About Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Oregon State University's branch campus brings the main university's academic reputation to the outdoor recreation capital of the Pacific Northwest. With just 1,054 students enrolled, this small campus focuses exclusively on undergraduate education in Bend's active mid-size city environment. The quarter system keeps academics moving at a fast pace while students take advantage of strong skiing, hiking, and climbing just outside their door.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university experience. Students pay an average net price of $17,722 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $64,010 ten years after starting college. Most students graduate with $21,221 in debt and monthly loan payments of $225. The campus serves primarily Oregon residents, with 83% of students coming from in-state, making it an accessible option for local families seeking a smaller university experience.
The intimate scale creates unusually close faculty relationships, with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio that rivals top private colleges. However, the 51% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees. With housing for only 297 students on a campus of over 1,000, most students live off-campus in Bend's competitive rental market.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university experience. Students pay an average net price of $17,722 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $64,010 ten years after starting college. Most students graduate with $21,221 in debt and monthly loan payments of $225. The campus serves primarily Oregon residents, with 83% of students coming from in-state, making it an accessible option for local families seeking a smaller university experience.
The intimate scale creates unusually close faculty relationships, with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio that rivals top private colleges. However, the 51% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees. With housing for only 297 students on a campus of over 1,000, most students live off-campus in Bend's competitive rental market.
Academics & Faculty
Oregon State University-Cascades operates as a small branch campus of the main OSU system, emphasizing undergraduate education over research. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. However, the 53.73% four-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete degrees, possibly due to the campus's limited course offerings compared to larger universities. The school focuses on business, tourism and outdoor recreation, and health sciences programs that align with Central Oregon's economy. With only 1,054 students enrolled, class sizes remain small and discussion-based. Students get individualized attention but may need to transfer to the main Corvallis campus for specialized upper-division courses.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.2%
- Retention Rate
- 78.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,010
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 |
| 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 |
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
Campus Life
The Cascades campus sits in Bend, a mountain town three hours east of Portland known for craft breweries and strong skiing. With only 297 beds for 1,054 students, just 28% can live on campus. Most students rent apartments or houses around town, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the scattered housing.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and research interests. Students bundle up for snowy winters but spend spring and fall outdoors hiking Smith Rock or mountain biking the extensive trail system. The quarter system keeps academics moving fast, with 78% of freshmen returning for sophomore year.
Weekends revolve around Bend's outdoor scene rather than traditional college parties. Students ski Mount Bachelor in winter, raft the Deschutes River in summer, and explore the Cascade Mountains year-round. The campus lacks big sports teams or Greek life, so social connections happen through outdoor clubs, academic programs, and the broader Bend community of young professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and research interests. Students bundle up for snowy winters but spend spring and fall outdoors hiking Smith Rock or mountain biking the extensive trail system. The quarter system keeps academics moving fast, with 78% of freshmen returning for sophomore year.
Weekends revolve around Bend's outdoor scene rather than traditional college parties. Students ski Mount Bachelor in winter, raft the Deschutes River in summer, and explore the Cascade Mountains year-round. The campus lacks big sports teams or Greek life, so social connections happen through outdoor clubs, academic programs, and the broader Bend community of young professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 297 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–42°F
- July Avg
- 48°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 10.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 21.6"
Student Demographics
Oregon State University-Cascades draws students who want the Oregon State experience in a smaller mountain setting. With 83% in-state enrollment, the campus primarily serves Central Oregon residents seeking quality education close to home. The small size of 1,054 students creates an intimate learning environment that attracts students who might feel lost at the main Corvallis campus. The slight male majority reflects strong programs in business and science. Students here value outdoor recreation as much as academics, choosing Bend for its strong skiing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities alongside their degrees.
- Men
- 52.6%
- Women
- 47.4%
- White
- 75.6%
- Black
- 0.9%
- Hispanic
- 10.6%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 83.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.0%
Location
Bend, Oregon sits 160 miles southeast of Portland in the high desert of Central Oregon. The city of 100,000 residents draws outdoor enthusiasts with its proximity to the Cascade Mountains and year-round recreation opportunities. With 83% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Bend's reputation as a gateway to skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The campus serves as Oregon State's regional outpost in this growing tech and tourism center. Bend combines small-city charm with access to wilderness areas like Mount Bachelor and the Deschutes River. The 297-bed housing capacity reflects the campus's intimate scale within this outdoor recreation paradise. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Oregon State University-Cascades Campus with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Bend, Oregon 97702
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-Cascades Campus?
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus accepts 79% of applicants. This branch campus offers easier admission than many four-year universities while maintaining the OSU brand recognition.
How much does Oregon State University-Cascades Campus cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,722 annually after aid. The campus keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $12,594, though only 28% of students receive financial aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
The campus maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,054 total students. This small scale allows for personalized attention that larger university campuses cannot match.
Does Oregon State University-Cascades Campus have good job outcomes?
Graduates earn a median salary of $64,010 ten years after graduation with a 94% employment rate. However, the 51% six-year graduation rate indicates many students struggle to complete their degrees.
Where do students live at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
On-campus housing accommodates only 297 students, covering just 28% of the total enrollment. Most students live off-campus in Bend, taking advantage of the city's outdoor recreation scene.
Is Oregon State University-Cascades Campus mainly for Oregon residents?
Yes, 83% of students come from Oregon, with the campus serving as a regional option in Central Oregon. The location in Bend attracts students seeking smaller class sizes while staying close to home.
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