Analysis
The University of Oregon's education program shows troubling first-year outcomes—graduates earn just $23,105 initially, placing this in the 10th percentile among Oregon education programs. That's $15,700 below the state median and nearly $16,000 below what Western Oregon University graduates earn. While the debt load of $20,096 is manageable, earning less than your debt in the first year is a red flag.
The dramatic rebound to $51,067 by year four suggests these graduates may be entering teaching positions with delayed certification or finding their footing after a rocky start. However, this small sample (under 30 graduates) makes it hard to know if this pattern is reliable or reflects a handful of outliers. What's clear is that most Oregon education programs start their graduates at significantly higher salaries from day one.
For parents considering UO's education program, the question is whether the university's reputation justifies starting $15,000+ behind other Oregon schools. Unless your child has specific reasons to choose Eugene—particular faculty, programs, or career connections—Oregon has several education programs that deliver stronger immediate earnings without requiring a multi-year wait to reach competitive teacher salaries.
Where University of Oregon Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Oregon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon | $23,105 | $51,067 | +121% |
| Brown University | $33,866 | $61,660 | +82% |
| Chapman University | $37,928 | $60,147 | +59% |
| Pacific University | $34,067 | $51,090 | +50% |
| Corban University | $43,558 | $46,369 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of OregonEugene | $15,669 | $23,105 | $51,067 | $20,096 | 0.87 |
 Western Oregon UniversityMonmouth | $11,025 | $43,879 | — | $20,500 | 0.47 |
 Corban UniversitySalem | $37,208 | $43,558 | $46,369 | $26,528 | 0.61 |
 Pacific UniversityForest Grove | $54,466 | $34,067 | $51,090 | $27,000 | 0.79 |
| National Median | — | $38,660 | — | $26,522 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 University of Oregon, approximately 22% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.