At $36,371/yr net price, University of Portland graduates earn $82,804/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $48,804/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,371 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $145,484 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $82,804/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$48,804/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,370 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,994/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,283/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,078/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $40,001/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,754/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $132,866 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $85,538 | $22,590 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $78,612 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,510 | $44,281 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,296 | $20,875 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,144 | $23,681 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,402 | $23,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $24,020 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $24,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $48,041 |
The Risk Factor
80.4% of students at University of Portland graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Portland delivers solid financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median of $82,804 ten years after enrollment. The school's nursing program stands out as a financial powerhouse, producing graduates who earn over $130,000 annually. Computer science majors also see strong returns at $85,538 with manageable debt of $22,590.
Your program choice matters significantly at UP. Engineering and computer science graduates justify their investment quickly, while business administration majors face a tougher financial picture with median debt of $44,281 against earnings of $72,510. The gap between top-performing and average programs is substantial here.
The school's location in Portland benefits tech and healthcare graduates who can tap into the region's growing job markets. However, the low percentage of students receiving aid at just 18.58% suggests limited need-based assistance, making this school primarily accessible to families who can handle the high net price of $36,371 annually.
You should consider UP if you're targeting nursing, computer science, or engineering and can afford the upfront costs without excessive borrowing. The median debt of $21,370 is reasonable given the earning outcomes. Skip this school if you need significant financial aid or plan to major in lower-earning fields where the high cost won't pay off. The 80% graduation rate indicates most students complete their degrees, but you need a clear career path in a high-earning field to make the investment worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Portland worth the cost?
University of Portland's high net price of $36,371 annually leads to modest 10-year earnings of $82,804, making the ROI below average for private universities. The school works best for nursing students who can expect significantly higher salaries than other graduates.
What programs at University of Portland have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at University of Portland offer the strongest return with graduates earning $132,866 and $78,612 depending on specialization. Computer science graduates earn $85,538, while business and engineering majors see more modest returns around $70,000-$72,000.
How much debt do University of Portland graduates typically have?
University of Portland graduates have a median debt of $21,370, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, this debt level becomes problematic for graduates in lower-paying majors outside of nursing and computer science.
Does University of Portland provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $36,371 after aid, University of Portland's financial assistance brings costs down from the full sticker price but still leaves families paying significantly more than public alternatives. The 80% graduation rate means most students complete their degrees, but the financial burden remains substantial for middle-income families.