The cost of college in Oregon — and what it pays back
Across the 38 Oregon institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $16,940/yr, $34 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $45,616 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 18 of the 38 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$16,940
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$45,616
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
10.8 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
18/38
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Oregon's 38 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong6
Solid2
Slow7
Weak23
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon Institute of Technology | $15,706 | $72,273 | 2.6 yrs |
| University of Portland | $28,210 | $82,804 | 3.3 yrs |
| Linfield University | $26,536 | $78,638 | 3.5 yrs |
| Portland State University | $9,552 | $57,906 | 4 yrs |
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | $18,048 | $64,010 | 4.6 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klamath Community College | $7,050 | $34,357 | no payback |
| Mt Hood Community College | $7,821 | $41,125 | no payback |
| Clackamas Community College | $7,855 | $42,886 | no payback |
| Chemeketa Community College | $8,200 | $40,968 | no payback |
| Umpqua Community College | $8,340 | $36,676 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Oregon?
The median net price across Oregon colleges is $16,940/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Oregon cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Oregon net price of $16,940/yr runs about $34/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Oregon college graduates earn?
A median $45,616 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Oregon college pays for itself fastest?
Oregon Institute of Technology — about 2.6 years to clear its $62,824 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-oregon page.