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 University of Portland: frequently asked questions

Is University of Oregon or University of Portland a better value?
University of Portland. It clears its $112,840 net cost in about 3.3 years versus 6.8 years at University of Oregon, on median earnings of $82,804 vs $61,324 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Oregon or University of Portland?
University of Oregon: $22,182/yr net price after aid versus $28,210/yr at University of Portland — a difference of $6,028 a year, or about $24,112 over four years.
Do University of Oregon or University of Portland graduates earn more?
University of Portland graduates earn a median $82,804 ten years after entry, versus $61,324 at University of Oregon — a $21,480 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.