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Portland State University vs Southern Oregon University

Portland State University is a public university in Portland, OR. Southern Oregon University is a public university in Ashland, OR. Southern Oregon University admits about 89% of applicants and Portland State University about 91%, making Southern Oregon University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,552 a year at Portland State University after aid, and about $16,732 at Southern Oregon University. About 53% of students graduate at Portland State University, compared with 43% at Southern Oregon University. Ten years after enrolling, Portland State University alumni earn a median of about $57,906, against $49,175 for Southern Oregon University.

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Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public

Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Portland, OR
Ashland, OR
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
13,182
2,751
Acceptance rate
91%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1250
980–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,552
$16,732
Full cost / yr
$21,590
$27,636
In-state tuition
$11,679
$12,762
Out-of-state tuition
$31,074
$31,887
Application fee
$60
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,655
$11,830
$30k - $48k
$7,752
$12,466
$48k - $75k
$8,981
$15,813
$75k - $110k
$12,993
$22,415
Over $110k
$19,112
$24,181
Outcomes
Graduation rate
53%
43%
Freshman retention
76%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,937
$39,326
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,906
$49,175
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$20,332
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
25%
First-generation students
39%
40%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
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 Portland State 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 91% at Portland State 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, Portland State University or Southern Oregon University?
Portland State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,552 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,732 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Portland State University and Southern Oregon University?
Before aid, Portland State University costs about $21,590 a year and Southern Oregon University about $27,636. 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, Portland State University or Southern Oregon University?
Portland State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,655 there, against about $11,830 at Southern Oregon University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Portland State University or Southern Oregon University?
Portland State University is the larger of the two, with about 13,182 undergraduates against 2,751 at Southern Oregon University.
Does Portland State University or Southern Oregon University have a better graduation rate?
Portland State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 53% against 43% at Southern Oregon University.
Do graduates of Portland State University or Southern Oregon University earn more?
Portland State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,906 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,175 for Southern Oregon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Portland State University and Southern Oregon University require SAT or ACT scores?
Portland 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 Portland State University and Southern Oregon University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1250 at Portland 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?

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