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Portland State University offers Oregon's most affordable psychology program at just $12,932 net cost, while private schools like Pacific University reach $35,350. This $22,418 gap reflects a clear divide between public and private education costs across Oregon's 18 psychology programs. The state's tech giants Intel and Nike, along with expanding healthcare systems, create opportunities for psychology graduates who understand workplace dynamics and human behavior. Most Oregon psychology programs maintain high acceptance rates above 80%, making the field accessible to students across income levels. Earnings vary significantly from $20,140 to $33,993, with graduates from schools like Eastern Oregon University and Pacific University seeing the strongest financial outcomes. The Oregon Opportunity Grant helps bridge affordability gaps for low-income students pursuing psychology degrees.
18
Programs
$12,932 – $39,951
Net Price Range
$29,308
Avg. Program Earnings
62.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
2 $15,987 $10,671 36.6% 98.5%
3 $16,470 $12,093 44.2% 88.0%
4 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
5 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
6 $18,818 $21,010 82.1% 72.3%
7 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
8 $21,782 $15,669 71.5% 86.3%
9 $23,520 $34,740 61.8% 66.9%
10 $23,663 $48,268 72.7% 80.6%
11 $23,866 $30,310 50.8% 53.4%
12 $25,525 $37,208 61.0% 34.8%
13 $27,341 $49,530 65.2% 88.7%
14 $29,981 $40,940 68.7% 91.7%
15 $35,350 $54,466 64.8% 92.3%
16 $36,084 $62,350 71.2% 68.6%
17 $36,371 $54,900 80.4% 92.5%
18 $39,951 $67,020 75.9% 30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Portland State University the most affordable option for psychology students?

Portland State University charges just $12,932 in net costs and maintains a 93% acceptance rate, making it the most accessible psychology program in Oregon. The school's location in Portland provides internship opportunities with healthcare systems and tech companies. In-state students pay only $11,238, and graduates typically earn $30,167 annually. The school's 53% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and studies in an urban setting.

How do private school psychology programs compare to public options in Oregon?

Private psychology programs cost between $18,818 and $35,350 compared to public schools ranging from $12,932 to $21,782. However, private schools often show higher graduation rates, with Warner Pacific achieving 82% compared to the 44-71% range at most public institutions. George Fox University graduates earn $31,423 annually with a 68% graduation rate. Private schools typically offer smaller class sizes and more personalized attention for psychology students.

Where do Oregon psychology graduates find the best earning potential?

Pacific University psychology graduates earn the highest salaries at $33,993 annually, followed by Eastern Oregon University at $33,281. These figures reflect the growing demand for psychology professionals in Oregon's healthcare and tech sectors. However, graduates from these programs also carry higher debt loads averaging $20,000-$27,000. Portland's major employers like Intel and Nike increasingly value psychology expertise for workplace consulting and human resources roles.

Does the Oregon Opportunity Grant help psychology students afford college?

The Oregon Opportunity Grant provides need-based aid that can significantly reduce costs for psychology students from low-income families. Students at schools like Eastern Oregon University benefit from both the grant and low in-state tuition of $10,671. The grant particularly helps bridge the gap at expensive private schools where sticker prices reach $54,466 at Pacific University. Combined with federal aid, many students can attend quality psychology programs for under $20,000 annually.

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