Engineering-Related Fields at University of Portland

The University of Portland's engineering-related program carries an estimated debt load of $27,000—slightly above the national median for similar programs—while peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $69,000. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably in manageable territory, meaning graduates typically earn enough to handle their loan payments without severe strain.

What complicates the picture here is that Portland is the only school in Oregon offering this specific program at the bachelor's level, making it impossible to compare against in-state alternatives. The university's 95% admission rate and relatively modest SAT scores suggest it's accessible to a broad range of students, though just 19% receive Pell grants. Based on comparable programs nationally, engineering-related fields produce solid starting salaries that justify moderate debt levels, and this program's estimated financials align with that pattern.

The real question is whether "engineering-related" fields—which can include everything from surveying to engineering technology—match your child's career goals as closely as traditional engineering degrees. These programs often lead to technical or project management roles rather than licensed engineering positions. If this program's specific focus aligns with your child's interests and the estimated financials hold, the debt burden looks reasonable. But confirm exactly what "engineering-related" means here and what doors it actually opens.