At $21,782/yr net price, University of Oregon graduates earn $61,324/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,324/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,782 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,324/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,324/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,139 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,975/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,844/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,030/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,789/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,475/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $117,572 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $89,230 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,621 | $78,528 |
| Economics. | Doctoral | $84,653 | |
| Chemistry. | Doctoral | $83,177 | |
| Physics. | Master | $75,832 | |
| Chemistry. | Master | $72,231 | |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Master | $71,486 | $29,606 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $62,012 | $62,486 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $61,681 | $23,711 |
The Risk Factor
71.5% of students at University of Oregon graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Oregon delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $21,782 annual net price is reasonable for a flagship public university, but your career earnings will vary dramatically based on your program.
Management Information Systems stands out as the clear financial winner, generating median earnings of $117,572 that easily justify the investment. Business Administration and Economics also provide strong returns, though Business majors carry notably higher debt loads at $78,528. Chemistry rounds out the top earners at over $83,000 annually.
The concerning reality is that many popular majors at Oregon lead to financial struggles. Liberal arts, social sciences, and education programs typically generate earnings well below the overall median, making the debt burden harder to manage. You need to research specific salary outcomes for your intended major before committing.
Oregon's 71.5% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. Nearly three in ten students leave without a degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 85% retention rate suggests most academic struggles surface after the first year.
Financial aid opportunities are limited, with only 22% of students receiving need-based aid. This makes Oregon a poor choice if you need substantial assistance. The relatively low median debt of $20,139 reflects the fact that many students pay out of pocket or attend community college first.
Oregon makes financial sense if you can pursue high-earning majors like MIS, business, or STEM fields while keeping costs down through in-state tuition or transfer credits. Avoid Oregon if you need significant financial aid or plan to study lower-earning fields where the debt-to-income ratio becomes problematic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Oregon worth the cost for most students?
University of Oregon delivers mixed value with graduates earning $61,324 after 10 years against a net price of $21,782 annually. The school's 71% graduation rate and relatively low median debt of $20,139 help, but earnings lag behind many peer institutions.
What are the best paying majors at University of Oregon?
Management Information Systems leads University of Oregon's earnings at $117,572, followed by Educational Administration at $89,230 and Business Administration at $86,621. These programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings average.
How much debt do University of Oregon graduates typically have?
University of Oregon graduates carry a median debt of $20,139, which is manageable compared to national averages. With average starting salaries around $61,324, most graduates can handle this debt load without major financial strain.
Does University of Oregon provide good financial aid?
University of Oregon's net price of $21,782 represents decent aid for a public university, especially for Oregon residents. However, out-of-state students face much higher costs that may not justify the eventual earnings for most majors.