Monmouth, OR · Private University
Is Western Oregon University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$51,815
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$11,025
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,735
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$122,940
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.69x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
44.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,609
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,290
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Western Oregon University graduates earn $6,815 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 Western Oregon University ranked by graduate earnings
40 graduates
19 graduates
119 graduates
45 graduates
55 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Western Oregon University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Western Oregon University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $68,922) and the lowest (Design and Applied Arts: $23,583) is $45,339/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $68,922 | 2.2x |
| Biology, General | $52,553 | 1.7x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $51,212 | 1.7x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $50,672 | 1.6x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $48,015 | 1.6x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $46,076 | 1.5x |
| Social Sciences, General | $45,230 | 1.5x |
| Education, General(1yr data) | $43,879 | 1.4x |
| Public Health | $43,870 | 1.4x |
| Psychology, General | $43,164 | 1.4x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $40,753 | 1.3x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $40,397 | 1.3x |
| Information Science/Studies(1yr data) | $39,320 | 1.3x |
| American Sign Language | $36,768 | 1.2x |
| Fine and Studio Arts(1yr data) | $31,917 | 1.0x |
| Design and Applied ArtsLowest(1yr data) | $23,583 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Western Oregon University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,815 10 years after starting, $6,815 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.3 years, a reasonable timeline.
Ready to apply to Western Oregon University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
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.