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Pacific University vs Southern Oregon University

Pacific University is a private university in Forest Grove, OR, and Southern Oregon University is a public university in Ashland, OR. Southern Oregon University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 90% at Pacific University. Southern Oregon University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,732 a year against $35,273 at Pacific University. About 66% of students graduate at Pacific University, compared with 43% at Southern Oregon University. Ten years after enrolling, Pacific University alumni earn a median of about $60,583, against $49,175 for Southern Oregon University.

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Pacific University

Forest Grove, OR · Private

Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Forest Grove, OR
Ashland, OR
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,516
2,751
Acceptance rate
90%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1240
980–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
18–29
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,273
$16,732
Full cost / yr
$72,374
$27,636
In-state tuition
$56,374
$12,762
Out-of-state tuition
$56,374
$31,887
Application fee
$40
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,318
$11,830
$30k - $48k
$23,607
$12,466
$48k - $75k
$29,844
$15,813
$75k - $110k
$34,369
$22,415
Over $110k
$40,911
$24,181
Outcomes
Graduation rate
66%
43%
Freshman retention
79%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,936
$39,326
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,583
$49,175
Median debt at graduation
$23,223
$20,332
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
25%
First-generation students
29%
40%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
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 Pacific University or Southern Oregon University harder to get into?
Southern Oregon University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 90% at Pacific 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, Pacific 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 $35,273 at Pacific 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 Pacific University and Southern Oregon University?
Before aid, Southern Oregon University costs about $27,636 a year and Pacific University about $72,374. 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, Pacific University or Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,830 there, against about $23,318 at Pacific University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pacific University or Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University is the larger of the two, with about 2,751 undergraduates against 1,516 at Pacific University.
Does Pacific University or Southern Oregon University have a better graduation rate?
Pacific University has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 43% at Southern Oregon University.
Do graduates of Pacific University or Southern Oregon University earn more?
Pacific University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,583 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,175 for Southern Oregon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pacific University and Southern Oregon University require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific 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 Pacific University and Southern Oregon University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1240 at Pacific 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?

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