Business Administration, Management and Operations at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Oregon State University-Cascades delivers strong earnings growth that sets it apart from typical business programs. Graduates see their income jump 34% from $47,555 in year one to $63,726 by year four—a trajectory that outpaces most business programs nationally. This growth pattern helps explain why the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Oregon's business programs despite starting at the state median.
The debt situation looks reasonable at $24,738, coming in below both national and state medians for business programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, graduates typically owe about half their first-year salary—a manageable load that becomes even more favorable as earnings climb. The combination of modest debt and strong earnings growth creates improving financial prospects over time.
While OSU-Cascades doesn't match the immediate earning power of premium programs like George Fox University, it offers solid value for families seeking a business degree without excessive debt. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these numbers, and the consistent upward earnings trend suggests this program effectively prepares students for career advancement.
Where Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Oregon State University-Cascades Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | $47,555 | $63,726 | $24,738 | 0.52 |
| George Fox University | $63,331 | $74,963 | $26,750 | 0.42 |
| Warner Pacific University | $58,899 | $62,431 | $44,059 | 0.75 |
| Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies | $58,899 | $62,431 | $44,059 | 0.75 |
| Portland State University | $51,358 | $64,643 | $25,000 | 0.49 |
| Southern Oregon University | $48,074 | $57,957 | $27,000 | 0.56 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Oregon
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oregon schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Fox University Newberg | $40,940 | $63,331 | $26,750 |
| Warner Pacific University Portland | $21,010 | $58,899 | $44,059 |
| Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies Portland | — | $58,899 | $44,059 |
| Portland State University Portland | $11,238 | $51,358 | $25,000 |
| Southern Oregon University Ashland | $12,093 | $48,074 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Oregon State University-Cascades Campus, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 354 graduates with reported earnings and 351 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.