Social Sciences at Portland State University

Portland State's Social Sciences bachelor's produces starting salaries slightly below both national and state medians, landing at the 40th percentile among Oregon programs. At $35,093 in year one, graduates earn roughly $2,500 less than the state median and about $6,700 less than what Southern Oregon University Social Sciences grads command. However, the debt picture offers some relief: at $31,000, borrowers here graduate with relatively manageable balances—in the 18th percentile nationally, meaning 82% of similar programs nationally burden students with more debt.

The earnings trajectory shows respectable growth of 23% by year four, reaching $43,084, though this still trails the stronger Oregon programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88, graduates should theoretically pay off loans within a year of living expenses, which is reasonable. The 91% admission rate and high Pell grant enrollment (40%) suggest PSU serves students who might not access more selective programs, adding context to these outcomes.

For families considering this degree: you're looking at below-average earnings combined with below-average debt. If your student can attend a higher-ranked Oregon public like U of O or OSU, those offer better earning potential. But if PSU's accessibility and location work for your situation, the modest debt load prevents this from becoming a financial trap—just understand your graduate will likely need time to reach median salaries.