About Oregon State University
Students pay an average net price of $19,568 after financial aid, making OSU relatively affordable for a major research university. Graduates earn a median salary of $64,010 ten years after graduation, suggesting solid return on investment. Students typically leave with $21,221 in debt and monthly loan payments of $225. Only 22.36% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a middle-class student body that benefits from reasonable in-state tuition of $13,494.
The Beavers compete in the Pac-12 Conference with 552 athletes across 15 varsity sports, bringing energy to campus life. With a 70.60% six-year graduation rate and 94.2% employment rate, OSU delivers results for students who stick with their programs. The rivalry with University of Oregon adds excitement to campus culture.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.6%
- Retention Rate
- 87.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,010
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $124,122 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $82,440 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $78,719 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $78,217 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $73,446 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,035 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,295 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $67,846 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,420 |
Campus Life
Pack a rain jacket for Oregon's famously wet winters, but summers are sunny and dry. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly compared to semester schools. Students gather at Reser Stadium for Pac-12 football games and support the baseball team, which has reached the College World Series multiple times. Engineering majors spend long hours in the labs, while forestry students take advantage of the nearby Cascade Mountains for field work. Weekends often mean hiking, brewery visits downtown, or tubing the Willamette River when weather permits. The rivalry with University of Oregon runs deep, especially during Civil War football games. Campus traditions include the Platypus and Dam Jam concerts that bring major acts to Corvallis.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 5,322 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1868
Campus Safety (2023)
176 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 31 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Stalking | 22 | 8 | 1 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 16 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 15 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
| Fondling | 9 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Arson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 34°–47°F
- July Avg
- 51°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,552.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 51.2%
- Women
- 48.8%
- White
- 63.7%
- Black
- 2.1%
- Hispanic
- 12.6%
- Asian
- 8.3%
- In-State Students
- 70.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.4%
Location
- Address
- Corvallis, Oregon 97331
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,010
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,204
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $225/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,221
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Oregon State University?
Oregon State University accepts 82.53% of applicants, making it accessible to most students with solid academic records. The university welcomes nearly 30,000 students to its Corvallis campus. OSU's engineering and forestry programs attract students from across the Pacific Northwest.
How much does Oregon State University cost after financial aid?
Oregon State University students pay an average net price of $19,568 after aid, with costs varying by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,219 on average. The university's strong job placement helps graduates manage their median debt of $21,221.
What academic programs is Oregon State University known for?
Oregon State University excels in engineering, forestry research, and agricultural sciences, building on its land-grant mission since 1868. The student-faculty ratio of 20:1 provides solid access to professors across programs. Notable alumni include Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling and NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton.
What career outcomes do Oregon State University graduates achieve?
Oregon State University graduates earn a median salary of $64,010 ten years after graduation, with a strong employment rate of 94.2%. The 70.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on helping students complete their degrees. Monthly loan payments average $225, manageable given typical graduate earnings.
Where do Oregon State University students live and what is campus life like?
Oregon State University houses 5,322 students on its Corvallis campus, creating a tight-knit community in this small college town. The retention rate of 87.47% shows students generally enjoy their experience. The Beavers compete in 15 Pac-12 sports with over $12 million in athletic scholarships available.
Does Oregon State University have a strong rivalry tradition?
Oregon State University maintains an intense rivalry with the University of Oregon, known as the Civil War game in football. The Beavers compete at the NCAA Division I level in the strong Pac-12 Conference. OSU's athletic programs, particularly baseball and basketball, have achieved national recognition over the years.
