Compare 6 Economics. programs in Oregon. Average earnings: $58,760.
Economics programs produce graduates earning between $52,107 and $67,830—a $16K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 6 ranked programs in Oregon, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Willamette University's Economics program leads with graduates earning $67,830, well above the state average of $58,760. The University of Oregon follows at $64,476, while Oregon State delivers $63,764—proving that program-level factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Willamette graduates borrow $21,500 and face just a 6.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Oregon State offers the best family value with an 18.1% combined burden, showing that the smartest choice depends on your funding approach.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Willamette UniversityPrivate | $67,830 | 40 | $21,500 | Excellent | $36,571 | Challenging |
| #2 | University Of OregonPublic | $64,476 | 292 | $20,139 | Excellent | $44,405 | Challenging |
| #3 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $63,764 | 86 | $21,221 | Excellent | $28,923 | Challenging |
| #4 | $52,205 | 55 | $20,500 | Good | $18,859 | Challenging | |
| #5 | Lewis & Clark CollegePrivate | $52,177 | 24 | $19,500 | Good | $33,625 | High |
| #6 | Reed CollegePrivate | $52,107 | 23 | $21,500 | Good | $48,773 | 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 →
