MBA Provides Value

David Letterman's top-ten lists generally don't delve into higher education, but if they did, the Oregon MBA might get a mention. The general weariness toward taking on more debt in a uncertain economy often prompts prospective MBA students to question if going to graduate school is worth the loans they may incur. In the case of the Oregon MBA, the answer is a resounding "yes," according to U.S. News & World Report, which listed our program among the ten schools in the nation whose graduates earn the highest annual salaries in their first job, relative to their student debt. Meanwhile, MBA applicants outside of Oregon will be pleased to learn U.S. News includes our program in their list of the ten least expensive public business schools for out-of-state students. (Though the program's tuition is scheduled to increase, we don't expect this change to shift the program off these lists.) Also affirming our program's value is U.S. News's overall ranking of graduate-level business programs, which places us among the top ten public school programs on the West Coast. While we appreciate these recognitions, we also know that rankings can only hint at our program's unique combination of rigorous coursework and hands-on learning--not to mention our vast professional network. For an in-depth examination of the rankings game--and a chance to contribute your opinions--we invite you to read Dean de Kluyver's latest Inner Circle.