Education at Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University's education graduates earn $44,558 in their first year—well above the national median of $32,461 and ranking in the 92nd percentile nationally. That's impressive on paper, but the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. With only two schools offering education degrees in Oregon, state comparisons offer limited insight, though this program matches the state median exactly.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually see their income drop by 4% between years one and four, from $44,558 to $42,644. This reverse pattern is unusual for any field and suggests these early-career teachers may be hitting a ceiling faster than expected, or that some are leaving the classroom for lower-paying roles. The debt load of $25,732 is right at the national median, creating a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should handle comfortably.

Given the tiny sample size, treat these numbers as a rough indicator rather than gospel. If your child is committed to teaching in rural Oregon—where Eastern's location and network matter—the debt burden is reasonable and starting salaries look solid. Just recognize that salary growth appears limited based on current data, which is typical for K-12 teaching but worth factoring into long-term financial planning.