Analysis
University of Oregon's business program shows impressive earning power that builds over time, with graduates seeing their salaries jump 47% from $46,897 to $69,074 between years one and four. While first-year earnings sit right at the national median, this strong growth trajectory suggests the program develops skills that become increasingly valuable in the marketplace.
The debt picture tells a mixed story. At $21,500, graduates carry less debt than the national median of $26,000, but this still places UO in the 80th percentile nationally—meaning most business programs produce lower debt loads. However, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, graduates can reasonably expect to manage their payments. Among Oregon's seven business programs, UO ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while maintaining competitive debt levels compared to the state median of $24,500.
This program represents solid value for students seeking accessible business education with strong earning potential. The 85% admission rate makes it attainable, and the robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes. While graduates don't start at the top of the earnings ladder, the substantial four-year growth suggests UO effectively prepares students for career advancement in business fields.
Where University of Oregon Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Oregon graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon | $46,897 | $69,074 | +47% |
| New York University | $77,828 | $115,546 | +48% |
| Wake Forest University | $76,722 | $91,708 | +20% |
| Northeastern University | $74,868 | $91,376 | +22% |
| Western Oregon University | $42,281 | $46,076 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,669 | $46,897 | $69,074 | $21,500 | 0.46 | |
| $34,740 | $49,887 | — | $27,000 | 0.54 | |
| $11,025 | $42,281 | $46,076 | $24,500 | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 University of Oregon, approximately 22% 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 352 graduates with reported earnings and 310 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.