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Oregon State University vs Southern Oregon University

Oregon State University is a public university in Corvallis, OR, and Southern Oregon University is a public university in Ashland, OR. Oregon State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% 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 $19,604 at Oregon State University. About 70% of students graduate at Oregon State University, compared with 43% at Southern Oregon University. Ten years after enrolling, Oregon State University alumni earn a median of about $64,010, against $49,175 for Southern Oregon University.

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Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public

Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Corvallis, OR
Ashland, OR
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
30,743
2,751
Acceptance rate
77%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.7 avg
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1400
980–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,604
$16,732
Full cost / yr
$31,653
$27,636
In-state tuition
$14,400
$12,762
Out-of-state tuition
$38,190
$31,887
Application fee
$65
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,107
$11,830
$30k - $48k
$13,036
$12,466
$48k - $75k
$15,729
$15,813
$75k - $110k
$20,262
$22,415
Over $110k
$27,459
$24,181
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
43%
Freshman retention
88%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,843
$39,326
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,010
$49,175
Median debt at graduation
$21,221
$20,332
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
25%
First-generation students
31%
40%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Oregon State University or Southern Oregon University harder to get into?
Oregon State University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% 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, Oregon State University or Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,732 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,604 at Oregon State University. 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 Oregon State University and Southern Oregon University?
Before aid, Southern Oregon University costs about $27,636 a year and Oregon State University about $31,653. 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, Oregon State University or Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,830 there, against about $12,107 at Oregon State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Oregon State University or Southern Oregon University?
Oregon State University is the larger of the two, with about 30,743 undergraduates against 2,751 at Southern Oregon University.
Does Oregon State University or Southern Oregon University have a better graduation rate?
Oregon State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 43% at Southern Oregon University.
Do graduates of Oregon State University or Southern Oregon University earn more?
Oregon State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,010 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,175 for Southern Oregon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Oregon State University and Southern Oregon University require SAT or ACT scores?
Oregon State University 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 Oregon State University and Southern Oregon University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1400 at Oregon State University 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?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school