Program Analysis
Portland State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates start at $23,253/yr, trailing the $37,172 national average by 37%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts and Sciences programs nationally.
AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic ten-year scenarios is just 5% — this field's hands-on core resists automation.
Median debt of $22,604 represents roughly 12 months of the $23,253 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #386 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, Portland State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $43,029 show a 85% jump from the $23,253 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.