Students at the University of Portland achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the top 5% of colleges nationwide for financial outcomes.
Graduates consistently outperform peers at similar institutions, with particularly strong results in nursing, computer science, and other professional programs that drive sustained career success.
The University of Portland delivers exceptional long-term value for students who can afford the initial investment. This private nonprofit institution in Oregon consistently produces graduates who earn more than peers at similar universities, ranking in the top 5% nationally for 10-year earnings outcomes. With median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment, University of Portland graduates significantly outpace typical college outcomes.
What makes the University of Portland distinctive is its ability to combine the personalized attention of a medium-sized private institution with career outcomes that rival much larger research universities. The school serves a more selective student population, with about 18% of students receiving Pell Grants and roughly 18% being first-generation college students. Despite higher net prices across all income levels, the university's strong alumni network and employer relationships translate into meaningful career advantages.
As a private institution in Portland, Oregon, the University of Portland offers students access to the Pacific Northwest's growing technology and healthcare sectors while maintaining the close-knit community feel that characterizes successful liberal arts-oriented universities. For families who can manage the higher costs, the long-term return on investment makes this institution a compelling choice for students seeking both academic excellence and strong financial outcomes.
The University of Portland's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on professional fields that translate directly into strong career outcomes. Nursing dominates both enrollment and aggregate return, graduating 210 students annually who earn a median of $78,612 ten years after graduation. This program alone drives much of the university's exceptional earnings performance, benefiting from Portland's robust healthcare sector and the program's strong clinical partnerships.
Computer Science represents the highest individual earning potential, with 29 graduates earning a median of $85,538 early in their careers. This smaller but highly successful program connects students to the Pacific Northwest's thriving technology industry, where University of Portland graduates compete successfully for positions at major employers. Biology, the largest program by enrollment with 124 graduates, shows more modest early earnings at $25,194, reflecting the field's typical pathway through graduate or professional school.
The university's strength lies in combining rigorous academic preparation with practical career focus. Psychology graduates, earning around $36,488, represent the lower end of the earnings spectrum but still benefit from the university's strong liberal arts foundation and alumni network. Across all programs, the university's medium size allows for personalized attention and mentorship that helps students maximize their career potential, whether in high-earning technical fields or more traditional liberal arts disciplines.
University of Portland graduates achieve exceptionally strong long-term earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $82,804, ranking in the 96th percentile compared with similar institutions. This represents substantial earning power that continues to grow over time, with many graduates reaching well into six-figure salaries as their careers progress.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Nursing stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return major, graduating 210 students annually with median earnings of $78,612 ten years out. Computer Science, though smaller with 29 graduates, produces the highest individual earnings at $85,538. Biology represents the largest footprint with 124 graduates but shows more modest early earnings at $25,194, reflecting the field's typical graduate school pathway. Psychology graduates earn around $36,488, representing the lower end of the earnings spectrum but still providing solid foundation for various career paths.
The university's strength lies in professional programs that connect directly to high-demand career fields. Nursing and computer science programs benefit from strong employer relationships in Portland's healthcare and technology sectors, while the university's overall reputation opens doors across multiple industries. This combination of program quality and regional employer connections helps explain why University of Portland graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations in their post-graduation careers.
The University of Portland operates at a premium price point that reflects its private nonprofit status and personalized educational approach. Low-income students face annual net costs of approximately $24,994, while middle-income families pay around $32,078, and high-income families see costs reach $43,754. These prices place the university well above typical public institution costs but within range of comparable private colleges.
Debt levels reflect the higher cost structure, with typical graduates carrying about $21,370 in federal student loans. More significantly, families often rely on Parent PLUS loans, which average $46,051 at this institution. The combination means many families are making substantial financial commitments to fund a University of Portland education, requiring careful planning and realistic assessment of family financial capacity.
What makes these costs more manageable is the strong earning potential that follows graduation. With median earnings of $82,804 ten years out, most graduates can handle standard loan repayment without excessive strain. The university also maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally succeed in managing their debt obligations. For families who can afford the upfront investment, the long-term financial returns help justify the premium pricing structure.
University Of Portland Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
