Liberal Arts & Humanities at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,253/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 11.1x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #386 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $501K $501K $477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.1x 11.1x 10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.2x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,728
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,604
11.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,029
85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Portland State University's Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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.

About Portland State University

A 91% acceptance rate means Portland State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 13,619 students in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland State University →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Portland State University?
A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Liberal Arts & Humanities from Portland State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →