Social Sciences at University of Oregon
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Oregon graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Oregon graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all social sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon | $38,147 | $55,393 | $22,917 | 0.60 |
| Southern Oregon University | $41,835 | — | $27,167 | 0.65 |
| Oregon State University | $35,590 | — | — | — |
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | $35,590 | — | — | — |
| Portland State University | $35,093 | $43,084 | $31,000 | 0.88 |
| Western Oregon University | $34,245 | $45,230 | $25,000 | 0.73 |
| National Median | $37,459 | — | $25,500 | 0.68 |
Other Social Sciences Programs in Oregon
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oregon schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Oregon University Ashland | $12,093 | $41,835 | $27,167 |
| Oregon State University Corvallis | $13,494 | $35,590 | — |
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend | $12,594 | $35,590 | — |
| Portland State University Portland | $11,238 | $35,093 | $31,000 |
| Western Oregon University Monmouth | $11,025 | $34,245 | $25,000 |
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.