Oregon State University vs Eastern Oregon University
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, Oregon State University comes out ahead: 75/100 to 43/100, a 32-point edge over Eastern Oregon 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, Eastern Oregon University runs $17,148 a year against $19,604 at Oregon State University - $2,456 more a year, or about $9,824 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Oregon State University graduates earn a median $64,010 against $50,112 at Eastern Oregon University. The cost earns itself back in 7.5 years at Oregon State University and 13.8 years at Eastern Oregon University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Eastern Oregon University owing a median $20,500 versus $21,221 at Oregon State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.50 and 0.57 - 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 | Oregon State University | Eastern Oregon University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,400 | $11,076 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,190 | $25,431 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,604 | $17,148 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $78,416 | $68,592 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,700 | $36,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $64,010 | $50,112 |
| Graduation Rate | 70.1% | 43.0% |
| Payback Period | 7.5 yr | 13.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,221 | $20,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $225 | $217 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.50 | 0.57 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 76.2% | 63.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 72.9% | 56.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 77.3% | 98.3% |
| Enrollment | 30,743 | 2,172 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Oregon State Univers... | Eastern Oregon Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,107 | $12,563 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,036 | $11,150 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,729 | $14,208 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,262 | $22,566 |
| $110,001+ | $27,459 | $21,835 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Oregon State Univers... | Eastern Oregon Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $73,660 | $59,066 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $61,096 | $56,013 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $56,074 | $60,706 |
| Psychology | $57,650 | $47,816 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $57,451 | $50,279 |
| Biology | $47,221 | $35,435 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Oregon State Univers... | Eastern Oregon Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 78 | 48 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 79 | 41 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 74 | 59 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 78 | 26 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 58 | 23 |
| Overall ROI Score | 75 | 43 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Oregon State University clearly outperforms Eastern Oregon University (75 vs 43), a 32-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Eastern Oregon University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Oregon State University.
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Oregon State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Eastern Oregon University
Poor 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.