Oregon State University vs Oregon Institute of Technology
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 Institute of Technology comes out ahead: 83/100 to 75/100, a 8-point edge over Oregon State 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, Oregon Institute of Technology runs $15,706 a year against $19,604 at Oregon State University - $3,898 more a year, or about $15,592 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Oregon Institute of Technology graduates earn a median $72,273 against $64,010 at Oregon State University. The cost earns itself back in 7.5 years at Oregon State University and 5.4 years at Oregon Institute of Technology.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Oregon State University owing a median $21,221 versus $22,500 at Oregon Institute of Technology. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.50 and 0.42 - 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 | 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 the clearly stronger ROI here (83 vs 75) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Oregon State University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
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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.