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University of Portland vs Southern Oregon University

University of Portland is a private university in Portland, OR. Southern Oregon University is a public university in Ashland, OR. Both admit about 89% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $16,732 a year at Southern Oregon University after aid, and about $28,210 at University of Portland. About 80% of students graduate at University of Portland, compared with 43% at Southern Oregon University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Portland alumni earn a median of about $82,804, against $49,175 for Southern Oregon University.

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University of Portland

Portland, OR · Private

Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Portland, OR
Ashland, OR
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,957
2,751
Acceptance rate
89%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1370
980–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,210
$16,732
Full cost / yr
$73,224
$27,636
In-state tuition
$58,100
$12,762
Out-of-state tuition
$58,100
$31,887
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,070
$11,830
$30k - $48k
$16,577
$12,466
$48k - $75k
$23,858
$15,813
$75k - $110k
$27,021
$22,415
Over $110k
$37,284
$24,181
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
43%
Freshman retention
88%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$67,913
$39,326
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,804
$49,175
Median debt at graduation
$21,370
$20,332
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
25%
First-generation students
18%
40%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 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 University of Portland or Southern Oregon University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 89% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Portland or Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,732 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,210 at University of Portland. 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 University of Portland and Southern Oregon University?
Before aid, Southern Oregon University costs about $27,636 a year and University of Portland about $73,224. 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, University of Portland or Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,830 there, against about $20,070 at University of Portland. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Portland or Southern Oregon University?
University of Portland is the larger of the two, with about 2,957 undergraduates against 2,751 at Southern Oregon University.
Does University of Portland or Southern Oregon University have a better graduation rate?
University of Portland has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 43% at Southern Oregon University.
Do graduates of University of Portland or Southern Oregon University earn more?
University of Portland alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,804 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,175 for Southern Oregon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Portland and Southern Oregon University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Portland 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 University of Portland and Southern Oregon University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1370 at University of Portland 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