Applied Mathematics at University of Portland

University of Portland's Applied Mathematics program sits right in the middle of Oregon's limited options—though with only two schools offering this degree in the state, that distinction matters less than the $7,000 gap below the national median for applied math graduates. Starting earnings of $53,917 land graduates in just the 28th percentile nationally, suggesting this program doesn't carry the same market value as stronger applied mathematics programs elsewhere.

The debt picture offers some consolation: at $20,810, it's actually slightly below the national median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. Graduates should be able to handle their loan payments on that starting salary, even if they're earning substantially less than peers from more competitive programs. The university's 95% admission rate and relatively modest academic profile may partly explain why graduates don't command premium salaries—employers often factor in institutional selectivity when making hiring and compensation decisions.

For Oregon families, this becomes a calculation about alternatives. With so few in-state applied math programs, out-of-state options at stronger institutions might justify the higher tuition if they lead to earnings closer to the $60,930 national median. The moderate debt load makes this program workable, but not particularly compelling unless staying in Portland for personal reasons outweighs the financial tradeoff of lower earnings potential.