At $17,722/yr net price, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus graduates earn $64,010/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,010/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,722 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,888 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,010/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,010/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,221 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,791/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,120/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,683/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,390/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,332/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
51.2% of students at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus offers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $64,010 placing it well above the national average for public universities. Your investment pays off particularly well in technical fields, where the combination of Oregon's growing tech sector and the school's engineering programs creates strong earning potential.
Pharmacy stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $124,122 in median earnings, though you'll carry substantial debt of $145,667 to get there. Engineering majors deliver excellent returns with much lower debt loads - mechanical engineering graduates earn $78,719 while electrical engineering majors make $73,035, both with manageable debt under $23,000. Computer science also provides strong value at $73,446 in earnings with similarly reasonable debt levels.
The school's 51% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. Nearly half of students don't complete their degrees, meaning you could end up with debt but no credential to show for it. The 78% retention rate suggests many students struggle after their first year.
This campus works best for students committed to STEM fields who can handle the academic rigor and complete their degrees. The regional job market in Bend and the broader Pacific Northwest supports tech and engineering careers well. However, students uncertain about their major or those needing extensive academic support should consider schools with stronger retention and graduation rates.
Financial aid reaches only 28% of students, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Focus on completing your degree in four years to maximize your return and minimize additional debt accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oregon State University-Cascades Campus worth the cost?
OSU-Cascades offers reasonable value with a net price of $17,722 and median debt of $21,221, but the 51% graduation rate creates significant risk. Pharmacy and engineering programs justify the cost, while other majors may struggle to repay loans with the $64,010 median earnings.
What programs at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus have the best ROI?
Pharmacy leads with $124,122 median earnings, followed by education at $82,440 and mechanical engineering at $78,719. Computer science and electrical engineering also pay well above the school average, making these programs worth the investment.
How much debt do Oregon State University-Cascades Campus graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $21,221, which is manageable for high-paying majors like pharmacy and engineering. However, this debt level becomes problematic for graduates earning near the $64,010 median, especially given the 49% dropout rate.
Does Oregon State University-Cascades Campus have good financial aid?
The $17,722 net price suggests decent financial aid for in-state students, but nearly half of students don't graduate to see any return. The relatively low debt levels indicate aid helps, but completion risk remains the bigger financial concern.