Oregon State University vs Oregon Institute of Technology
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Oregon Institute of Technology holds a 8-point ROI advantage over Oregon State University, scoring 83/100 versus 75/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Oregon Institute of Technology comes in at $15,706 per year (net price after aid) versus $19,604 at Oregon State University - a difference of $3,898 annually, or roughly $15,592 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Oregon Institute of Technology graduates earn a median of $72,273 compared to $64,010 at Oregon State University. The payback period is 7.5 years at Oregon State University versus 5.4 years at Oregon Institute of Technology.
Graduates leave Oregon State University with a median $21,221 in debt versus $22,500 at Oregon Institute of Technology. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.50 and 0.42 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Oregon State University | Oregon Institute of Techn... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,400 | $13,260 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,190 | $37,196 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,604 | $15,706 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $78,416 | $62,824 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,700 | $52,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $64,010 | $72,273 |
| Graduation Rate | 70.1% | 53.8% |
| Payback Period | 7.5 yr | 5.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,221 | $22,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $225 | $239 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.50 | 0.42 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 76.2% | 83.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 72.9% | 77.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 77.3% | 95.0% |
| Enrollment | 30,743 | 2,892 |
| SAT Range | 1140-1400 | 1000-1270 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Oregon State Univers... | Oregon Institute of ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,107 | $9,085 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,036 | $8,729 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,729 | $14,385 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,262 | $18,925 |
| $110,001+ | $27,459 | $22,431 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Oregon State Univers... | Oregon Institute of ... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $105,359 | $101,534 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,740 | $95,470 |
| Engineering, Other | $94,278 | $81,872 |
| Civil Engineering | $89,822 | $76,642 |
| Biology | $47,221 | $28,606 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Oregon State Univers... | Oregon Institute of ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 78 | 93 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 79 | 92 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 74 | 84 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 78 | 47 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 58 | 81 |
| Overall ROI Score | 75 | 83 |
The Verdict
Oregon Institute of Technology has a meaningfully higher ROI score (83 vs 75). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if Oregon State University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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Oregon State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Oregon Institute of Technology
Strong 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.