Marketing at University of Portland

University of Portland's marketing graduates start behind most of their peers—both nationally and within Oregon. At $41,792 in first-year earnings, they're trailing the state median by over $3,000 and falling in the 31st percentile nationally. Among Oregon's nine marketing programs, this ranks 6th, below state schools like Oregon State and even Portland State, despite UP's significantly higher tuition as a private institution.

The moderate debt load of $22,821 produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, and earnings do grow a respectable 22% to reach $50,773 by year four. However, that four-year mark still doesn't catch up to where competing programs start. When Oregon State grads begin at $45,015 and Linfield graduates earn $46,734 in year one, UP's trajectory suggests a persistent earnings gap that's difficult to justify at private school prices.

For families paying University of Portland's tuition premium, these outcomes present a financial mismatch. The combination of below-average starting salaries and middle-of-the-pack performance within Oregon means students would likely see better returns from less expensive state alternatives, which offer both lower debt and higher initial earnings.