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98.5%Acceptance
$10,671Tuition
2,201Students
37%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$50,112Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University attracts students who want outdoor adventure alongside their education. The 2,201-student campus sits in the Blue Mountains where skiing, hiking, and fishing are part of daily life. This regional public university built its reputation on teacher education and outdoor recreation programs. The 98.52% acceptance rate means most qualified students get in, though the remote mountain setting isn't for everyone.

Students pay an average net price of $15,987 after aid, making this one of Oregon's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $50,112 ten years after starting school, giving decent returns on the $20,500 in typical student debt. The monthly loan payment of $217 is manageable for most graduates. Low-income families pay just $12,069 net price, making college accessible for rural Oregon students.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but the 37.4% four-year graduation rate shows many students struggle to finish on time. Nearly half the student body comes from out of state, drawn by outdoor recreation programs and small-town mountain life. The Mountaineers compete in 13 NAIA sports, with $1.2 million in athletic scholarships helping fund student-athletes who love both competition and mountain adventures.

Academics & Faculty

Eastern Oregon University serves as a regional public university with a strong focus on teacher education and outdoor recreation programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that's rare at larger state schools. However, the 37% four-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face in completing their degrees on time. The university has built a reputation for preparing educators who go on to teach throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Students also pursue degrees in business, liberal arts, and the university's well-regarded outdoor adventure leadership program. The quarter system allows for intensive, focused coursework. With just over 2,200 students, professors know their students by name and can provide individualized mentoring.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
58.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
37.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
36.6%
Retention Rate
66.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$50,112
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Fire Protection. Bachelor $92,632
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $43,798
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $35,274
Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Bachelor $35,060
Education, Other. Bachelor $34,942
Psychology, General. Bachelor $33,281
Social Sciences, Other. Bachelor $33,281
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Bachelor $31,423

View all 47 programs →

Campus Life

La Grande sits in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon, about four hours from Portland through winding mountain passes. With only 407 housing spots for 2,201 students, just 18% live on campus, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere. Students need winter coats for snowy months and layers for the dramatic temperature swings that come with high-elevation living at 2,700 feet.

The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly, while the 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities that take advantage of the surrounding wilderness. Students hike the nearby Elkhorn Mountains, ski at Anthony Lakes, or fish the Grande Ronde River. The Mountaineers compete in 13 NAIA sports with 441 total athletes, making athletics visible on the small campus. Many students work part-time jobs in town since 65% are Oregon residents who often stay local. The rural setting means entertainment options are limited, pushing students to create their own fun through outdoor clubs, intramural sports, or weekend trips to larger cities.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
407 beds
Calendar System
Quarter
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1929

Campus Safety (2023)

13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 2 2 0 0
Stalking 3 1 0 0
Burglary 3 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
24°–39°F
July Avg
54°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
17.4"
Annual Snowfall
9.4"

Student Demographics

Eastern Oregon draws students who want small-town college life in the rural Pacific Northwest. The student body is 65% from Oregon, reflecting the university's role as an affordable option for local families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, largely due to the school's strong teacher education programs that historically attract more female students. With 36% of students receiving Pell Grants, Eastern Oregon serves many first-generation college students from working-class backgrounds. The remote La Grande location appeals to students who prefer outdoor recreation over city amenities.
Men
43.0%
Women
57.0%
White
68.9%
Black
2.2%
Hispanic
13.7%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
65.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
36.0%

Location

La Grande sits in northeastern Oregon's Grande Ronde Valley, 260 miles east of Portland. The town has just over 13,000 residents, making Eastern Oregon University a significant presence in this rural community. The Blue Mountains surround the valley, creating prime territory for the outdoor recreation programs that draw many of the school's 2,201 students. La Grande serves as a center for the sparsely populated region, where cattle ranching and timber have shaped the local economy for generations. The nearest city of comparable size is Boise, Idaho, roughly 150 miles southeast. Winter sports and hiking trails lie within easy reach of campus. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Eastern Oregon University with similar schools in the region.
Address
La Grande, Oregon 97850
EOU Grand Staircase
EOU Grand Staircase
EOU Ackerman Hall
EOU Ackerman Hall

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$50,112
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,776
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,000
Loan Repayment Rate
46.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Eastern Oregon University?

Eastern Oregon University accepts 98.52% of applicants, making it extremely accessible to students. This regional public university prioritizes opening doors to higher education for students in rural Oregon and beyond.

How much does Eastern Oregon University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,987 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $12,069. The school keeps costs manageable for a rural population, though only 35.98% of students receive federal Pell Grants.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Eastern Oregon University?

Eastern Oregon University maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,201 total students. The small scale allows for personalized attention in programs like teacher education and outdoor recreation that the school is known for.

What are the graduation rates at Eastern Oregon University?

Only 36.60% of students graduate within six years, with a similar 37.40% completing degrees in four years. These rates reflect challenges common to rural universities serving first-generation college students and working adults.

Where is Eastern Oregon University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in La Grande, Oregon, a remote town setting that houses just 407 students on campus out of 2,201 total enrollment. Most students commute or live off-campus in this tight-knit mountain community.

Does Eastern Oregon University have strong athletics programs?

The Mountaineers compete in NAIA with 13 varsity sports and 441 total athletes receiving $1,231,076 in athletic scholarships. Nearly 20% of the student body participates in varsity athletics, reflecting the school's emphasis on outdoor recreation and active lifestyles.