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Finance Programs and Careers in Oregon

This page provides information for those interested in earning a degree in finance in Oregon. Universities in Oregon offer a range of finance programs, from Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Finance degrees to Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees with finance concentrations. Some universities offer full-time, accelerated programs, while other schools have evening and weekend classes or degrees that can be completed fully online. Those with finance degrees may find career opportunities in Oregon’s financial institutions or in the many companies headquartered in the state. Continue reading for details on specific degrees in finance, as well as potential post-graduation employment opportunities and salary information for those seeking careers in finance.

Quick Facts

  • There are 9 colleges and universities with finance degree programs in Oregon.1
  • 3 schools offer a certificate in finance.1
  • No schools offer an associate’s degree in finance.1
  • 8 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in finance.1
  • 6 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in finance.1
  • 1 school ranked in Forbes’ Best Business Schools 2019.2
  • 2 schools ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Business and Finance Majors 2020.3
  • No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Finance Programs 2021.4
  • No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Finance Programs 2021.5

For not-for-profit colleges and universities with finance degree programs.

Table of Contents

Oregon Finance Program Comparison

We have developed the following table to help you compare all of the finance programs in Oregon from not-for-profit schools. In addition to allowing you to compare the business school’s accreditation, finance degrees that appear in bold are Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Programs, those that have been recognized for curricula aligned to preparing for the CFA Exam.

School NameAccreditationFinance Degree(s)Acceptance Rate6Grad Rate1Online Options?Median Debt7Net Price1
George Fox UniversityACBSPBA-Finance;
BS-Finance;
Minor-Finance
N.Av.68%$18,750$30,827
Linfield University-McMinnville CampusBS-Finance;
BA-Finance
N.Av.74%$21,491$29,521
Oregon State UniversityAACSBCertificate-Financial Planning;
BS/BA-Finance;
Minor-Finance;
MS-Business: Finance;
MS-Business: Financial Analytics
74.5%67%Yes$17,115$19,273
Pacific UniversityACBSPBABA-FinanceN.Av.69%$21,000$29,432
Portland State UniversityAACSBBA-Finance;
BS-Finance;
MS-Finance;
MBA/MS-Finance Dual Degree;
MBA-Finance;
Master of Real Estate Development
55.7%48%Yes$16,250$12,710
Southern Oregon UniversityACBSPCertificate in Applied Finance and Economics;
MBA-Finance
N.Av.46%Yes$15,000$12,022
University of OregonAACSBBS/BA:Business Administration-Finance;
BS/MSF-Finance*;
BA/MSF-Finance*;
MBA-Finance and Securities Analysis;
MSF
73.9%74%$16,144$16,080
University of PortlandAACSBCertificate-Certified Financial Planner;
BBA-Finance;
BBA/MSF-Finance*;
MBA-Finance;
MSF
60%81%Yes$20,662$36,051
Willamette UniversityAACSBBA/MBA-Finance*;
MBA-Finance
73.5%69%$21,500$36,223

  • * indicates combined program.
  • — indicates none.
  • N.Av. indicates no data available.

Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in Oregon

Forbes’ Best Business Schools 2019

  • Willamette University (#57)

Georgetown CEW’s ROI Ranking by Long-Term Net Present Value 2019

The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) has compared 4,500 colleges and universities on graduates’ return on investment (ROI). We use their net present value (NPV) ranking, which is the current dollar value of earning a four-year degree from the school over a 40-year horizon.

  • University of Portland (#238; $1,172,000)
  • Linfield University-McMinnville Campus (#279; $1,130,000)
  • Oregon State University (#502; $1,020,000)
  • Willamette University (#543; $1,005,000)
  • Portland State University (#772; $948,000)
  • University of Oregon (#807; $940,000)
  • Pacific University (#983; $903,000)
  • George Fox University (#1,090; $885,000)
  • Southern Oregon University (#1,417; $833,000)7

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Business and Finance Majors 2020

  • Oregon State University
  • Portland State University

Select Schools in Oregon with Finance Degrees

Traditional Undergraduate Programs

George Fox University

At George Fox University, students can earn an ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Finance. The 60-semester hour curriculum prepares students for careers in mutual funds, corporate financial management, banking, and investments. Students learn the principles of financial management from a corporate and personal perspective with an emphasis on business ethics. Major required courses include Business Finance, Principles of Management, and Intermediate Financial Management. A faculty liaison to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute is available to help students prepare for the CFA exam. The IDEA Center provides career advising and information on relevant internships. Study abroad opportunities are available for interested students. With the addition of a few courses, the same Finance curriculum can be applied to a Bachelor of Science (BS); a minor in Finance is also available.

Pacific University

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA) offered at Pacific University includes a concentration in Finance that emphasizes innovative, strategic approaches to business. The hands-on curriculum is based on foundational business principles and the development of skills in problem-solving, writing, quantitative reasoning, and communication. Students apply analytical techniques to complete practical tasks required in the financial business world, such as conducting financial statement analysis and creating spreadsheets to solve calculations. Small class sizes ensure that students receive personalized attention. The ACBSP-accredited curriculum includes coursework such as Corporate Finance; Investments; and Financial Markets and Institutions. Students are encouraged to complete the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 Exam before graduation and pursue advanced degrees in accounting and finance post-graduation.

Traditional Master’s Programs

Portland State University

At the AACSB-accredited School of Business at Portland State University, students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Students can specialize in Finance by completing 20 credits from the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program. The program reflects the “green” entrepreneurial scene in Portland, emphasizing sustainable and responsible business models. The coursework centers on three areas: the innovation and creativity necessary for creating a successful business atmosphere, the critical skills needed for running a modern business, and leadership strategies. Day and evening classes are available and the program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis in as few as 21 months. Coursework includes Financial Reporting, Financial Management, and Managerial Macroeconomics. A capstone project is required at the end of the program and includes an internship component. MSF and Master of Real Estate Development programs are available as well as a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Finance.

University of Oregon

The University of Oregon’s AACSB-accredited Lundquist College of Business offers a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) that trains students for careers as financial analysts. The 12-month program focuses on valuation and asset management while preparing graduates to take the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam. The curriculum consists of six core classes and 14 electives. In addition to foundational coursework, students can collaborate with the university’s industry partners on real-world projects in risk management, security analysis, and portfolio allocation. Students also have the opportunity to practice portfolio management through a student-run fund with more than $1 million in real assets. For those interested in a Master of Business (MBA) degree, the program offers a dual MSF and MBA program that can be completed in two years. A Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Finance are also available as well as an MBA in Finance and Securities Analysis.

University of Portland

At the University of Portland’s (UP) Pamplin School of Business, students can earn a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) by completing 10 semester-length classes. The STEM-designated program consists of 30 credit hours that focus on preparing students for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam. Students pursuing careers in investments, financial analysis, and risk management will benefit from the quantitative curriculum that allows students to apply theory to real-world situations. Students can choose from thesis or non-thesis options. Prerequisite courses may be necessary for students without a background in finance; all students must take the course Statistical and Quantitative Analysis in their first or second semester. Students must pass a competency exam prior to graduation. A Certificate in Certified Financial Planning, Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Finance, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance are also available.

Online and Hybrid Programs

Oregon State University

Oregon State University’s AACSB-accredited College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Finance that can be completed 100% online. The program requires 36 credit hours of finance courses that teach students the concepts of financial management and prepares them to make real-world business decisions in investment and global finance. Students apply financial management tools to solve problems and appraise the risk profiles of firms. Required courses include Advanced Financial Management; Money and Banking; and Financial Statement Analysis. Students may opt to study abroad in Australia, Austria, or Chile and can join extracurricular student organizations such as the Finance Club. Merit-based scholarships are available to qualifying students. A Certificate in Financial Planning and minor in Finance are also available, as well as a Master of Science (MS) in Business with a Finance or Financial Analytics specialization.

Oregon State University

At Oregon State University’s (OSU) AACSB-accredited College of Business, students can earn an online Master of Science in Business (MSB) with a Finance specialization. The 45-credit hour program offers four start dates per year and prepares students for work as financial managers through 30 finance-specific credit hours. The online program provides students with the same degree options as on-campus students. The STEM-designated degree includes coursework such as Financial and Cost Analysis; Corporate Finance; and Data Analytics for Competitive Advantage. A Financial Analytics track is also available for students interested in risk management and valuation. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in undergraduate studies is required. Students may also be interested in the school’s Certificate in Financial Planning or minor in Finance, or the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance.

Southern Oregon University

At Southern Oregon University’s (SOU) ACBSP-accredited School of Business, students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance online. The 45-credit hour program prepares students for leadership and management careers, such as banking manager and chief financial officer, in as little as 16 months. Prospective students must have three years of relevant experience and an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75; students with no experience must hold a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Thirty-three credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of electives must be taken, including Financial Management Practices, Managerial Accounting for Decision Making, and Strategic Operations Management. A final capstone project is required at the end of the program. The same program is available in-person in the evenings. A certificate in Applied Finance and Economics is also offered.

Oregon Finance Careers and Salary Outlook

Oregon has strong natural and agricultural industries, but the state also is home to many high-tech companies such as Tektronix and Intel. Sports companies like Nike and Adidas have headquarters in Oregon. Portland, the state’s largest city, and Salem, the state capital, are the main hubs for finance jobs. Insurance companies such as Oregon Mutual Insurance and Standard Insurance Company are based in Oregon, and other Oregon-based institutions like Umpqua Bank and StanCorp Financial Group frequently have positions for financial professionals.

Financial analysts in the state earn an average of $84,340 annually, which is less than the national average of $94,160.8 However, financial analyst positions in Oregon are expected to grow by 16.7% over the 10-year period between 2018 and 2028, which is much higher than the national projected growth rate of 6.2%.9 Loan officers in Oregon earn an annual mean wage of $76,510, close to the average national wage of $76,200.8 In the East Oregon nonmetropolitan area, loan officers earn an average of $91,310, the highest average salary for loan officers in any nonmetropolitan area.8,10 The projected rate of growth for loan officer positions in Oregon is 6.7%, on par with the national average projection of 7.7%.9 Financial examiners in Oregon earn an average of $74,810, significantly lower than the national average of $92,330.11 However, positions for financial examiners in Oregon are projected to increase at a rate of 10.8%, higher than the national projected rate of 7.1%.9

Oregon Finance Salary Information

OccupationNumber Employed8Average Salary8
Business and Financial Operations Occupations99,080$73,570
Financial and Investment Analysts and Other Specialists4,400$84,340
Financial Examiners850$74,810
Financial Managers8,050$122,380
Loan Officers4,300$76,510
Personal Financial Advisors2,090$118,840

Finance Associations in Oregon

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Forbes Best Business Schools 2019: https://www.forbes.com/business-schools/list/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2020 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2019.
4. US News & World Report Best Undergraduate Finance Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-finance
5. US News & World Report Best Graduate Finance Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/finance-rankings
6. US News & World Report Best Business Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools
7. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Ranking ROI of 4,500 US Colleges and Universities: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/CollegeROI/
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Oregon: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_or.htm
9. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/projections/longterm
10. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Loan Officers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132072.htm
11. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial Examiners: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132061.htm