Eugene, OR · Private University
Is University of Oregon Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$61,324
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$15,669
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$43,302
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$173,208
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.42x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
71.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,139
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$21,782
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Oregon graduates earn $16,324 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Oregon ranked by graduate earnings
57 graduates
69 graduates
352 graduates
55 graduates
151 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Oregon
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Oregon, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $97,384) and the lowest (Philosophy: $25,320) is $72,064/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $97,384 | 2.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $75,219 | 1.7x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $69,074 | 1.6x |
| Architecture | $65,505 | 1.5x |
| Economics | $64,476 | 1.5x |
| Mathematics | $62,817 | 1.4x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $60,519 | 1.4x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $56,135 | 1.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $55,828 | 1.3x |
| Social Sciences, General | $55,393 | 1.3x |
| Public Administration | $53,335 | 1.2x |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $51,414 | 1.2x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $51,135 | 1.2x |
| Education, General | $51,067 | 1.2x |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | $50,886 | 1.2x |
| Journalism | $45,488 | 1.1x |
| Sociology | $45,119 | 1.0x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $44,609 | 1.0x |
| Psychology, General | $44,433 | 1.0x |
| Human Services, General | $43,416 | 1.0x |
| Biology, General | $42,829 | 1.0x |
| Geography and Cartography | $41,609 | 1.0x |
| International/Global Studies | $41,566 | 1.0x |
| History | $41,472 | 1.0x |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services | $40,897 | 0.9x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $40,075 | 0.9x |
| East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $39,303 | 0.9x |
| Anthropology | $39,176 | 0.9x |
| Area Studies | $36,916 | 0.8x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $35,916 | 0.8x |
| Communication and Media Studies(1yr data) | $33,165 | 0.8x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $31,091 | 0.7x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $30,148 | 0.7x |
| PhilosophyLowest | $25,320 | 0.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon | 1.42x | $61,324 | Average ROI |
| University of Utah | 2.25x | $67,170 | Strong ROI |
| Western Washington University | 2.25x | $62,569 | Strong ROI |
| Utah State University | 2.18x | $54,022 | Strong ROI |
| Montana State University | 1.70x | $53,263 | Good ROI |
| University of Colorado Boulder | 1.66x | $69,738 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
University of Oregon delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $61,324 10 years after starting, $16,324 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.6 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.