Psychology at Multnomah University

With earnings of just under $26,000 one year after graduation, Multnomah's psychology program produces outcomes that fall well short of Oregon's median ($32,422) and rank in the 10th percentile nationally. While the $23,250 debt burden sits near state and national averages, the combination creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90—meaning graduates carry nearly a full year's salary in debt. Compare this to Oregon's top psychology programs, where graduates earn $8,000-9,000 more annually while taking on similar debt loads. Even within Oregon's psychology programs, this ranks only in the 25th percentile.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly, but the gap is substantial enough to raise questions. Psychology is already one of the lower-earning bachelor's degrees nationally, so starting at the bottom of that range creates real financial pressure. At $26,000, graduates will find it challenging to manage standard student loan payments while covering basic living expenses in Portland.

If your child is set on psychology and Multnomah specifically for its religious mission or community, understand they're likely accepting a significant earnings tradeoff. For families prioritizing financial outcomes, Oregon State or Pacific University offer demonstrably stronger returns in this field, with graduates earning roughly 35% more right out of the gate.