This page offers information on undergraduate and graduate accounting degrees in Oregon. Students can choose degree programs that suit their lifestyles and interests, such as full-time programs, accelerated programs, and part-time, hybrid, or fully-online programs for working professionals. Schools in Oregon also offer numerous concentrations and certificates in different fields of accounting. The page below provides details about accounting program options and career opportunities in Oregon.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Oregon Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Oregon to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.

SchoolAccreditationAccounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate10Grad Rate1Avg Net Price1Median Debt*10Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10
Bushnell UniversityIACBEBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
BS-Business Administration: Accounting;
5-Year BS to MBA		68%52%$23,787$23,500$47,221
Corban University—BA-Business Administration: Accounting;
BS-Business Administration: Accounting		37.5%54%$26,231$22,625$49,092
Eastern Oregon UniversityIACBEBA/BS-Accounting;
BA/BS-Accounting: Managerial Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MSA;
Grad Cert-Accounting		97.7%38%$15,234$20,500$47,898
George Fox UniversityACBSPBS-Financial Services: Accounting82.5%71%$28,840$24,250$54,279
Linfield University—BA-Accounting;
BS-Accounting		84.6%71%$31,585$25,000$69,540
Multnomah University—BA-Accounting59.4%39%$27,695$20,250$45,424
Oregon Institute of TechnologyIACBEBS-Accounting90.6%57%$17,283$22,500$70,363
Oregon State UniversityAACSBBS-Accountancy;
BS-Accountancy: Dean’s Academy;
BS-Accountancy: Information Security, Assurance, and Analytics;
BS-Accountancy: International Business;
Accelerated BS-Accountancy to MBA;
Accelerated BS-Accountancy to MS-Business		89.2%70%$21,163$21,221$60,461
Pacific UniversityACBSPBAcc;
BAcc-Finance;
BAcc-International Business;
BAcc-Management;
BAcc-Marketing		91%66%$33,472$23,223$56,365
Portland State UniversityAACSBBA-Business Administration: Accounting;
BS-Business Administration: Accounting;
5-Year BA/BS to MS-Finance;
5-Year BA/BS to MTax;
MTax;
Grad Cert-Accounting		98.4%53%$16,273$20,500$54,567
Southern Oregon UniversityACBSPBA/BS-Business Administration: Accounting-Public Accounting;
BA/BS-Business Administration: Accounting-Management Accounting;
MBA-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Accounting		89.7%46%$17,976$20,332$47,362
University of OregonAACSBBA/BS-Accounting;
BA/BS-Accounting: Entrepreneurship;
BA/BS-Accounting: Finance;
BA/BS-Accounting: Marketing;
BA/BS-Accounting: Operations and Business Analytics;
BA/BS-Accounting: Sports Business;
3+1 BA/BS to MAcc;
MAcc;
PhD-Accounting		93.4%73%$22,077$20,139$57,157
University of Portland—BBA-Accounting;
BBA-Accounting: Business Analytics;
BBA-Accounting: Corporate Accounting;
BBA-Accounting: CPA Tax;
5-Year BBA to MBA		81.2%79%$33,717$21,370$77,017
Warner Pacific University—Accelerated BA-Accounting;
BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		75.6%43%$23,834$25,000$53,820

Table Notes:
*Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on ​​National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
**Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.

Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in Oregon

College rankings can be a useful tool to measure the overall reputation of a school or program. Weighing multiple rankings when evaluating your college choices can be helpful because different publishers may use different ranking factors in their methodologies. While the best program for your goals may rely on a combination of factors not typically considered in overall rankings, such as location or funding, seeing a program ranked on multiple lists can be a strong indication of reputation and academic quality.

College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023

  • University of Oregon (#112)
  • Oregon State University (#124)
  • Portland State University (#194)
  • University of Portland (#230)2

US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023

  • Oregon State University (#5)
  • Portland State University (#24 tie)
  • George Fox University (#79 tie)
  • Eastern Oregon University (#170-214)
  • Linfield University (#170-214)5

Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases reports including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Oregon in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in Oregon being 54.7%:

  1. George Fox University 72.7%
  2. University of Oregon 71.9%
  3. Oregon State University 60.7%
  4. University of Portland 54.5%
  5. Portland State University 44.3%

*As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.

Schools in Oregon with Accounting Degrees

To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in Oregon, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

George Fox University

At George Fox University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Financial Services with an Accounting Concentration. This degree program offers experiential learning opportunities and combines a faith-based curriculum with coursework in finance, business, and accounting. The program includes a 42-credit hour Business Administration Core with an additional 30 hours for the Accounting Concentration that teaches technical skills, critical thinking, and analytics expertise. Required classes include Advanced Analytics in Financial Services, Accounting Information Systems, and Advanced Accounting. Students can earn credit towards their degree by participating in George Fox’s Tax-Aide program, which assists members of the community with income tax preparation. The Justice for Fraud Victims class provides students with the opportunity to work with local law enforcement and forensic accountants on white-collar crime cases. Students also have the option to complete a field experience course that allows them to gain supervised experience in businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies.

University of Portland

At the University of Portland (UP), students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting with an optional concentration in Business Analytics, Corporate Accounting, or CPA Tax. The undergraduate degree requirements include core liberal arts classes, business fundamentals, and accounting major-specific courses. Accounting students take courses such as Accounting Information Systems, Business Taxation, Auditing, and Cost Accounting. These courses prepare students for professional designations that can be pursued as undergraduates, such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Those interested in the CPA examination can apply for the dual-degree BBA and Master of Business Administration (MBA) program that can be completed in five years.

Warner Pacific University

Warner Pacific University (WPU) offers on-campus Associate of Science (AS), Bachelor of Science (BS), and accelerated Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting degree programs. The AS degree prepares students for entry-level positions in bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing, but students may also transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. The BS in Accounting is a traditional four-year program that prepares students to work in finance careers in positions such as accountants, managers, analysts, and consultants. The curriculum includes a general education core taught from a Christian worldview, a required internship, and accounting core classes such as Managerial Accounting, Individual Taxation, and Accounting Information Systems. Students also have the opportunity to gain experience in tax preparation for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program as an elective. WPU’s BA in Accounting is an accelerated program designed for working adults who have already completed some college-level coursework. Classes are held one night per week and students can complete the degree in 18 months.

Graduate Accounting Programs

University of Oregon

Students at the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon (UO) can earn a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree that comprises 45 credits and can be completed in one academic year. The curriculum focuses on advanced accounting subjects such as Taxes and Business Strategy; Accounting Measurement and Disclosure; and Financial Statement Analysis. After completing the core curriculum, students can choose from numerous advanced accounting electives. UO offers professional development seminars and connections with alumni and industry partners. Those without an undergraduate degree in accounting may need to complete some prerequisite courses before beginning the program. UO’s 3+1 Accounting Pathway is available for qualified incoming freshmen, allowing them to complete both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting as well as a MAcc in just four years. Graduate students interested in careers in teaching at the collegiate level or research can pursue UO’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University (EOU) offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting with an optional Concentration in Certified Managerial Accounting. This degree can be completed on-campus or entirely online, and students are prepared for further study and preparation for the CPA designation. The program starts with a core curriculum covering some liberal arts classes and business courses. Students then take specialized accounting courses such as Financial Accounting, Taxation of Individuals, Managerial Accounting, and Cost Management. Accounting majors can also choose from electives like Investments or Project Management, Planning, and Control. EOU also offers a fully online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree program designed for working professionals that can be completed in 18 months on a full-time basis or in 36 months part-time. The curriculum comprises 45 credits and includes classes such as Governmental Accounting and Auditing; Financial Reporting Theory; and Accounting Ethics in the Public Sector. The online Post-Baccalaureate Accounting Certificate is available for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and want to fulfill the educational requirements for the CPA examination. Graduates from EOU go on to work as public accountants; personal financial planners; internal auditors; or forensic, tax, or government accountants.

Oregon State University

Students at Oregon State University (OSU) can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting from the College of Business with one of three focus areas: Information Security, Assurance, and Analytics; International Business; or the Dean’s Academy, which is offered to high-achieving students by invitation only. Students can complete the BS degree online or in-person at the Corvallis campus. The OSU undergraduate core curriculum is completed before beginning the business and accounting curricula, which includes required classes such as External Reporting, Cost Management, and Accounting Analytics. Coursework focuses on the theory and techniques used in real-life business decisions as well as the technical skills used to report financial information. Students learn through lectures, case studies, projects, presentations, and seminars, in addition to experiential learning opportunities such as field activities, internships, and networking events. OSU also offers an Accelerated Master’s Platform which allows accounting students to work towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science (MS) in Business while completing their undergraduate degree. Graduates are prepared for careers in the field of accounting such as tax accounting, cost accounting, and auditing.

Portland State University

At Portland State University (PSU), students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting. PSU’s undergraduate accounting degree programs are offered fully online, fully on-campus, or in a hybrid format. They are designed to prepare students for careers in areas such as taxation; consulting; auditing; and corporate, managerial, governmental, and nonprofit accounting. Both the BA and BS programs comprise 180 credits and require courses such as Financial Reporting, Managerial Accounting, and Auditing. Undergraduate accounting students are eligible for PSU’s accelerated pathway program that allows them to earn a BA or BS in Accounting and a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) or a Master of Taxation (MT) in five years. The MSF is offered on campus, but the MT program is available online, with one on-campus residency every term, and can be completed in 12 months on a full-time schedule or in 24 months part-time. The academic calendar is structured to accommodate full or part-time employment during tax season so students can pursue related work experience. Students learn advanced taxation knowledge as well as analytical and critical thinking skills. PSU also offers a Post-Baccalaureate Accounting Certificate both on-campus and online for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and want to meet the educational requirements for the CPA examination.

Southern Oregon University

Southern Oregon University (SOU) offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration that can be completed online. This program is offered with tracks in Public Accounting and Management Accounting. The Public Accounting Track comprises 36 credits and is designed for students interested in CPA licensure, while the Management Accounting Track comprises 24 credits and is for students interested in accounting from a management and systems perspective. SOU also offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a Concentration in Accounting that is ideal for those interested in careers as corporate accountants, consultants, auditors, financial analysts, or business leaders. Through courses such as Economic Analysis, Advanced Organizational Behavior, Financial Management Practices, and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making, students learn accounting knowledge and skills that are relevant to the industry. The courses focus on skills in accounting information systems, business valuation, and financial statement analysis. Online courses are offered in a seven-week format, and the program consists of 45 credit hours that can be completed in as little as 16 months. SOU’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting can also be completed online and is for bachelor’s degree holders who need to complete the educational requirements for the CPA examination.

Oregon CPA Requirements and Steps

According to the Oregon Board of Accountancy (the Board), those who wish to become publicly certified accountants in Oregon must complete 150 credit hours and have earned at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. There are six main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in Oregon.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
  2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  3. Complete a Board-approved ethics course and exam.
  4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  5. Apply for a license.
  6. Receive a license.

1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.

The Board follows the 150-hour rule for prospective CPAs, meaning that candidates must complete 150 semester hours of college-level education including an accredited bachelor’s degree in order to qualify for a license. In Oregon, the 150 semester hours must include 24 semester hours in upper-level accounting and 24 semester hours in accounting or accounting-related business subjects. All 150 semester hours must be completed before a candidate may apply to take the Uniform CPA Exam.

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

CPA candidates in Oregon must accumulate 12 months of professional experience (2,000 hours) to qualify for licensure. Qualifying experience may be accumulated through part-time or full-time work. Part-time employment must include at least 20 hours per week. All work must be earned under the direct supervision of a qualified Public Accountant (PA) or licensed CPA. The applicant’s work must consist of activities generally performed by CPAs in attest or assurance, public accounting, auditing, consulting services, personal financial planning, or tax practice. Any work done in attest services must be supervised by a CPA; supervisors designated as PAs may not verify attest work. Attest or tax experience must be gained through a public accounting firm. The Board has identified seven core competencies that must be demonstrated and certified by a supervising PA or CPA. Those skills are:

  • Professional ethics
  • Assessing the achievement of an entity’s objectives
  • Experience in preparing working papers that include support for analysis and conclusions
  • Understanding the transaction streams and information systems
  • Risk assessment and verification skills
  • Decision making, problem solving, and critical thinking in the context of analysis
  • Quality of communication expressing scope of work, findings, and conclusions

3. Complete a Board-approved ethics course and exam.

The Board requires CPA candidates to complete a written exam on the Code of Professional Ethics for accountants. The Board has adopted two exams that meet this requirement: the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Comprehensive Course and exam and the Oregon Society of CPAs (ORCPA) Ethics Exam. Both courses are self-study and must be completed within eight years before the candidate’s application is received by the Board.

4. Apply to and pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Candidates who have met the education requirements for a license qualify to take the AICPA’s Uniform CPA Exam and should apply by submitting the CPA Exam Application to the Board. Within 90 days of applying to take the exam, candidates must submit the Candidate Information Release form and proof of eligibility. After being approved to test, candidates will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) as well as further instructions for submitting the exam fees to NASBA, who administers the exam in Oregon. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of 75 or better within an 18-month rolling period to receive credit on the exam.

5. Apply for a license.

Candidates who have passed the CPA exam, met the education and experience requirements, and demonstrated the necessary competencies are ready to submit the CPA Initial License Application and Oregon Board of Accountancy Employment form. The form must be accompanied by the Consent to Use Social Security Number form and a written narrative explaining each competency verified by the supervising accountant.

6. Receive a license.

Once the Board has received the necessary documentation, it typically takes two to three weeks to process the request. Once approved the Board will send a notification by email with an invoice for the initial license fee. Once the applicant has paid the fee and registered with the Board, their name will appear on the Board’s licensee search, and they may begin practice. The Board will mail new licensees a wall certificate, a wallet license card, and a letter of congratulations with a license number, CPE information, and license renewal due dates.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Once licensed CPAs in Oregon must renew their license every other year. Oregon CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each two-year renewal period. Four of these hours must be in the subjects of professional conduct and ethics, taken from Board-approved sponsors. No more than 16 hours of non-technical study may be reported. At least 24 hours must be completed during each calendar year. A maximum of 20 hours in excess of the total CPE requirement may be carried forward to the next reporting period. You can find additional information on the Board website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Oregon

Both CPA-holders and students who enter the workforce immediately upon graduation may find many different employment opportunities in Oregon. Oregon-based accounting firms such as Aldrich Advisors, Perkins & Co, and Jones & Roth actively recruit accounting graduates. Other state and local businesses may offer positions in management or accounting roles. Oregon is home to offices of many large CPA firms, including Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Local branches of the IRS and other government entities also employ large numbers of accounting, tax, and finance experts.

Oregon Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Corvallis550$75,200
Eugene930$77,700
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro10,400$83,360
Salem1,330$78,650

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Oregon

  • Aldrich Advisors: With locations in Portland and Salem, Aldrich is a regional firm offering its clients a full suite of business and accounting services.
  • Isler CPA: An accounting firm that focuses not only on business practices but on environmental sustainability, Isler is a member of the RSM US Alliance of independent accounting firms.
  • Alten Sakai & Company LLP: Based in Portland, Alten Sakai provides financial services and planning with a focus on smaller businesses and individuals.

Oregon Accounting Associations

  • Oregon Association of Independent Accountants (OAIA): A professional organization that offers accountants and tax professionals in Oregon CPE options, networking opportunities, access to government agencies, and marketing opportunities.
  • Oregon Society of CPAs (ORCPA): Offering Oregon accountants legislative advocacy, CPE opportunities, and networking, ORCPA works to uphold professional standards and promote the accounting profession.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual Best Accounting Schools 2023: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/rankings/top-ranked/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2023 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2022.
4. US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
5. US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/online-bachelors-business-rankings
6. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
7. Association to Advance College Schools of Business, Accredited Universities and Schools, Business & Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Accredited Schools, Separate Accounting: https://acbspsearch.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Members: https://iacbe.org/accreditation/member-status-information/
10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Oregon: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_or.htm
13. Oregon Board of Accountancy: https://www.oregon.gov/boa/pages/home.aspx