Compare 6 Chemistry. programs in Oregon. Average earnings: $42,250.
The highest-earning Chemistry program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $29K earnings gap across 6 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Oregon's Chemistry graduates earn between $27,204 and $56,658—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Oregon State University's Chemistry program leads with graduates earning $56,658, well above the state average of $42,250. Portland State University follows closely at $54,740, while University of Oregon rounds out the top three at $53,372. This tight cluster at the top shows multiple programs delivering strong outcomes regardless of admission selectivity.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Oregon State graduates borrow $21,221 and face an 8.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. For families, Portland State leads with an 18% family burden when parent loans are included, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $56,658 | 48 | $21,221 | Good | $28,923 | Challenging |
| #2 | $54,740 | 26 | $20,500 | Good | $18,859 | Manageable | |
| #3 | University Of OregonPublic | $53,372 | 27 | $20,139 | Good | $44,405 | High |
| #4 | University Of PortlandPrivate | $32,925 | 17 | $21,370 | High | $57,555 | High |
| #5 | Pacific UniversityPrivate | $28,598 | 11 | $23,223 | High | $33,960 | High |
| #6 | Willamette UniversityPrivate | $27,204 | 15 | $21,500 | High | $36,571 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
