Oregon State University-Cascades Campus ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$50,376
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$15,843/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
529%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The median debt for Oregon State University-Cascades Campus graduates is $21,221. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $47,459. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $50,843, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $64,010. The tuition cost for in-state students is $12,594.
The debt-to-income ratio is calculated using the median debt and the one-year earnings. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.45. The break-even timeline, which is the time it takes to earn the tuition cost, is approximately four months based on the one-year earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,594
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,221
Median Earnings (5yr)
$50,843
Graduation Rate
54%
Receive Financial Aid
33%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $81,952 | 1764% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,419 | 2378% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $40,876 | 133% |
| Psychology, General | $44,498 | 277% |
| Public Health | $69,360 | 1264% |
| Biology, General | $42,163 | 184% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $47,101 | 380% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $49,325 | 469% |
| Natural Resources Management and Policy | $63,830 | 1045% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $63,162 | 1018% |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $59,456 | 871% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $96,536 | 2343% |
Peer Comparison
529%
20yr ROI
487%
20yr ROI
259%
20yr ROI
400%
20yr ROI
649%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.