Computer Science at Portland State University

Portland State delivers solid Computer Science outcomes with exceptionally low debt, though Oregon families should understand the state-level tradeoff. At $78,669 in starting salary, graduates earn above the national median but lag other Oregon tech programs—sitting at just the 40th percentile statewide. Oregon State and University of Portland graduates start $7,000 higher, which matters in a competitive regional tech market where companies recruit across Portland and Corvallis.

The financial structure is where Portland State shines. That $31,000 debt load ranks in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of Computer Science programs leave students with more debt. Combined with strong earnings growth to nearly $110,000 by year four, graduates can aggressively pay down loans while building their careers. The 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means you're borrowing less than half of first-year salary, a comfortable position for any technical field.

For families prioritizing affordability over maximum starting salary, Portland State makes financial sense. The $7,000 earnings gap with top Oregon programs shrinks considerably by year four, and you're starting with roughly $15,000 less debt than typical CS graduates nationwide. If your student can secure strong internships (critical in Portland's tech scene), they'll close that initial earnings gap quickly while benefiting from one of the lowest debt burdens in the country.