Northern Arizona University vs University of Oregon
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Oregon comes out ahead: 68/100 to 64/100, a 4-point edge over Northern Arizona University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Northern Arizona University runs $14,158 a year against $22,182 at University of Oregon - $8,024 more a year, or about $32,096 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Oregon graduates earn a median $61,324 against $54,384 at Northern Arizona University. The cost earns itself back in 10.1 years at Northern Arizona University and 8.7 years at University of Oregon.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Northern Arizona University owing a median $19,000 versus $20,139 at University of Oregon. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.51 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Northern Arizona Universi... | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,009 | $16,137 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,881 | $44,598 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,158 | $22,182 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $56,632 | $88,728 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,900 | $39,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $54,384 | $61,324 |
| Graduation Rate | 61.3% | 71.7% |
| Payback Period | 10.1 yr | 8.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,000 | $20,139 |
| Monthly Payment | $201 | $214 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.51 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 68.6% | 69.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 59.2% | 67.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 89.6% | 88.3% |
| Enrollment | 22,903 | 20,497 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Northern Arizona Uni... | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,709 | $15,909 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,398 | $15,760 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,330 | $18,364 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,050 | $24,704 |
| $110,001+ | $20,686 | $31,021 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Northern Arizona Uni... | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | $81,144 | $85,438 |
| Mathematics | $54,149 | $82,191 |
| Chemistry | $60,630 | $81,984 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $55,863 | $73,410 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $52,957 | $70,532 |
| Public Administration | $52,834 | $67,030 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $48,764 | $65,573 |
| International Relations | $58,571 | $62,408 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $60,402 | $52,007 |
| Journalism | $57,868 | $55,615 |
| Romance Languages | $57,004 | $57,106 |
| Biology | $55,446 | $51,459 |
| Sociology | $44,082 | $55,204 |
| Linguistic and Comparative Language Studies | $54,276 | $46,886 |
| Psychology | $50,448 | $50,810 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Northern Arizona Uni... | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 74 | 66 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 60 | 71 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 72 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 62 | 81 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 36 | 39 |
| Overall ROI Score | 64 | 68 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Oregon edges out Northern Arizona University by 4 points (68 vs 64), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Northern Arizona University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Oregon
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.