At $12,932/yr net price, Portland State University graduates earn $57,906/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,906/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,932 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,728 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,906/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,906/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.1% |
| 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 | $11,558/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,186/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,162/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,351/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,412/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
53.1% of students at Portland State University 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
Portland State University offers solid financial returns for STEM and business majors, but the overall picture shows concerning completion rates that hurt your investment potential.
Engineering programs deliver the strongest ROI, with electrical engineering graduates earning $95,073 while carrying manageable debt loads. Computer science and mechanical engineering also provide strong earning power that justifies the investment. Business administration majors see high earnings at $86,867, though they graduate with notably higher debt at $39,595.
The major financial risk at Portland State is the 53% graduation rate. Nearly half of students who start here never finish, making this a costly gamble if you're not academically prepared or lack clear direction. The 75% retention rate suggests many students struggle early on.
Portland State works financially if you're pursuing engineering, computer science, or business and can handle the academic demands. The low net price of $12,932 makes it affordable compared to private alternatives. You're also positioned well for Portland's tech and business job markets.
Avoid Portland State if you're undecided on major or considering lower-earning fields. The completion risk is too high without a clear path to a well-paying career. Students who need extensive support services might struggle with the retention challenges.
With only 40% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy is leveraging the already low in-state pricing rather than counting on significant scholarship assistance. The median debt of $20,500 stays reasonable if you complete your degree in a strong-earning program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland State University worth the cost?
Portland State offers reasonable value with a low net price of $12,932 per year and median debt of $20,500. However, the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI.
What are the highest paying majors at Portland State University?
Engineering programs at Portland State provide the best returns, with electrical engineering graduates earning $95,073 and mechanical engineering graduates making $82,440. Business and computer science also offer solid earnings above $78,000.
How much debt do Portland State University graduates have?
Portland State graduates have a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to many universities. The relatively low cost of attendance helps keep debt levels reasonable for those who complete their degree.
Does Portland State University have a good graduation rate?
Portland State's 53% graduation rate is below average and represents a major risk factor. This means you have roughly a 50-50 chance of completing your degree, which makes the investment questionable unless you're committed to finishing.