Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.8%
- Retention Rate
- 76.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $51,815
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,609
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $218/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,607 | $21,056 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,667 | $41,000 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $48,041 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $47,327 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,021 | $34,166 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,529 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,505 | $22,250 |
| Gerontology. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $36,382 | $20,667 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,467 | $19,654 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,660 | $20,500 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $25,895 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $21,278 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $23,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Western Oregon graduates earn a median of $51,815 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 40% based on the typical $20,609 in student loans. Monthly loan payments of $218 consume about 5% of gross income for median earners. The university's strong teacher education programs funnel many graduates into Oregon's public schools, where starting salaries align closely with these earnings figures. First-generation college students, who make up a significant portion of enrollment, often see substantial income gains compared to family backgrounds. With 95.1% employment rates and relatively manageable debt loads, Western Oregon delivers an average return on investment for students seeking accessible pathways to middle-class careers in education and regional industries.