Accounting Degrees in Oregon

In addition to the quirky Portland scene and the state’s natural beauty, Oregon boasts a flourishing economic landscape: According to Business Oregon, the state’s business services industry grew 41% between 2009 and 2019. This business sector growth may signify increased demand for accounting professionals.

An accounting degree in Oregon can lead to a variety of careers. Along with accountant roles, graduates can pursue financial analyst, compliance officer, and financial manager positions. The state offers careers at various levels that accommodate professionals with varying education and experience.

Our guide explores accounting degrees in Oregon. Learn more about accounting programs and career options in Oregon and discover which paths align with your professional goals.

Sources: U.S. Census, Current Results, NCES, Statista, BLS

Prospective accounting students can choose from Oregon’s 51 colleges and universities. The state’s public universities graduate over 20,000 students annually, and 2021 state initiatives aim to increase that number. The goals of these initiatives include improving public investments, growing postsecondary delivery options, and improving workforce training.

Another objective for Oregon postsecondary education has been better aligning college programs with regional needs. The state has partnered with many of its schools to develop programs that target high-demand fields to fill skills gaps in various fields and improve employment prospects for students.

State schools also continue to form relationships with local industries and organizations. Along with employment opportunities, learners benefit from increased internship opportunities and specialized, region-specific program concentrations.

Oregon has 32 four-year schools and 19 two-year institutions. The state’s education-related initiatives, school options, and tax revenue allocation have helped Oregon reach higher-than-average educational attainment numbers at every degree level.

Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census ACS

Institutional accreditation lets students know their school meets educational quality standards. Institutional accreditation can also impact financial aid eligibility, employment prospects, and further education eligibility. In Oregon, most schools hold accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Programmatic accreditation is an optional process that verifies whether a program’s coursework prepares enrollees for careers in the field. Accounting degrees can hold programmatic accreditation from organizations like the AACSB International, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

When choosing an accounting program, prospective students should think about their ideal learning modality. Oregon schools offer multiple delivery options to accommodate learners with different scheduling needs. For example, some schools use online learning to support working students. In the sections below, we explore learning modalities available in Oregon.

On-campus programs give students the traditional college experience. Learners interact with peers and instructors in person during scheduled class periods. While most on-campus programs run during the day, some schools also offer evening and weekend classes.

In-person learners can benefit from increased personal interaction, structured learning experiences, and campus resources. Students on campus can study full or part time.

Online accounting degrees in Oregon generally provide more flexible schedules, especially with asynchronous courses that let enrollees engage with course materials and complete assignments at their convenience. While flexible, online classes typically have less student-teacher interaction and require more independence than traditional study.

Hybrid programs combine aspects of online and on-campus programs, making them ideal for students who need a flexible schedule with in-person experiences. The split between the two delivery types varies, but often includes online coursework and on-campus orientations or weekend meetings.

Average tuition in Oregon exceeds national averages across all school types. However, learners can access several financial aid options, including state scholarships and grants. Enrollees can also use federal and school-specific financial aid. The links below offer more information on various financial aid options.

In Oregon, as in all other states, in-state students pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state students at public schools. Since public schools receive government funding, they offer lower tuition as an incentive for residents to stay and study in their home state.

As a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, Oregon also provides tuition discounts to students from nearby states. Similarly, Oregon students can study in other member states at a discount.

Some online schools offer in-state tuition for all learners regardless of state residency, while others charge online-only tuition that costs less than in-person tuition.

Prospective Oregon students should consider the state’s cost of living when calculating their budget. According to World Population Review, Oregon’s cost of living index is 130.1. This is higher than the national baseline of 100 and ranks Oregon as the fifth most expensive state by cost of living.

As a breeding ground for small businesses, Oregon supports start-ups with investment incentives, incubators, and affordable business costs. According to Business Oregon, the state ranks 8th in state migration, 9th in 10-year GDP growth, and 12th in 10-year employment growth. This business environment bodes well for accountants. The state employs over 87,000 business services professionals and pays more than $6.5 billion in business wages.

Each of the Big Four accounting firms have a presence in Portland, the state’s largest city. Other large cities include Salem and Eugene, where business and professional services, manufacturing, and technology industries thrive.

Accountants prepare and analyze financial records for individuals and organizations. They can specialize in tax services, investment, compliance, or management accounting. Most accounting positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, though additional training, certifications, or licensure may increase earning potential.

Job Outlook in Oregon (2020-30): +11.4%

Bookkeepers produce and manage financial records for organizations. They track transactions and create reports for managers and accountants. Most bookkeepers need some postsecondary education for employment.

Job Outlook in Oregon (2020-30): +3.5%

Financial managers oversee organizations’ financial well-being. They provide forecasts, analysis, and input about business decisions for managers and stakeholders. Most financial managers need at least a bachelor’s degree, though companies may prefer candidates with experience or a master’s degree.

Job Outlook in Oregon (2020-30): +25.5%

Source: Projections Central

Source: BLS OEWS

Source: BLS OEWS

Source: BLS OEWS

Oregon employs accounting professionals in a variety of roles. Many of these professions offer average salaries that exceed the national wage for all occupations. The state’s largest accounting job groups include accountants, bookkeepers, and financial managers.

Other jobs for Oregon accounting professionals include compliance officers, cost estimators, and personal financial advisors. The average annual wages for cost estimators and compliance officers exceed the national averages for these careers.

Each state maintains its own education, experience, and examination requirements for certified public accountant (CPA) licensure. According to the Oregon Board of Accountancy, CPAs must pass the Uniform CPA examination and complete at least one year of supervised experience before applying for CPA licensure.

Specific requirements include:

Oregon State University offers an accounting program with focus areas in international business and information security. The school also has a dean’s academy program and study abroad options.

The University of Oregon has accounting programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The school also has a 3+1 bachelor’s-to-master’s program.

To become an accountant in Oregon, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related subject. For certain positions, you may need experience or CPA licensure.

Most accountants have a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years of full-time study. Some careers require further education and experience, which can extend the timeline to five or six years.