Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.1%
- Retention Rate
- 74.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $57,906
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $95,073 | $24,428 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,867 | $39,595 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $80,186 | $25,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $78,971 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $25,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,575 | $23,875 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $65,238 | $39,144 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $64,791 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,479 | $23,000 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $60,161 | $22,358 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $59,214 | $41,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,860 | $22,470 |
| International Business. | Master | $56,776 |
Outcomes Overview
Portland State graduates earn a median of $57,906 ten years after graduation, putting them in solid financial territory. With median debt of $20,500, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 35%. Monthly loan payments of $217 consume about 4.5% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's urban setting and sustainability focus channel many graduates into government roles, nonprofit work, and Portland's thriving tech scene. Nearly 93% of graduates find employment, though the relatively modest earnings reflect Portland State's mission-driven culture over pure profit maximization. The combination of reasonable debt levels and steady employment makes this a strong return on investment for students seeking purpose-driven careers.