Cheapest Economics Colleges in Oregon

Portland State University delivers Oregon's most affordable Economics program at just $12,932 net cost, nearly $27,000 less than Reed College's $39,951 price tag. This massive spread reflects Oregon's mix of accessible public options and expensive private colleges. Economics graduates here enter a state economy anchored by major employers like Nike and Intel, where the median starting salary ranges from $36,310 to over $52,000. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with six schools under $20,000, while private institutions command premium pricing despite varied graduation outcomes.

Programs

$12,932 – $39,951

Net Price Range

$41,908

Avg. Program Earnings

62.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Economics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932	$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
2	Eastern Oregon University La Grande, Oregon	$15,987	$10,671	36.6%	98.5%
3	Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon	$16,470	$12,093	44.2%	88.0%
4	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
5	Western Oregon University Monmouth, Oregon	$18,290	$11,025	44.8%	83.4%
6	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
7	University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon	$21,782	$15,669	71.5%	86.3%
8	Willamette University Salem, Oregon	$23,663	$48,268	72.7%	80.6%
9	Linfield University McMinnville, Oregon	$27,341	$49,530	65.2%	88.7%
10	George Fox University Newberg, Oregon	$29,981	$40,940	68.7%	91.7%
11	Pacific University Forest Grove, Oregon	$35,350	$54,466	64.8%	92.3%
12	Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon	$36,084	$62,350	71.2%	68.6%
13	University of Portland Portland, Oregon	$36,371	$54,900	80.4%	92.5%
14	Reed College Portland, Oregon	$39,951	$67,020	75.9%	30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Oregon's cheapest and most expensive Economics programs?

Portland State's $12,932 net cost versus Reed College's $39,951 represents a $27,019 gap driven by public versus private funding models. Public schools like Oregon State receive state subsidies that keep costs down, while private colleges rely on tuition revenue and endowments.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive Economics programs in Oregon?

Higher-priced schools generally show stronger completion rates, with Reed College achieving 75.9% and University of Portland reaching 80.4%. However, Oregon State University proves expensive doesn't always mean better, graduating 70.6% of students at just $19,568 net cost.

Does attending a more expensive Oregon school guarantee higher Economics earnings?

Not necessarily. Reed College graduates earn the highest at $52,107 despite its $39,951 cost, but University of Oregon students earn $44,305 while paying only $21,782. Portland State's $36,310 median salary represents solid value given its $12,932 price point.

Where do Oregon Economics graduates typically find employment after college?

Oregon's economy offers strong prospects in technology companies like Intel and Nike, healthcare systems, and Portland's growing financial services sector. The state's proximity to California tech markets and emphasis on sustainable business practices creates additional opportunities for Economics majors.

More Economics Rankings

Best Value Economics in Oregon Economics Under $20,000 in Oregon

All Economics Programs Best Colleges in Oregon Best Economics in Oregon

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.