About Southern Oregon University
The financial picture tells a mixed story about value. Students pay an average net price of $16,470 after aid, which is reasonable for a four-year degree. However, graduates earn a median of $49,175 ten years after graduation, and many carry $20,332 in debt with monthly payments of $216. The 44% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer than expected to finish, which can increase overall costs.
Women make up 64% of the student body, creating a female-majority campus environment. About 55% of students come from within Oregon, giving the university a strong local connection. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at many small colleges, but the quarter system keeps academic momentum moving quickly.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 54.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.2%
- Retention Rate
- 67.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,175
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,729 |
| Education, General. | Master | $47,650 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $47,260 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $44,971 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,017 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,192 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $31,042 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $30,771 |
Campus Life
The quarter system keeps academics moving fast, with many students drawn to the respected theater arts program. Campus life revolves around outdoor recreation in the Rogue Valley, where students hike, bike, and explore on weekends. With 64% women and 36% men, the student body leans female. The Raiders compete in 18 varsity sports with 409 total athletes. Ashland's Oregon Shakespeare Festival runs from February through October, giving students easy access to strong theater. Many students work part-time jobs in town, contributing to the 93.8% employment rate after graduation.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,000 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1872
Campus Safety (2023)
54 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 11 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–37°F
- July Avg
- 46°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 64.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,458.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.9%
- Women
- 64.1%
- White
- 54.8%
- Black
- 1.9%
- Hispanic
- 13.8%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 54.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.3%
Location
- Address
- Ashland, Oregon 97520
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,175
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,877
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $216/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,332
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University accepts 87.96% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The university draws students primarily from Oregon and the West Coast who are attracted to its strong theater program and outdoor recreation opportunities.
How much does Southern Oregon University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Southern Oregon University is $16,470 after financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,402 on average, while in-state tuition runs $12,093 before aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University has a 23:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,911 total students. The university is particularly known for its acclaimed theater arts program and takes advantage of its location in the culturally rich Rogue Valley.
What are the graduation outcomes at Southern Oregon University?
The six-year graduation rate at Southern Oregon University is 44.20%, with graduates earning a median salary of $49,175 ten years after enrollment. The university's 93.8% employment rate reflects strong job placement, though the $20,332 median debt load requires careful financial planning.
Where is Southern Oregon University located and what is campus life like?
Southern Oregon University sits in Ashland, Oregon, a mid-size college town famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. With housing for 1,000 students and 409 athletes competing in 18 varsity sports, the campus offers a close-knit community feel in the scenic Rogue Valley.
Is Southern Oregon University known for any particular programs or specialties?
Southern Oregon University is nationally recognized for its theater arts program, benefiting from Ashland's reputation as a theater destination. The retention rate of 67.57% reflects students who appreciate both the academic offerings and the exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding mountains and valleys.
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