Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,897
46th percentile (60th in OR)
Median Debt
$21,500
17% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.46
Manageable
Sample Size
352
Adequate data

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

University of OregonOther business/commerce programs

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 University of Oregon graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Oregon graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 46th percentile of all business/commerce 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/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (7 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Oregon$46,897$69,074$21,5000.46
Bushnell University$49,887—$27,0000.54
Western Oregon University$42,281$46,076$24,5000.58
National Median$47,506—$26,0000.55

Other Business/Commerce Programs in Oregon

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oregon schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Bushnell University
Eugene
$34,740$49,887$27,000
Western Oregon University
Monmouth
$11,025$42,281$24,500

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.