Computer Science at Pacific University

Oregon's computer science programs cluster tightly in the low-to-mid $80,000s for first-year earnings, and peer institutions suggest Pacific University likely falls right in that range. With estimated debt around $25,000—slightly below the state median—graduates from similar programs would face a manageable 30% debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning about three months of gross income to cover what they borrowed.

What matters here is whether Pacific can deliver outcomes comparable to Oregon State or University of Portland, schools that produce verified results in the $85,000+ range. The 92% admission rate and modest test scores don't automatically predict weaker outcomes in CS—technical skills matter more than selectivity—but they do raise questions about program resources, industry connections, and employer recognition. Portland State, with similar access-oriented admission but robust tech industry ties, reports $78,669, showing that an open-door policy needn't handicap a program.

The estimated debt load looks reasonable if the earnings materialize, but you're betting on Pacific matching outcomes achieved by larger programs with clearer track records. Before committing, contact the computer science department directly: ask about internship placement rates, hiring companies, and where recent graduates actually landed jobs. If they can't provide specifics, that's informative too.