14 Economics Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Portland State University
Portland, Oregon
|
$12,932 | $36,310 | $11,238 | 53.1% | 93.1% |
| 2 |
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Bend, Oregon
|
$17,722 | $41,937 | $12,594 | 51.2% | 79.0% |
| 3 |
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
|
$19,568 | $41,937 | $13,494 | 70.6% | 82.5% |
| 4 |
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
|
$21,782 | $44,305 | $15,669 | 71.5% | 86.3% |
| 5 |
Willamette University
Salem, Oregon
|
$23,663 | $39,909 | $48,268 | 72.7% | 80.6% |
| 6 |
Reed College
Portland, Oregon
|
$39,951 | $52,107 | $67,020 | 75.9% | 30.8% |
| 7 |
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, Oregon
|
$36,084 | $36,848 | $62,350 | 71.2% | 68.6% |
| 8 |
Eastern Oregon University
La Grande, Oregon
|
$15,987 | $10,671 | 36.6% | 98.5% | |
| 9 |
George Fox University
Newberg, Oregon
|
$29,981 | $40,940 | 68.7% | 91.7% | |
| 10 |
Linfield University
McMinnville, Oregon
|
$27,341 | $49,530 | 65.2% | 88.7% | |
| 11 |
Pacific University
Forest Grove, Oregon
|
$35,350 | $54,466 | 64.8% | 92.3% | |
| 12 |
University of Portland
Portland, Oregon
|
$36,371 | $54,900 | 80.4% | 92.5% | |
| 13 |
Southern Oregon University
Ashland, Oregon
|
$16,470 | $12,093 | 44.2% | 88.0% | |
| 14 |
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, Oregon
|
$18,290 | $11,025 | 44.8% | 83.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the $27,000 gap between the cheapest and most expensive economics programs in Oregon?
Portland State University costs $12,932 net while Reed College costs $39,951, reflecting different institutional models and selectivity. Reed accepts only 30.8% of applicants and produces the highest-earning graduates at $52,107 annually, while Portland State accepts 93% of applicants but maintains strong value with graduates earning $36,310.
How do Oregon's public universities compare for economics value?
Oregon State University offers the best earnings potential among public schools with graduates earning $41,937 at $19,568 net cost. University of Oregon follows closely with $44,305 graduate earnings at $21,782 net cost, while Portland State provides the lowest-cost option at $12,932.
Is there a correlation between graduation rates and post-graduation earnings in Oregon economics programs?
Reed College demonstrates this connection with a 75.9% graduation rate and $52,107 average earnings, the highest in both categories. However, University of Oregon achieves a 71.5% graduation rate with strong $44,305 earnings, showing multiple paths to success.
Where do Oregon economics graduates typically find employment opportunities?
Oregon's tech sector, anchored by companies like Intel and Nike, creates demand for economic analysis and market research roles. The state's healthcare industry and growing sustainable energy sector also employ economics graduates in policy analysis and strategic planning positions.
More Economics Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.