University of Oregon – Lundquist College of Business
Overview
The University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business is widely regarded as one of the top MBA programs in the Pacific Northwest. Located in Eugene, the Lundquist MBA program emphasizes leadership, innovation, and sustainability, making it ideal for students who are passionate about environmental stewardship and entrepreneurship. The program offers concentrations in sports business, entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and finance. Lundquist’s strong ties to the outdoor industry, technology firms, and sustainability-focused companies provide students with access to internships, networking events, and post-graduation employment opportunities. The school’s experiential learning model, which includes hands-on consulting projects and internships, prepares students for leadership roles in a range of industries.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #73
- Number of Students: ~100 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Average GMAT Score: 630 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Nike, Intel, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Deloitte, Amazon
- Average Starting Salary: $100,000
Notable Alumni
- Phil Knight: Co-founder of Nike
- Tim Boyle: CEO of Columbia Sportswear
- Dan Wieden: Co-founder of Wieden+Kennedy
- Matt McIlwain: Managing Director at Madrona Venture Group
Oregon State University – College of Business
Overview
Oregon State University’s (OSU) College of Business offers a flexible MBA program that caters to both full-time students and working professionals. Located in Corvallis, OSU’s MBA program provides students with opportunities to specialize in areas such as business analytics, commercialization, innovation, marketing, and supply chain management. The program is available in full-time, part-time, and online formats, making it an attractive option for those who want to continue working while pursuing their degree. OSU’s strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, combined with its partnerships with industries in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, ensures that graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in their chosen fields.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~80 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average GMAT Score: 600 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: HP, Daimler Trucks, Intel, Boeing, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- Douglas F. DeVos: President of Amway
- Ron Wyden: U.S. Senator from Oregon
- Jeff Cogen: CEO of Portland Trail Blazers
- Larry Mullins: CEO of Samaritan Health Services
Portland State University – School of Business
Overview
Portland State University’s (PSU) School of Business offers an MBA program that is known for its focus on sustainability, social impact, and urban innovation. Located in the heart of Portland, PSU’s MBA is designed for students who are looking to integrate business acumen with environmental and social responsibility. The program offers full-time, part-time, and online options, making it accessible for working professionals. PSU’s location in one of the most vibrant cities in the Pacific Northwest provides students with excellent opportunities for internships, networking, and employment in industries such as technology, healthcare, and sportswear. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable business practices and includes a strong focus on experiential learning through consulting projects and internships.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #97
- Number of Students: ~120 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 610 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Nike, Intel, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, OHSU, Kaiser Permanente
- Average Starting Salary: $90,000
Notable Alumni
- Stephen Babson: Managing Director of Endeavour Capital
- Steve Wynne: Former CEO of Adidas America
- Melinda Merrill: Vice President of Communications at Kroger
- Vanessa Sturgeon: CEO of TMT Development
Willamette University – Atkinson Graduate School of Management
Overview
The Willamette University Atkinson Graduate School of Management, located in Salem, offers an MBA program that is particularly known for its focus on early career professionals and those looking to transition into management roles. The program emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and public management, offering students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships, consulting projects, and capstone experiences. Willamette’s MBA program offers a strong general management curriculum, with specializations in finance, marketing, operations, and nonprofit management. The school’s close-knit community and small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty, while its location near Oregon’s state capital provides unique opportunities for students interested in public sector management.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 580 (GMAT waivers available)
- Top Hiring Companies: Nike, Intel, Oregon Department of Administrative Services, Providence Health & Services, PacificSource Health Plans
- Average Starting Salary: $78,000
Notable Alumni
- Earl Blumenauer: U.S. Congressman
- Mike McCauley: CEO of the Oregon Business Council
- Deborah Kafoury: Multnomah County Chair
- Ron Saxton: Former Executive Vice President of JELD-WEN, Inc.
George Fox University – College of Business
Overview
George Fox University, located in Newberg, Oregon, offers an MBA program that is tailored to working professionals seeking leadership and management skills. George Fox’s MBA is available in both full-time and part-time formats, with small class sizes that foster close interaction between students and faculty. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, strategic decision-making, and practical business skills, making it ideal for students who want to advance their careers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and education. George Fox’s MBA program integrates a Christian worldview into the curriculum, focusing on ethical business practices and social responsibility.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~40 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 550 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Nike, Kaiser Permanente, Intel, Oregon Health & Science University, Umpqua Bank
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
Notable Alumni
- John Bell: CFO of the Oregon State Treasury
- Steve Moore: CEO of Northwest Christian University
- Troy Stang: President and CEO of the Northwest Credit Union Association
- Garry Walton: Vice President of Operations at Oregon Fruit Products
Southern Oregon University – School of Business
Overview
Southern Oregon University (SOU) offers a flexible and affordable MBA program that is designed for working professionals and early-career individuals. Located in Ashland, SOU’s MBA program is available in both full-time and part-time formats, with online options available for students who need greater flexibility. The program emphasizes leadership, innovation, and sustainable business practices. SOU’s MBA program is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in industries such as healthcare, education, and public administration. The program’s small class sizes and close-knit community ensure personalized learning experiences, while its focus on sustainability aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible business leaders.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~30 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average GMAT Score: 540 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Providence Health & Services, Rogue Valley Medical Center, Harry & David, Southern Oregon University, Lithia Motors
- Average Starting Salary: $65,000
Notable Alumni
- Craig Bramscher: CEO of Brammo
- Rick Levine: CFO of Harry & David
- Sue Kupillas: Executive Director of Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SOREDI)
- David Gremmels: President of Rogue Creamery