Analysis
University of Oregon's Social Sciences program shows impressive earnings momentum that sets it apart from other Oregon options. While graduates start at $38,147—modestly above both national and state medians—their earnings jump 45% to $55,393 by year four, significantly outpacing the typical trajectory for social sciences majors.
Among Oregon's nine social sciences programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it ahead of larger state schools like Oregon State and Portland State. The $22,917 debt load is actually below both state and national medians, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 that improves dramatically as careers progress.
The strong earnings growth suggests Oregon's program successfully prepares students for career advancement, whether through graduate school preparation or direct entry into fields that reward experience. With robust sample data backing these numbers, parents can feel confident this represents a solid investment that pays increasing dividends over time, especially compared to other in-state alternatives.
Where University of Oregon Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences 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 | $38,147 | $55,393 | +45% |
| Manhattan University | $41,062 | $85,294 | +108% |
| Vanderbilt University | $61,389 | $80,320 | +31% |
| Western Oregon University | $34,245 | $45,230 | +32% |
| Portland State University | $35,093 | $43,084 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of OregonEugene | $15,669 | $38,147 | $55,393 | $22,917 | 0.60 |
 Southern Oregon UniversityAshland | $12,093 | $41,835 | — | $27,167 | 0.65 |
 Oregon State UniversityCorvallis | $13,494 | $35,590 | — | — | — |
 Oregon State University-Cascades CampusBend | $12,594 | $35,590 | — | — | — |
 Portland State UniversityPortland | $11,238 | $35,093 | $43,084 | $31,000 | 0.88 |
 Western Oregon UniversityMonmouth | $11,025 | $34,245 | $45,230 | $25,000 | 0.73 |
| National Median | — | $37,459 | — | $25,500 | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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 344 graduates with reported earnings and 340 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.