Portland State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$44,952
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$11,937/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
431%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $41,313 one year after graduation. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $46,937, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $57,906. The median debt for graduates is $20,500. The annual in-state tuition cost is $11,238.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 0.5. The five-year earnings are roughly 2.3 times the median debt. The ten-year earnings are approximately 2.8 times the median debt.
Using the one-year earnings data, the break-even point, or the time it takes to earn the equivalent of the tuition cost, is approximately 0.3 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$11,238
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$46,937
Graduation Rate
53%
Receive Financial Aid
33%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $115,051 | 3462% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $55,475 | 811% |
| Social Work | $60,666 | 1042% |
| Psychology, General | $40,458 | 143% |
| Social Sciences, General | $43,084 | 260% |
| Marketing | $58,587 | 949% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $65,584 | 1261% |
| Biology, General | $43,525 | 279% |
| Public Health | $72,439 | 1566% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $36,892 | -16% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $124,228 | 3870% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $105,805 | 3050% |
Peer Comparison
431%
20yr ROI
10%
20yr ROI
718%
20yr ROI
441%
20yr ROI
399%
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.