Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Portland State University vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $36,892 for General Studies to $109,690 for Computer Science. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and align with your career goals.
Analyzing 52 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Portland State University.
recent graduates
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Portland State University.
Engineering programs at Portland State University deliver strong earnings outcomes with Computer Science leading at $109,690 (ranking #57 nationally) and Mechanical Engineering producing graduates earning $82,358. These programs demonstrate excellent return on investment with value scores above 50, indicating strong alignment between educational costs and career outcomes.
Engineering graduates typically enter high-demand technology sectors in Portland's growing tech economy, supporting sustainable loan repayment and career advancement.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | — | $113,889★ |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation outcomes from federal College Scorecard data, measuring actual graduate earnings and debt levels rather than institutional reputation or program prestige. Rankings compare similar programs across more than 2,000 four-year institutions, providing national context for career outcomes. Variations in outcomes within the same institution reflect different career paths, industry demand, and graduate preparation levels across academic fields. Cohort sizes indicate program scale and data reliability, with larger programs providing more robust outcome measures. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, career goals, and educational requirements for their chosen fields.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| — |
| 168 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. | — | $101,905 | — | 58 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | — | $94,223 | — | 113 |
| Civil Engineering. | — | $86,084 | — | 71 |
| Computer Engineering. | — | $76,460 | — | 26 |
Business programs represent Portland State University's strongest area by both enrollment and outcomes diversity. Business Administration leads with 339 graduates earning $64,643 annually, while specialized programs like Executive/Career Coaching rank #8 nationally with exceptional value scores of 87.7.
Digital Marketing and Banking/Financial Services both produce graduates earning above $58,000, reflecting the program cluster's effectiveness in preparing students for Portland's diverse business environment. This group consistently delivers excellent affordability ratings for loan repayment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | — | $79,727★ | — | 119 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $77,226 | — | 188 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $71,621 | — | 275 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | — | $70,765 | — | 44 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | — | $68,274 | — | 125 |
| Marketing. | — | $61,499 | — | 209 |
Health programs at Portland State University serve diverse career pathways with varying earnings outcomes. Behavioral Aspects of Health ranks #44 nationally and produces graduates earning $45,655, while general Health Sciences graduates earn $37,709.
These programs typically prepare students for service-oriented careers or graduate study in health professions, with loan affordability ratings reflecting the balance between moderate earnings and educational debt.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | — | $59,961★ | — | 190 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | — | $59,563 | — | 51 |
| Public Health. | — | $58,860 | $36,565 | 133 |
Science programs show varied outcomes, with Biological and Physical Sciences ranking #3 nationally despite moderate earnings of $49,200, demonstrating exceptional value relative to program costs. Biology graduates earn $43,525, typical for pre-health and research pathways that often require graduate education for full earning potential.
These programs serve students seeking research careers or professional school preparation, with manageable debt levels supporting extended educational timelines.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics.Small sample | — | $87,488★ | — | 15 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | — | $75,765 | — | 27 |
| Chemistry.Small sample | — | $70,948 | — | 18 |
| Mathematics. | — | $68,280 | — | 73 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.Small sample | — | $57,932 | — | 13 |
| Biology, General. | — | $54,934 | — | 175 |
Social science programs demonstrate solid preparation for diverse career paths and graduate study. Research Methodology ranks #13 nationally with graduates earning $43,084, while Psychology represents the institution's largest program with 344 graduates earning $40,458.
These programs often lead to public service, research, or graduate education pathways, requiring careful financial planning given moderate initial earnings but strong long-term career potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | — | $75,482★ | — | 57 |
| Social Work. | — | $63,456 | — | 103 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $59,185 | — | 79 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | — | $56,436 | — | 20 |
| Geography and Cartography. | — | $54,310 | — | 23 |
| Sociology. | — | $53,753 | — | 53 |
| Social Sciences, General. | — | $52,562 | — | 247 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | — | $51,066 | — | 25 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $49,063 | $37,704 | 365 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs. | — | $45,870 | — | 26 |
| Anthropology. | — | $41,759 | — | 34 |
Communication and Media Studies. leads communications with 59K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $59,232 | — | 84 |
Liberal arts programs provide foundational education with varied career outcomes. General Studies, with 186 graduates earning $36,892, serves students seeking flexible degree completion pathways, often including working adults and transfer students.
These programs emphasize broad skill development and critical thinking, supporting diverse career paths that may require additional specialized training or graduate education for optimal earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | — | $56,158★ | — | 107 |
| History. | — | $54,131 | — | 55 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | — | $51,925 | — | 24 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other.Small sample | — | $51,248 | — | 14 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | — | $50,949 | — | 223 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | — | $50,241 | — | 33 |
| Philosophy. | — | $50,191 | — | 24 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.Small sample | — | $45,692 | — | 14 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | — | $43,342 | — | 79 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | — | $41,639 | — | 68 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | — | $40,731 | — | 70 |
| East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.Small sample | — | $39,563 | — | 19 |
| Music. | — | $34,160 | — | 25 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. leads agriculture & environment with 59K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | — | $58,961 | — | 48 |
Corrections Administration graduates earn $46,577 annually with manageable loan affordability ratings. This program serves students seeking public safety careers, with earnings reflecting typical government and law enforcement compensation levels.
The program provides solid preparation for criminal justice careers while maintaining reasonable debt-to-earnings ratios for graduates entering public service roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | — | $58,109 | — | 151 |
Interdisciplinary programs offer unique combinations of skills and knowledge. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies graduates earn $46,317 with strong value scores of 61.2, ranking #34 nationally.
These programs serve students seeking customized education pathways and demonstrate Portland State University's flexibility in supporting diverse academic interests and career preparation approaches.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture. | — | $62,349★ | — | 57 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | — | $57,438 | $21,839 | 130 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | — | $57,303 | — | 124 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | — | $50,427 | — | 60 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | — | $30,409 | — | 22 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
