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Lewis & Clark College vs Southern Oregon University

Lewis & Clark College is a private college in Portland, OR, and Southern Oregon University is a public university in Ashland, OR. Lewis & Clark College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% of applicants against 89% at Southern Oregon University. Southern Oregon University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,732 a year against $36,013 at Lewis & Clark College. About 73% of students graduate at Lewis & Clark College, compared with 43% at Southern Oregon University. Ten years after enrolling, Lewis & Clark College alumni earn a median of about $62,205, against $49,175 for Southern Oregon University.

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Lewis & Clark College

Portland, OR · Private

Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Portland, OR
Ashland, OR
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,120
2,751
Acceptance rate
78%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1210–1390
980–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
28–31
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,013
$16,732
Full cost / yr
$79,987
$27,636
In-state tuition
$64,828
$12,762
Out-of-state tuition
$64,828
$31,887
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,962
$11,830
$30k - $48k
$18,362
$12,466
$48k - $75k
$22,712
$15,813
$75k - $110k
$25,917
$22,415
Over $110k
$44,990
$24,181
Outcomes
Graduation rate
73%
43%
Freshman retention
89%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,608
$39,326
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,205
$49,175
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$20,332
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
25%
First-generation students
17%
40%
International students
6%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Lewis & Clark College or Southern Oregon University harder to get into?
Lewis & Clark College is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 89% at Southern Oregon University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Lewis & Clark College or Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,732 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,013 at Lewis & Clark College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Lewis & Clark College and Southern Oregon University?
Before aid, Southern Oregon University costs about $27,636 a year and Lewis & Clark College about $79,987. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Lewis & Clark College or Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,830 there, against about $15,962 at Lewis & Clark College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lewis & Clark College or Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University is the larger of the two, with about 2,751 undergraduates against 2,120 at Lewis & Clark College.
Does Lewis & Clark College or Southern Oregon University have a better graduation rate?
Lewis & Clark College has the higher graduation rate, at about 73% against 43% at Southern Oregon University.
Do graduates of Lewis & Clark College or Southern Oregon University earn more?
Lewis & Clark College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,205 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,175 for Southern Oregon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lewis & Clark College and Southern Oregon University require SAT or ACT scores?
Lewis & Clark College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southern Oregon University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Lewis & Clark College and Southern Oregon University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1210–1390 at Lewis & Clark College and 980–1230 at Southern Oregon University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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