Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Corban University

Similar liberal arts programs in Oregon suggest first-year earnings around $38,000—landing right at the state median but notably above the national average for these degrees. The estimated $27,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary. That's a workable starting point for a broad humanities education, though the financial advantage compared to larger state schools isn't obvious from these numbers alone.

The challenge is understanding what makes Corban's program distinctive enough to justify the private school investment. Oregon State graduates with similar degrees show comparable earnings, often with less debt. The real differentiator likely comes down to factors these estimates can't capture: the Christian emphasis, smaller class sizes, or specific mentorship opportunities at an institution with a 90% admission rate. For families drawn to Corban's mission and community, the financial picture looks reasonable—but if the draw is purely academic, state alternatives deserve serious consideration.

The bottom line: This looks like fair value for families specifically seeking Corban's faith-integrated environment, but the estimated numbers alone don't reveal a financial premium over public options. Visit campus, talk to recent alumni about actual job outcomes, and confirm the debt figure matches your family's financial aid package before committing.