Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.2%
- Retention Rate
- 78.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $64,010
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,221
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $225/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $124,122 | $145,667 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $82,440 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $78,719 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $73,446 | $22,721 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,035 | $22,664 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,295 | $25,000 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $20,653 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $67,846 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,420 | $21,899 |
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $28,067 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,997 | $46,000 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,600 | $24,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,430 | $22,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,863 | $23,168 |
| Public Health. | Master | $56,157 | $36,176 |
Outcomes Overview
OSU-Cascades graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $21,221, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33. Monthly loan payments of $225 consume only 5.7% of typical first-year earnings of $47,459. The 10-year median earnings of $64,010 reflect the campus's focus on practical majors like business, computer science, and natural resources that align with Central Oregon's tech and outdoor recreation economy. The 94.2% employment rate demonstrates strong regional job placement. However, the relatively modest salary growth suggests graduates often stay in Bend's lifestyle-focused but lower-wage market rather than pursuing higher-paying opportunities in Portland or beyond. This represents an average return on investment for students prioritizing quality of life over maximum earnings.