Head-to-head · 2026
Oregon State University vs Portland Community College
Compare average net price ($19,604 at Oregon State University; $10,405 at Portland Community College), ROI score (8.16 vs 10.71), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($64,010 vs $44,592), and admissions context (77.3% at Oregon State University; Open / not reported at Portland Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Oregon State University | Portland Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.16 | 10.71 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $19,604 | $10,405 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $78,416 | $41,620 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $14,400 | $5,220 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $38,190 | $10,440 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $64,010 ✓ | $44,592 |
| Acceptance rate | 77.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 70.1% ✓ | 18.4% |
| Retention rate | 87.8% ✓ | 62.5% |
| Median debt | $21,221 | $12,999 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 30,743 | 19,531 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1290 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Oregon State University | Portland Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $12,107 | $8,937 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $13,036 | $9,229 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,729 | $11,327 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $20,262 | $14,102 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $27,459 | $15,868 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Oregon State University | Portland Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 0.7% | 48.2% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 6.9% | 1.8% |
| Design and Applied Arts | 1.3% | 3.8% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 0.8% | 3.8% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 0.1% | 3% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 2.5% | 0.6% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 1.8% | 0.9% |
| Geography and Cartography | 1.6% | 1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Portland Community College reports the lower average net price by $9,199 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $36,796 difference over four years ($41,620 vs $78,416).
Oregon State University reports $19,418 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($64,010 vs $44,592). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 87.8% at Oregon State University and 62.5% at Portland Community College. Median federal debt among completers is $21,221 vs $12,999, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Oregon State University vs Portland Community College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Portland Community College is cheaper — average net price $10,405 per year vs $19,604 at Oregon State University. The annual difference of $9,199 adds up to about $36,796 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Oregon State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $64,010 vs $44,592 at Portland Community College. The gap in the federal data is $19,418. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.