Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Portland State University

Portland State University's electrical engineering graduates start strong at nearly $83,000—well above the national median and second-best among Oregon's six programs. While this lands them in the 84th percentile nationally, the 60th percentile state ranking reveals that Oregon's engineering market is particularly competitive, with multiple schools producing similar outcomes. The debt picture stands out favorably: at just under $30,000, graduates owe only about 4.5 months' salary, and PSU ranks in just the 5th percentile for debt nationally (meaning 95% of comparable programs leave students with more debt).

The 9% earnings growth to year four is modest but steady, reaching over $90,000. This matters less for engineering than for many fields—starting salaries already provide comfortable debt repayment, and the 0.36 debt ratio means graduates can manage their loans while building savings. For context, University of Portland produces slightly lower earnings ($79,000) despite higher selectivity, while Oregon State matches the state median at $77,600.

For families weighing PSU's 91% admission rate and strong Pell enrollment against its outcomes, the numbers tell a clear story: this program provides accessible entry into a well-paying field without the debt burden common at more selective institutions. If your child can handle the engineering coursework, this represents solid financial preparation for a technical career.