Analysis
George Fox's engineering program hits a sweet spot that many families overlook: solid outcomes with manageable debt. The $27,000 median debt sits well below the national average, while first-year earnings of $67,558 match both Oregon's median and come close to the national benchmark. More importantly, graduates see meaningful income growth—reaching nearly $81,000 by year four represents a 20% jump that suggests steady career progression.
Within Oregon, this program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, making it a competitive choice for in-state students, though there's limited local comparison data since few Oregon schools offer standalone engineering degrees. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means graduates typically owe less than half their starting salary—a manageable level that shouldn't derail other financial goals in those crucial first post-college years.
The real advantage here is the combination: you're not paying premium prices for typical engineering outcomes. With engineering programs at larger state schools often carrying higher debt loads, George Fox offers a practical path to a solid engineering career without the financial strain. For Oregon families seeking an engineering degree closer to home, this represents straightforward value—decent starting pay, controlled borrowing, and room for earnings growth as graduates establish themselves in the field.
Where George Fox University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How George Fox University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Fox University | $67,558 | $80,845 | +20% |
| Franklin W Olin College of Engineering | $109,455 | $114,228 | +4% |
| University of California-Davis | $82,956 | $104,701 | +26% |
| Harvey Mudd College | $92,491 | $103,969 | +12% |
| Lafayette College | $76,507 | $92,618 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,940 | $67,558 | $80,845 | $27,000 | 0.40 | |
| $64,458 | $109,455 | $114,228 | $14,512 | 0.13 | |
| $66,255 | $92,491 | $103,969 | $22,240 | 0.24 | |
| $68,230 | $86,416 | $87,937 | $14,500 | 0.17 | |
| $15,247 | $82,956 | $104,701 | $15,000 | 0.18 | |
| $41,010 | $78,211 | — | $27,000 | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911 | — | $26,056 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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 George Fox University, approximately 27% 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.