Portland State University

Portland State has made big investments in recent years as it aims to become a nationally recognized business school.  It is in the process of a $60 million renovation to its business school facilities that is due to be complete by 2016.  PSU teamed up with Oregon Health Sciences University in 2009 to offer a joint MBA specialization in health care management, one of the most comprehensive in the country.
  These and other investments are achieving recognition for PSU.  The highly influential Aspen Institute ranked the Portland State MBA #25 on its rankings of the top 100 MBA programs in the world based on environmental and social criteria.  Offered in full-time, part-time and online formats, the PSU program has one of the largest required curriculums in the NW with four credit, full-quarter classes, and two credit six-week classes coming mixed together for a very broad educational experience.

The Life:  Portland State has one of the most unique campuses in America, because it is situated directly in downtown Portland, giving it an NYU feeling.  The museums and markets of downtown Portland are all a short stroll from campus, as are many internship and employment possibilities.  Portland’s world-famous light rail system makes it easy to move around the city and get to Portland International Airport.

Drawbacks:  Rents are expensive in downtown Portland and parking can be a challenge for students who pay steep fees to use the school’s parking garages.  The program is also a long one at 78 credits, requiring seven academic quarters to complete at full-time tuition of $7,285 per quarter, not including books.  This brings the total cost of the PSU MBA to more than $50,000.  For students planning to attend part-time and take advantage of tuition benefits from their employer, the program will take three years to complete.