Economics at University of Portland

Based on comparable economics programs across Oregon, University of Portland graduates can expect to earn around $46,000 in their first year—slightly below the national median of $51,722 but right in line with state norms. The estimated debt load of roughly $22,800 translates to a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about half their first-year salary. This puts the program squarely in the middle of Oregon's economics offerings, with similar outcomes to public universities like University of Oregon and Willamette.

The challenge is that without actual reported data for this specific program, you're making decisions based on what's typical for Oregon economics degrees generally. The school's 95% admission rate and modest Pell Grant enrollment (19%) suggest a different student profile than more selective competitors like Reed College, where economics majors earn an estimated $53,000. Whether University of Portland's particular approach—smaller classes at a private institution versus the lower-cost public options performing similarly—justifies any premium depends entirely on fit factors the data can't capture.

For an anxious parent, the fundamentals look reasonable: the estimated debt burden won't crush your child, and economics remains a versatile degree. But press the school directly about their graduates' actual outcomes and job placement, especially given that peer programs in the state show you can achieve similar financial results at lower cost through the public system.