University of Portland vs Linfield University: which has better ROI?
University of Portland has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $112,840 in 3.3 years versus 3.5 years at Linfield University, on median earnings of $82,804 vs $78,638 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Portland | Linfield University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,210 | $26,536 |
| Total net cost | $112,840 | $106,144 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $82,804 | $78,638 |
| Median debt | $21,370 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 3.3 yrs | 3.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $576,040 | $499,416 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Portland or Linfield University?
Linfield University, at $26,536 a year after aid versus $28,210 — a gap of $1,674 a year, or $6,696 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 Portland or Linfield University graduates earn more?
University of Portland graduates report a median $82,804 ten years after entry, $4,166 more than the $78,638 at Linfield 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 Portland or Linfield University?
University of Portland: its completers carry a median $21,370 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Linfield University, a difference of $3,630. 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 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.