Analysis
Engineering programs in Oregon typically generate strong early earnings, and the estimated figures here suggest Oregon Tech fits that pattern. Based on comparable engineering programs nationally, graduates likely start around $73,000—right at the national median—with documented fourth-year earnings climbing to nearly $86,000. That trajectory signals genuine market demand for the technical skills this program develops.
The estimated debt load of roughly $23,000 creates a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than a third of their first-year salary. That's comfortable territory for engineering, where salaries can absorb loan payments without derailing other financial goals. What's particularly encouraging is that these estimated debt figures come in well below the $31,000 median for Oregon engineering programs, suggesting Oregon Tech may offer a more affordable path to the same credential than its in-state competitors.
The catch is that both earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than tracked outcomes for Oregon Tech's own graduates. The fourth-year earnings of $86,000 are actual reported data, which provides some confidence that the program delivers, but you're making an investment decision with incomplete information about the crucial early years. For a field where employment outcomes are typically strong and consistent, that's less risky than it would be in other majors—but it's still worth asking the school directly about their graduate outcomes before committing.
Where Oregon Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon Institute of Technology | — | $85,893 | — |
| Stanford University | $49,741 | $96,205 | +93% |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy | $77,421 | $92,472 | +19% |
| Oregon State University | $71,549 | $78,026 | +9% |
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | $71,549 | $78,026 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (3 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,687 | $72,877* | $85,893 | $22,875* | — | |
| $13,494 | $71,549* | $78,026 | $31,000* | 0.43 | |
| $12,594 | $71,549* | $78,026 | $31,000* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $72,876* | — | $22,694* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems 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 Oregon Institute of Technology, approximately 19% 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 national median of 16 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.