About Oregon Health & Science University
The financial picture tells a compelling story for healthcare careers. Students graduate with a median debt of just $16,625, far below what most medical and nursing students face elsewhere. Within one year of graduation, the median earnings hit $92,850, jumping to $106,266 after five years. That means most graduates earn enough to comfortably handle their monthly loan payments of $176. With 86.94% of borrowers successfully repaying their loans, OHSU delivers strong return on investment.
The student body reflects healthcare's gender patterns, with women making up 81.85% of enrollment. Only 28.06% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many come from families that planned financially for healthcare education. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in labs and clinical settings. With a 97.7% employment rate, finding work after graduation is rarely a concern.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $101,028
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Nontraditional)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $198,793 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Certificate | $188,472 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $129,184 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $109,763 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $109,020 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $108,992 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $104,192 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $103,078 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $97,452 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $86,867 |
Campus Life
Portland's mild climate means you'll need a rain jacket more than a heavy winter coat, though summers are surprisingly dry and pleasant. The city offers everything from food trucks to hiking trails within 30 minutes of campus. Since 81.85% of students are women, the social scene revolves more around study groups and professional networking than typical college parties. Weekends often involve exploring Portland's neighborhoods, hitting Powell's Books, or escaping to the nearby Columbia River Gorge for outdoor adventures between intense study sessions.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Campus Safety (2023)
115 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 18 | 0 | 28 | 0 |
| Burglary | 20 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–46°F
- July Avg
- 57°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 18.2%
- Women
- 81.9%
- White
- 62.3%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 21.3%
- Asian
- 6.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.1%
Location
- Address
- Portland, Oregon 97239-3098
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $101,028
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $106,266
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $94,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $176/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,625
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student body composition at Oregon Health & Science University?
OHSU enrolls just 788 students, making it one of the smallest universities in Oregon. Women make up 81.85% of the student body, reflecting the healthcare field's gender distribution. The university serves a diverse population with 62.31% white students, 21.32% Hispanic students, and notable Asian representation at 6.35%.
How much do graduates earn after attending Oregon Health & Science University?
OHSU graduates earn a median of $101,028 ten years after graduation, reflecting the high-paying nature of healthcare careers. Even one year out, graduates earn a median of $92,850, well above national averages. The university's focus on medical and health sciences education leads to strong employment outcomes with a 97.7% employment rate.
What makes the academic experience unique at Oregon Health & Science University?
The university operates on a quarter system and maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intensive, personalized instruction. OHSU is Oregon's only academic health center, combining medical education with modern research. Students train in real clinical settings while learning from faculty who are practicing healthcare professionals.
Is Oregon Health & Science University affordable for most students?
Only 28.06% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage are Pell Grant recipients, indicating many students come from higher-income families. Graduates leave with a relatively low median debt of $16,625 and manageable monthly loan payments of $176. The loan repayment rate stands at 86.94%, helped by strong post-graduation earnings in healthcare fields.
Where is Oregon Health & Science University located and what is the campus like?
The university sits in Portland, Oregon's largest city, providing access to major medical facilities and research opportunities. OHSU's campus is integrated with Oregon's top academic health center, offering students hands-on clinical experience. The urban setting connects students to Portland's robust healthcare network and research institutions.
Does Oregon Health & Science University prepare students well for healthcare careers?
With 61.44% of students taking federal loans but earning strong salaries quickly after graduation, OHSU demonstrates clear return on investment. The university's specialization in health sciences means students graduate with specialized skills in high-demand fields. OHSU's reputation as Oregon's leading medical institution opens doors to top residencies and healthcare positions nationwide.
