Business, Management, Marketing, at Portland State University

Portland State's business program starts slow but shows something many programs don't: genuine upward trajectory. While first-year earnings of $37,585 lag far behind the national median ($50,740), putting this in the 17th percentile nationally, graduates see 44% income growth by year four, reaching $54,093. This isn't just cost-of-living adjustments—it suggests graduates are climbing into roles that require experience and business acumen to unlock.

The Oregon context matters here. At the 60th percentile among state business programs, Portland State actually outperforms most in-state alternatives despite the low national ranking. The debt load of $20,250 is manageable, translating to a 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary. With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to serve as an economic mobility vehicle for working-class Oregon students who might struggle to access higher-ranked programs.

The tradeoff is clear: you're accepting below-average starting salaries in exchange for reasonable debt and solid long-term growth. For an Oregon family prioritizing affordability and in-state opportunities, Portland State delivers decent value. But students seeking immediate post-graduation earning power or national career mobility should look elsewhere—the gap between this program and top-tier business schools remains substantial even after four years.