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Public Health at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,762/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #84 of 213 Public Health programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Health graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $547K $544K $500K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.2x 12.1x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.5x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 49

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 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,728
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,207
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,762 track close to the $38,916 national median for Public Health programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Health career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 against $36,762/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #84 ranking among 213 Public Health programs places Portland State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 47% earnings increase from $36,762 to $54,207 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Portland State University

Portland State University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 13,619 students in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland State University →

Top Career Paths

Physicists $166,290/yr
Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 213 schools offering Public Health →

Public Health at Other Schools

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center ($99,671) Utah State University ($76,451) Brown University ($75,909) Montana Technological University ($74,771) Oakland University ($59,330) Illinois State University ($59,207) North Carolina A & T State University ($58,660) Tufts University ($53,372)

Other Majors at Portland State University

Computer Engineering ($87,259) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,853) Computer Science ($78,669) Mechanical Engineering ($73,079) Civil Engineering ($67,509) Physics ($62,749) Accounting and Related Services ($58,069) Finance and Financial Management Services ($52,859)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Public Health trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Health at Portland State University?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Health programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Public Health at Portland State University?
The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →