What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Oregon?
Oregon students prefer humanities studies by a substantial margin over business, social sciences, and natural sciences. Psychology is also a strong entry in the list of favorites. Oregon is a state with vast natural resources from minerals to commercial forests; it also has a vibrant agricultural sector and is a state with a powerful set of environmental protection policies. However, the economic trends in the state are decidedly skewed towards technology. Degree choices reflect some of the overall trends in the Oregon economy and public policy. Healthcare is a priority in Oregon and students prepare for healthcare occupations with majors in healthcare and related medical fields.
Most popular Oregon degrees:
- Business and Management majors are in demand in general business, finance, management, and accounting.
- Health and Medical studies enable students to pursue higher education in medical professions and to work in the various fields of technical medical occupations and nursing.
- Humanities & Teaching fields have many instances in Oregon from teaching specialties to business positions and leadership in the non-profit sector.
- Natural Sciences include Forestry and biomedical research in which Oregon has strong sectors.
- Psychology is a popular major in Oregon colleges and universities, and it is a foundation for a wide range of occupations and further graduate study.
- Social Sciences studies prepare graduates for critical roles in public policy and social welfare.
How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Oregon
Research surveys by government and private sources have shown strong evidence that educational achievement yields high salaries. Some studies show that high school graduates average about $30,000 per year, bachelor’s degree holders average about $50,000, and master’ degree earners get about $70,000 per year. While those figures suggest a large annual earnings gap, the difference is magnified when spread over a lifetime of earnings
The other effect of education goes to opportunities. Knowledge and expertise can combine with experience to help employees rise in their organization’s structure. Education can open doors to new opportunity in an existing field or new fields.
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,040* | $37,024* | $43,472* | $60,996* | $72,852* | $90,636* |
Best Scholarships for Oregon Students
Oregon students have an excellent opportunity to attend college and enhance their career opportunities and economic security. They also face the challenge of paying the high costs of high-quality education in Oregon and across the US. Scholarships and grants can reduce the need for personal and family expenses. Unlike student loan programs, students do not have to repay scholarships and grants. The federal government has grant programs available, notably the Pell Grant, and Oregon has the Oregon Opportunity Grant for needs-based funding assistance. Many scholarships come from private organizations, foundations, and individuals. Students should search for scholarships and apply for all of those for which they may be eligible.
TCS
The Coolidge Scholarship
https://coolidgescholars.org/
Amount: Full tuition and expenses
Deadline: Varies
This grant is for those in STEM departments. The grants are also open to This unique and highly competitive scholarship provides a full four-year tuition scholarship that also covers required room and board, fees, and expenses. The Coolidge Foundation honors the memory and accomplishments of the 30th US President Calvin Coolidge. The Coolidge Foundation scholarship is a merit-based award that depends on academic achievement and demonstrations of a depth of commitment to academic pursuits. This is an annual scholarship with an application open date on or about October 1 of each year. Students must apply during their third year of high school. Winners will be Coolidge Scholar finalists. The finalists will attend an weekend event for interviews and an opportunity to meet other leading students.
PFS
Point Foundation Scholarship
https://pointfoundation.org/point-apply/apply-now/
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January 28
The process of award requires a face-to-face interview in Los Angeles. The program emphasizes support for students that have had to overcome social barriers based upon the sexual identity or participation in the LGBTQ community. The scholars receive social and academic support in addition to the funding, as the program pairs them with fellow Point Scholars and mentors.
JBFS
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarships
http://www.jackierobinson.org/apply/
Amount: Up to $30,000 (Over four years)
Deadline: February 1
The Jackie Robinson Foundation honors the achievements and memory of one of America’s greatest athletes and leaders in the movement for equal rights. The foundation provides a four-year grant to attend the accredited college or university of their choice. The program consists of a grant of up to $30,000 over four years to meet any unmet financial need. Scholars get mentoring and attend events designed to promote leadership. JRF scholars get support in non-financial terms too. They get counseling, advice, and mentoring from successful business and social leaders. JRF scholars must perform community service during their term as scholars. Eligible applicants are graduating high school seniors that plan to attend a four-year accredited school. They must achieve a minimum combined SAT score of 1,000 on the math and critical reading sections or a composite ACT score of 21.
ADS
Actuarial Diversity Scholarship
https://actfnd.academicworks.com/opportunities/144
Amount: $1,000 (freshman); $2,000 (sophomore); $3,000 (junior); $4,000 (senior)
Deadline: March 1
The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship is an activity of the Actuarial Foundation. The scholarship program promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship for students that are or directly descended from Black, African American, Hispanic, Native North American, and Pacific Islander peoples. The scholarship award supports full-time undergraduate students pursuing degrees leading to a career in the actuarial profession.
Each applicant must be of or a descendant of the designated minority groups. Applicants must express their intent to pursue a career in the actuarial professions. Applicants must be in the process of enrolling or enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at accredited U.S. educational institutions. They must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a four-point scale and have an emphasis on math or actuarial courses in their transcripts. First-year entering college students must have a minimum ACT math score of 28 or SAT math score of 620.
OCETG
Oregon Chafee Education and Training Grant
https://oregonstudentaid.gov/chafee-etg.aspx
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 1
The State of Oregon supports college and vocational education for young people that have been in foster care. The US Department of Health and Human Services awarded a Grant to the state of Oregon for students that are or that have been in foster care. Students are eligible at times before age 26. Qualifications require proof of foster welfare for 180 days or more after age 14 and that the student did not leave foster care until at least 16 years of age. Students can receive this ET Grant for up to five years.
MHNS
McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship
https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/community/hacer.html
Amount: $5,000 up to $100,000 (30 Awards)
Deadline: February 4
The scholarship program supports Hispanic students. Students must be high school seniors and legal residents of the US. They must be 21 or younger, have a 3.0-grade point average, and be eligible to attend a two-year or four-year institution in full-time courses of study. Eligible students will have one or more parents of Hispanic heritage. The program uses financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement as the primary selection criteria. Students can demonstrate need through the FAFSA.
OLSF
Oregon Latino Scholarship Fund
http://hmccoregon.com/scholarship/
Amount: $2,000 up to $5,700
Deadline: January 31
This program supports Hispanic and Latino students in Oregon. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a four-point scale. Applicants must be residents of Oregon, currently attending an Oregon high school, and be enrolled in an accredited college. High school applicants must demonstrate community involvement, recommendations, and academic performance. Undergraduate and graduates must be currently enrolled in a two-year, four-year, or graduate program at an accredited school, college, or university.
Top Social Sciences Careers and Salaries
Best Oregon Schools for Social Science Occupations