Economics at Oregon State University

Oregon State's economics degree starts below what parents might expect but builds momentum impressively. First-year graduates earn $45,708—about 12% below the national median for economics majors and slightly below Oregon's median. Among Oregon's 14 economics programs, this ranks right at the 40th percentile, trailing Reed College and Portland State but landing close to University of Oregon. The debt load of $23,849 is typical for the state and keeps the initial debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.52.

The compelling story here is what happens next. By year four, earnings jump to $63,764—a 40% increase that vaults graduates well above both national and state averages. This trajectory suggests the program builds skills that employers increasingly value with experience, or that graduates access better career opportunities after establishing themselves. The moderate sample size means these numbers represent real outcomes, not statistical noise.

For families choosing between Oregon schools, this represents solid middle-of-the-pack value with an encouraging growth curve. The combination of accessible admission (79% acceptance rate), reasonable debt, and strong mid-career earnings makes this a practical choice for students who can weather a slower start to their career earnings.