Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon · Public · 77.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 75/100 · Strong Value
Oregon State University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $14,400/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $38,190/yr |
| Average net price | $19,604/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $78,416 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,010 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $42,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,221 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $225 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 70.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 30,743 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,107 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,036 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,729 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,262 |
| $110,001+ | $27,459 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Oregon State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $121,405 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $73,660 | C+ |
| Psychology | $57,650 | D |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,740 | B |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $57,451 | D |
| Biology | $47,221 | D |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $53,109 | D |
| Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy | $52,730 | D |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $55,245 | C |
| Public Health | $62,633 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Oregon State University is $14,400/year ($38,190/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $19,604/year, or roughly $78,416 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,107/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $27,459/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,221 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $225 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $64,010 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.50 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 69.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 76.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 72.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 79.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 77.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 560-700 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 580-700 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 24-31 |
| Enrollment | 30,743 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 22.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,437 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University (this school) | 75 | $19,604 | $64,010 |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | 83 | $15,706 | $72,273 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | 80 | $25,346 | $69,738 |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | 76 | $19,151 | $61,251 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | 76 | $13,951 | $63,199 |
| Eastern Oregon University | 43 | $17,148 | $50,112 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Oregon State University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $19,604 per year ($78,416 over four years), graduates earn a median of $64,010 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 7.5 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 70.1% graduation rate.
Median debt of $21,221 against $64,010 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.