At $15,987/yr net price, Eastern Oregon University graduates earn $50,112/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,112/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,987 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,948 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,112/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,112/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,069/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,341/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,217/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,701/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,428/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $92,632 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,798 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,274 | $19,757 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $17,895 |
| Education, Other. | Bachelor | $34,942 | $24,874 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $20,237 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $21,583 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $31,423 |
The Risk Factor
36.6% of students at Eastern Oregon University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Eastern Oregon University offers weak financial returns for most majors, with median post-graduation earnings of just over $50,000 against a net price approaching $16,000 annually. The school's 37% graduation rate means nearly two-thirds of students never finish their degree, making this a high-risk investment for many.
Fire Protection stands out as the only program delivering strong ROI, with graduates earning over $92,000 annually. However, teacher education graduates face particularly poor returns, earning under $44,000 while carrying typical debt loads of $20,500. Business and health education majors fare even worse, with starting salaries in the mid-30s that barely justify the cost of attendance.
The low retention rate of 67% signals academic and financial struggles that increase your risk of dropping out without a degree. If you do graduate, the debt burden remains manageable at around $20,500, but the earning potential in most programs makes repayment challenging.
EOU makes financial sense only if you can access the Fire Protection program or receive substantial financial aid that dramatically reduces your net costs. The school's location in rural Oregon limits job opportunities, particularly problematic given the weak earning outcomes for most graduates.
You should look elsewhere unless you have a clear path to the Fire Protection program or can attend at significantly reduced cost through aid or scholarships. The combination of low graduation rates, weak earnings, and limited regional opportunities makes this a poor financial choice for most students seeking career advancement through higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern Oregon University worth the cost?
Eastern Oregon University's low graduation rate of 37% makes it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $50,112 ten years after graduation and a net price of nearly $16,000 annually, the return on investment is poor unless you're entering fire protection, which pays significantly more than other programs.
What are the best paying majors at Eastern Oregon University?
Fire protection graduates from Eastern Oregon University earn $92,632 annually, making it the only program that provides strong financial returns. Most other majors, including education and business, result in earnings between $34,000-44,000, which barely justifies the cost of attendance.
How much student debt do Eastern Oregon University graduates have?
Eastern Oregon University graduates carry a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with most graduates earning under $45,000 annually, even this moderate debt load can strain budgets for years after graduation.
Does Eastern Oregon University have good job placement rates?
Eastern Oregon University's 37% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, which raises concerns about job placement success. The school's open admission policy (99% acceptance rate) means academic preparation varies widely among students.