Economics at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

OSU-Cascades economics graduates start below both national and state medians at $45,708, but the program's real strength emerges over time. Earnings jump 40% by year four to reach $63,764—surpassing not just the national median but landing well above Oregon's typical economics outcomes. At 40th percentile within Oregon, this means you're essentially at the state median for starting salary, but the growth trajectory suggests graduates are finding strong career footing in Central Oregon's expanding economy or moving to higher-paying markets.

The debt picture is reasonable at $23,849, creating a first-year ratio of 0.52 that's manageable even during the lower-earning initial period. By year four, when earnings hit the mid-$60s, this debt load becomes quite comfortable. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means outcomes are stable enough to trust, though this isn't a massive program churning out hundreds of grads annually.

For families considering this against Portland-area alternatives like Lewis & Clark or PSU, the calculus is straightforward: you'll start a bit behind their graduates but catch up quickly with stronger mid-career earnings. The Bend location matters—it's neither a major metro with abundant entry-level opportunities nor isolated from economic growth. If your student values the smaller campus setting and outdoor lifestyle while building toward solid economics career prospects, this program delivers better long-term value than its modest starting salary suggests.