Analysis
Portland State's accounting program delivers strong value with notably low debt and steady earnings growth. Graduates start at $58,069—above both the national and Oregon medians—while carrying just $31,000 in debt. That 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio ranks in the 16th percentile nationally, meaning 84% of accounting programs saddle students with higher debt burdens. Among Oregon's 15 accounting programs, PSU places solidly in the middle for earnings but stands out for keeping costs manageable.
The 13% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests graduates are building valuable experience and advancing in their careers. While top earners at schools like George Fox start slightly higher, the $1,500 difference hardly justifies paying significantly more. For a family weighing options, PSU's combination of accessible admissions (91% acceptance rate) and financial outcomes creates a straightforward path into accounting without excessive risk.
For Oregon families, especially those qualifying for Pell grants (40% of students here), this program offers professional credentialing at a reasonable price. The debt load is manageable on a first-year accountant's salary, and earnings trajectory points upward rather than plateauing early.
Where Portland State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Portland State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State University | $58,069 | $65,584 | +13% |
| University of Oregon | $58,449 | $75,219 | +29% |
| Oregon State University | $53,694 | $72,376 | +35% |
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | $53,694 | $72,376 | +35% |
| Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies | $54,626 | $61,317 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Portland State UniversityPortland | $11,238 | $58,069 | $65,584 | $31,000 | 0.53 |
 George Fox UniversityNewberg | $40,940 | $59,980 | — | $26,000 | 0.43 |
 Linfield UniversityMcMinnville | $49,530 | $58,914 | $59,945 | $28,000 | 0.48 |
 University of OregonEugene | $15,669 | $58,449 | $75,219 | $20,500 | 0.35 |
 Warner Pacific UniversityPortland | $21,010 | $54,626 | $61,317 | $42,765 | 0.78 |
| Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate StudiesPortland | — | $54,626 | $61,317 | $42,765 | 0.78 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Portland State University, approximately 40% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 179 graduates with reported earnings and 184 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.