Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Portland State University

Portland State's liberal arts program starts graduates at just $23,253—barely above poverty level for a single adult and well below what most Oregon high school grads with some college but no degree earn. Even four years out, graduates earn $36,892, which puts this program in the bottom 10% statewide. Compare that to Oregon State's liberal arts grads, who start at the state median of $38,083—essentially where Portland State grads land after four years of career building.

The $30,250 debt load exceeds what's typical for Oregon liberal arts programs and creates a challenging first-year equation where graduates owe more than they earn. While the 59% earnings growth from year one to four is encouraging, it suggests graduates need significant time to reach even modest income levels. This stands out particularly because liberal arts programs at other Oregon schools don't show this same struggle—Portland State's outcomes rank near the bottom of the state's 16 programs.

For families considering Portland State's liberal arts program, understand that you're looking at several years of financial difficulty post-graduation. If your student is set on liberal arts in Oregon and cost is a factor, Oregon State offers better earning outcomes from day one. If Portland State is the choice for other compelling reasons, build a financial cushion for those early working years—the numbers show graduates will need it.