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 gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right major, but the payoff splits sharply by program. With median debt of $20,500 against median earnings near $58,000 ten years out, most graduates clear their loans without trouble. The problem is the gap between top and bottom programs.
Engineering and computer science are where the money is. Computer Science graduates earn about $80,000, roughly $20,000 more than Physics majors and enough to justify the slightly higher $25,000 debt load that comes with these programs. Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering land close behind. If you enroll here for one of these degrees and finish, the math works clearly in your favor. Portland's tech employers give these graduates a regional market to walk into.
The risk is finishing at all. A 53% graduation rate and a 75% retention rate mean roughly one in four of you leaves after the first year, and nearly half never graduate. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome here, and those odds are real. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you'll stay through to a diploma.
The net price stays flat across income levels, which matters for families. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay about $11,558 a year. if you earn over $110,000, you pay $19,412. That $8,000 spread is smaller than at many schools, so lower-income families don't get the steep discount they might elsewhere, but the sticker cost stays reasonable at every tier.
Portland State is a good fit if you're targeting engineering or computer science and you're confident you'll graduate. If you're undecided or drawn to lower-earning fields, weigh the completion risk carefully before you borrow.
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.