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), 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. Portland Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Portland Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Oregon State University | Portland Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.16 | 10.71 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $19,604 | $10,405 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $64,010 ✓ | $44,592 |
| Acceptance rate | 77.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 70.1% ✓ | 18.4% |
| Median debt | $21,221 | $12,999 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 30,743 | 19,531 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1290 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Oregon State University costs $9,199 more per year than Portland Community College ($19,604 vs $10,405). Oregon State University graduates report $19,418 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,010 vs $44,592). On EduGradify's model that puts Portland Community College ahead on projected ROI (10.71 vs 8.16, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Portland Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Oregon State University reports 77.3% acceptance; Portland Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Oregon State University vs Portland Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Oregon State University or Portland Community College the better value?
Portland Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.71 vs 8.16), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
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 median earnings ten years after entry: $64,010 vs $44,592 at Portland Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $19,418.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Oregon State University reports a B value grade; Portland Community College reports A.