Psychology at University of Oregon

University of Oregon's psychology graduates start modestly—earning $31,398 in their first year—but their trajectory tells a more compelling story. By year four, median earnings jump 42% to $44,433, demonstrating that UO grads gain traction in the workforce faster than many peers. This growth pattern matters because psychology degrees often require time to leverage into higher-paying roles in counseling, social services, or business applications.

The debt burden sits at $22,122, which is notably lower than both state and national medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70, graduates can realistically manage repayment even during that modest first year. However, UO ranks in just the 40th percentile among Oregon psychology programs—behind peers like Pacific University and Oregon State that deliver $3,000-4,000 more in early earnings. Parents should recognize that while the trajectory is positive, other state schools offer stronger immediate returns.

For families comparing Oregon options, UO represents a middle-tier choice: better debt terms than average but weaker initial earning power than the state's top programs. The strong earnings growth suggests patience pays off here, making this a reasonable path for students committed to psychology who value the flagship experience, but not the standout value proposition in Oregon for this major.