Businessat Western Oregon University
Graduates earn $42,281/yr in their first year — about 12.0% below the national Business average. Base-case 10-year earnings $529K; scenarios range from $490K to $532K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Western Oregon University
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Western Oregon University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Business
How Western Oregon University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Western Oregon University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Western Oregon University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Business offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Business trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Business at Western Oregon University
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.