Analysis
Oregon's social sciences programs show a tight earnings band, and Corban appears to land right in the middle. Based on comparable programs statewide, first-year earnings hover around $35,590—essentially matching the state median and roughly $2,000 below the national benchmark of $37,459. By year four, graduates reach about $40,200, suggesting modest but steady progression. With estimated debt of $27,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 falls within manageable territory, though it's slightly above both state and national norms for this field.
The challenge here isn't dramatic financial distress—it's the absence of clear differentiation. Similar programs at Southern Oregon and University of Oregon produce meaningfully higher early earnings, while Corban's outcomes appear comparable to much larger state schools. For a private institution where tuition likely exceeds public alternatives, you'd hope to see either stronger career outcomes or significantly lower debt loads. Neither advantage appears present based on peer program data.
The four-year earnings figure offers a glimmer—it suggests graduates do gain traction over time. But starting at the state median with debt levels typical for this credential means your child would enter the workforce without much financial cushion. If Corban offers unique value through connections, internships, or graduate school placement that compensate for these pedestrian numbers, those factors would need to be compelling.
Where Corban University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corban University | — | $40,213 | — |
| Manhattan University | $41,062 | $85,294 | +108% |
| University of Oregon | $38,147 | $55,393 | +45% |
| Western Oregon University | $34,245 | $45,230 | +32% |
| Portland State University | $35,093 | $43,084 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,208 | $35,590* | $40,213 | $26,975* | — | |
| $12,093 | $41,835* | — | $27,167* | 0.65 | |
| $15,669 | $38,147* | $55,393 | $22,917* | 0.60 | |
| $13,494 | $35,590* | — | —* | — | |
| $12,594 | $35,590* | — | —* | — | |
| $11,238 | $35,093* | $43,084 | $31,000* | 0.88 | |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Corban University, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.