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By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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What Can You Do With an MBA in Oregon

There are industries in which education beyond an undergraduate degree is not needed to advance. You can gain on-the-job experience for access to new opportunities, move up in rank and do just fine. The business world, however, is not one of them. It isn’t impossible to get ahead without an advanced education but obtaining your master’s in business administration (MBA) can be instrumental in opening doors once you start gaining skills and moving up the career ladder.

MBAs in Oregon offer a wide-range of options in business programs including those you can complete fully online without a single visit to campus, coursework taken on a college campus, or a hybrid program which has requirements for both. In addition, you can gain admission to a full-time MBA with an accelerated path in which you get the same content in each course, but designed for you to get in and out of the program quickly, or a program that is slower-paced which in turn allows time for working, family, and other life commitments.

The benefit of obtaining a general MBA is that it is not field or industry specific. Whether you work in the healthcare, legal, manufacturing, tourism, or other industry, there will always be a need for business knowledge. If you decide to become an entrepreneur, an MBA will give you a foundation to negotiate business contracts and other related needs. With today’s technology, you can find a graduate school MBA program that fits into your current lifestyle and calendar, while it prepares you for success.

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Top 10 Best MBA Programs in Oregon

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1

Oregon State University

Score: 83.26

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,494
    • Out-of-State:$35,664
  • Net Price: $21,163
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 34,292
  • Undergrad Students: 28,905
  • Graduate Students: 5,387
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Oregon State University
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2

University of Oregon

Score: 79.46

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,669
    • Out-of-State:$43,302
  • Net Price: $22,077
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 23,163
  • Undergrad Students: 19,565
  • Graduate Students: 3,598
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • University of Oregon
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3

University of Portland

Score: 79.24

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $54,900
    • Out-of-State:$54,900
  • Net Price: $33,717
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 79%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,793
  • Undergrad Students: 3,390
  • Graduate Students: 403
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • University of Portland
4

Portland State University

Score: 77.48

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,238
    • Out-of-State:$30,138
  • Net Price: $16,273
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 21,609
  • Undergrad Students: 16,862
  • Graduate Students: 4,747
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Portland State University
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5

Bushnell University

Score: 76.63

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $34,740
    • Out-of-State:$34,740
  • Net Price: $23,787
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Total Enrollment: 699
  • Undergrad Students: 509
  • Graduate Students: 190
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Bushnell University
6

Willamette University

Score: 74.13

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $48,268
    • Out-of-State:$48,268
  • Net Price: $32,957
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,909
  • Undergrad Students: 1,367
  • Graduate Students: 542
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Willamette University
7

Corban University

Score: 73.13

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $37,208
    • Out-of-State:$37,208
  • Net Price: $26,231
  • Acceptance Rate: 35%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 963
  • Undergrad Students: 818
  • Graduate Students: 145
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Corban University
8

Pacific University

Score: 72.93

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $54,466
    • Out-of-State:$54,466
  • Net Price: $33,472
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,559
  • Undergrad Students: 1,639
  • Graduate Students: 1,920
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Pacific University
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9

Warner Pacific University

Score: 72.61

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $21,010
    • Out-of-State:$21,010
  • Net Price: $23,834
  • Acceptance Rate: 72%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Total Enrollment: 444
  • Undergrad Students: 444
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 5:1
  • Warner Pacific University
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10

George Fox University

Score: 72.49

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $40,940
    • Out-of-State:$40,940
  • Net Price: $28,840
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,028
  • Undergrad Students: 2,531
  • Graduate Students: 1,497
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • George Fox University
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Why Consider an Online MBA?

Oregon’s MBA programs already received a nod of approval by the Princeton Review when the well-known media publication named the University of Portland – Pamplin School of Business Administration among the top business schools in the nation.

In addition to the solid education Oregon business schools offer, Oregon is a great place to reside while attending any of these programs. The state is well-known for its beauty, hiking trails, and other natural attractions.

Crater Lake, known as the deepest lake in the U.S., offers picnic spots, hiking, and bike path areas for you to explore. The lake is 1,949 feet deep and when the sun reflects off the water, it is an almost cornflower blue.

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If all the studying has you longing for your carefree childhood days, you can attend the Lincoln City Kite Festival. Held in the fall and the summer, you will enjoy seeing all of the intricate, whimsical kites in the air during this event.

If you need further evidence that you are not too old to enjoy life, a trip to the Malheur National Forest to see what is locally referred to as the Humongous Fungus, will make you feel young again. Billed as the oldest living thing on earth, this 2,200-acre mushroom is more than 2,400-years-old.

If You Get it, The Money Will Come

An MBA translates to more money in almost all business sectors.

Credit: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupation Employment with bachelor’s degree Percent with bachelor’s degree Employment with master’s degree Percent with master’s degree Median annual wage for bachelor’s degree Median annual wage for master’s degree Wage premium amount Wage premium precent
Securities, commodities, and finacial services sales agents 113,110 54% 32,865 16% $90,000 $170,000 $80,000 89%
Logisticians 33,098 34 8,239 8 54,000 82,000 28,000 52
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers 41,935 23 15,415 9 62,000 90,000 28,000 45
Financial managers 400,770 41 182,678 19 78,000 110,000 32,000 41
Market reserach analysts and marketing specialists 114,105 54 49,705 23 65,000 90,000 25,000 38
Marketing and sales managers 380,429 51 125,900 17 80,000 110,000 30,000 38

The Need for MBA Graduates Across the U.S.

With the increase of globalization over the past few decades, US business leaders have become more aware of international competition with regard to business acumen. Placing MBA alumni on the front-line of the company helps the company find its way through economic changes both in their community, across the nation, and worldwide. Earning your MBA makes you a valuable asset in whatever industry you choose to enter. If you are already working, getting your MBA can mean real job security at your current employer as well as salary increases.

Another benefit to getting your MBA now is that you might not have much time in the future. If you are currently considering getting the MBA and feel you have enough time in terms of carving out the necessary hours and focus to get it done, you will be glad you did it when the time comes to climb that career ladder. Even if you’re not currently in line for a promotion, or if you are considering moving into a whole new field, an MBA can help you through development of current skills, let you master new skills, academic achievement looks great on a resume, and it can help you center your career on your goals.

Percentage of Students Enrolled By Distance Education

Typical MBA Concentrations

While all accredited MBA programs offer the same foundation, they are not all the same. Oregon MBA programs offer different specialties or concentrations for you to choose from. When you choose a concentration, your program will be tailored to focus on your particular field of study. While you will get the same basic classes that all accredited Oregon programs provide, you will receive additional education in your chosen area. Some of the concentrations offered across the country include public policy, entrepreneurship and innovation, strategy, operations management, and more. You shouldn’t skip over these, as one might fit perfectly into the future career you envision for yourself. Below are just some of the concentrations offered in Oregon academics.

  • Sustainable Business Practices

    Oregon is well-known for its commitment to preserving the earth’s environment. In keeping with that state-wide mindset, some of their MBA programs offer a concentration in sustainable business practices. The focus for this specialty will teach you about industry ecology and how to use what is available whenever possible.

    Going green is the norm in Oregon. You could use your MBA to better the environment while at the same time finding ways for the company to thrive. Whether it be alternative power sources, cleaning up oil spills or other catastrophic events, or any other main area of environmental preservation.

  • Sports Business
    This concentration uses a combined method of both classroom learning and real-world experiences to get you up and running in the sports business field. The variety of jobs that can be attained in this industry is large and includes sponsorship, merchandising, financing stadiums and teams, marketing, and other areas. You can work in any sports industry with this degree, or branch into the related brands such as working for a shoe company like Nike or Adidas.
  • Healthcare Management

    With a projected 22% growth pattern until 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of healthcare is a good place to be. Obtaining your MBA, with a concentration in healthcare management, positions you to be hired to oversee entire hospitals or medical facility networks. You might find satisfying work in analyzing current health provider costs and finding ways to reduce them for medical staff within the network.

    The majority of hospital directors have an MBA, but even if your goal is in a different direction in healthcare management, an MBA will be viewed positively.

  • Business Analytics
    Do you love to examine information and draw your own conclusions? If so, consider a business analytics focus as part of your MBA training. This concentration puts you in contact with different executives and managers as you gather data and compile it into reports that help them improve their area of responsibility. While they will be making decisions based on the results of your analyzing the data, you might also be called upon to present suggestions on where improvements are possible and where cuts need to be made.
  • Entrepreneurship

    If you think that entrepreneurship specifically means investing your own money into a company, product or idea, think again. While this is one aspect of becoming an entrepreneur, there are many other areas that can apply. You might decide to advise business owners on their companies and collect a percentage of the profit for your advice. If you love art, you could open a business as an art collector and seller. Then again, you might open a business locating requested art for a roster of clients and being paid a commission for doing so.

    The one thing all entrepreneurs have in common is that they are in business for themselves and their goal is to see a profit. If you choose this concentration you will learn not only the ins and outs to business start-up practices, but also how to locate capital investors, read and write contracts for investors, and many other aspects of creating your own business.

  • Human Resource Management

    Human resource management is an exciting, ever-evolving field that continues to grow. A concentration in this area prepares you for large responsibilities. A definite plus to this concentration is that almost every industry out there uses a human resources manager, which means you will have a large job pool to send your resume to.

    You will be expected to stay abreast of current info on federal and state employment law. This includes rules about breaks, mealtimes, discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying, and much more. Another of your responsibilities will be coordinating training for employees as well as conducting or securing seminars for ongoing training such as how to use new equipment, seminars on harassment in the workplace, and other areas of employment law.

    You will oversee human resource employees as well as meet with department heads to determine employee needs and fulfill them. Reports on employee benefits will be up to you to compile and you will also interface with executives regarding any changes in those benefits, such as whether the company should switch to a different health insurance plan or if there are changes in the federally mandated requirements.

Potential Salary and Earnings for MBA Grads

The median annual wage for human resources managers was $113,900 in may 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The Lowest 10% earned less than $71,100 and the highest 10% earned more than $197,000.

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In May 2020, the median annual wages for human resources managers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Management of companies and enterprises $148,100
Professional, scientific and technical services $144,900
Manufacturing $103,600
Government $111,500
Healthcare practitioners $99,800

Most human resources managers work full time during regular business hours.

Credit: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Accreditation in Oregon

Accreditation by the Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is something you should have at the top of your list when seeking an MBA program. This accreditation requires that the school meets important benchmark criteria and maintains it for the duration of the accreditation period. Then the school will go through it again to continue its accredited status. Accreditation means that the school, courses, and faculty have been approved as being of high quality.

In addition, potential employers know that if you graduated from an accredited school, it means you were able to learn and retain certain core principles that will help you succeed in the workplace. Another form of accreditation to look for is regional. The regional accrediting agency for Oregon is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

If students don’t make sure they attend an accredited school, they may have trouble transferring their credits from a school without this approval. You also won’t be able to attain federal financial aid unless you attend an accredited school. These are important things to keep in mind before you sign up for a single class. You don’t want to waste months attending a program that will not be highly regarded by employers.

Career and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

Post-graduation employment looks good for Oregon MBAs. This holds true whether you decide to remain in Oregon after getting your MBA or relocate to a different state and pursue a career.

According to the BLS, the median salary for an MBA graduate in 2020, was about $88,000. This means that 50% of graduates are paid at least that amount if not more. That is a 68% salary increase based solely on having an MBA as opposed to a bachelor's degree, which had an average salary of $68,000 for the same time frame.

Other factors come into play with regard to how much you will make with an MBA. Some fields typically pay higher wages at all levels of employment. It also depends on whether you work in the public sector or private sector. Are you interested in working for a non-profit, or is a major corporation more your speed? All of these factors play into what pay range you can expect, but in the vast majority of cases, holding an MBA is a money booster.

The outlook for MBA graduates is looking good. The BLS reports that at least until 2026 job need will continue to grow in the fields of human resource management, finance, and healthcare management at a steady pace.

Average Degree Salary Ranges Potential

The earning potential with an MBA in Oregon looks bright, though, it will depend partially on the industry. For example, according to Payscale.com, the average salary for you if you work financial management with an MBA will be $96,000, which is 14.6% more than the median MBA salary of $84,000.

There will be many variables that will impact your earning potential, including years of experience, the industry standard, the area of the state where you reside and work, and the size of the employer that hires you. In addition, if you work for a company, there will be benefits such as health insurance, paid vacations, and retirement fund matching, whereas if you decide to become self-employed or an entrepreneur, none of those will be provided as part of your earnings unless you provide them to yourself.

Careers for Oregon MBA Grads

  • Sustainability Business Manager

    Typical annual salary: $72,000 - $100,000

    As a sustainability business manager, you have a large number of possible industries available to you. The goal of this career is to assist in maintaining the sustainability of your company while at the same time, promoting and working to preserve the world's natural resources whenever possible.

    Jobs in sustainability business management include:

    • Sustainability specialist
    • Sustainable design coordinator
    • Energy and LEED analyst
    • Renewable energy analyst
    • Zero-waste program manager

    The automotive industry, manufacturing companies and food producing companies are just three examples in which any of the above positions would be possible.

    Job duties would include:

    • Assist in balancing department budgets
    • Devise and implement policies that reduce the negative impact of the company on the environment
    • Understand energy use, impact, and production
  • Director of Asset Management

    Typical annual salary: $110,000 - $150,000

    Managing a company's financial health is something an MBA might be hired to do. In this position, you would be expected to understand all the company's current assets and properties.

    Job duties would include:

    • Use benchmarks to measure each department and the company overall with regard to financial growth
    • Meet regularly with department managers for the purpose of designing procedures aimed at increasing the bottom line
    • Maintain and regularly analyze the company financial holdings, while applying them against the current economy. Make recommendations based on that analysis
  • Chief Technology Officer

    Typical annual salary: $86,707 - $275,707

    Almost all medium to large-sized manufacturing and other companies have a need for a CTO. This is perfect for the MBA with a love of technology.

    Some of your responsibilities will include:

    • Designing and overseeing the company-wide networking system
    • Develop plans for future technological needs by staying current on changing technology and how it applies to your company's needs
    • Assign and oversee employee usernames, sign-in criteria, and system security
    • Maintain software licenses
    • Develop goals for the company's future IT needs
    • Schedule and perform or supervise network maintenance
  • Sports Management

    Typical annual salary: $50,000 - $200,000

    Sports is a thriving business and with your MBA there are many paths to take. Whether you want to become a marketing specialist, a brand designer, a sports agent, or something else in the industry, your MBA can open doors for you.

    Becoming part of the executive team means you will play a part in the management, growth, and financial health of the sports figure, team, or brand through marketing, ticket sales, coach selections, and other tasks.

  • Financial Analyst

    Salary: $80,000 to $175,000 a year

    As a financial analyst you will have a grasp on the financial health of the company. By collecting and examining data and analyzing what impact it will have on various departments, you will present an overall view to company management.

    In addition, you will be expected to predict future financial performance based on trends and data you have gathered.

    You will need to keep an eye on financial and market trends within your company's industry and guide the company's financial decisions in a way that benefits the company both currently and in the future.

How to Choose & FAQ's

  • Compare programs and schools. Even if you feel you know which school you want to attend, it never hurts to do a side-by-side comparison of the programs, tuition costs, and other points of interest before making your final decision.
  • Be realistic. Whether you have a career and family already, or still live at home and go to school full-time, you should determine how much actual time you have to spend on the MBA program. This will help you decide whether to choose an accelerated, full-time, or part-time program.
  • Seek financing early. Trying to get your student loan application in at the last minute is stressful. As soon as you are accepted to a program, begin the search for funding. This might include FASFA applications, applying for bank loans, scholarships, or moving some money around in your bank account.
  • Talk with others. Go online and search for “MBA forum”. Several accessible MBA specific forums should pop-up. Register a free account and spend some time reading about the experiences of others so you feel comfortable going into the program. You can also search the forum for your specific school and meet current and past students.
  • Pace yourself. Divide the steps required for getting all of this done and input them to your planner. Breaking it into smaller task lists and sticking to the plan will make things easier on you.

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