Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Portland

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 is relatively manageable for a liberal arts degree, though with both figures estimated from peer institutions, the actual financial picture for University of Portland graduates remains uncertain. Similar liberal arts programs in Oregon suggest first-year earnings around $38,000—slightly above the national median for this broad field—paired with estimated debt of $27,000. That means roughly 14 months of gross income to cover the debt, which falls within a workable range if those estimates hold true for this specific program.

What complicates the calculation here is that University of Portland carries a selective profile (SAT average of 1277, low Pell enrollment) that typically correlates with stronger career outcomes, yet the data suppression prevents us from confirming whether that advantage materializes for liberal arts graduates. The school's private status likely explains the higher estimated debt compared to Oregon's public universities, where similar programs produce comparable earnings but often with lower borrowing. Without actual outcomes data, you're essentially betting that UP's institutional advantages—alumni networks, career services, reputation—translate into results that justify the additional investment.

The clearest guidance: if your child is admitted to one of Oregon's public universities offering this major, compare total costs carefully. The estimated earnings don't show a premium for UP that would automatically justify higher debt, making this a decision that hinges more on intangibles like campus fit and specific program features than on demonstrated financial returns.