Business at Western Oregon University

Monmouth, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Business/Commerce, General
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,281/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (832,900 openings/yr)
ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #148 of 242 Business/Commerce, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $532K $529K $490K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 12.0x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,100
Out-of-state: $122,940 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,160
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,667
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,598
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,281/yr, Business graduates from Western Oregon University land near the $48,211 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 12.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $20,667 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #148 ranking among 242 Business programs places Western Oregon University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 29% earnings increase from $42,281 to $54,598 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Western Oregon University

With 99% of applicants admitted, Western Oregon University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 3,211 students in Monmouth, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Oregon University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Sales managers $138,060/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
View all 16 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Oregon University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business at Western Oregon University?
At 61/100, the score looks reasonable — but Business is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business at Western Oregon University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →