Southern Oregon University Athletics

Southern Oregon University competes in the NJCAA, which puts them in junior college athletics despite being a four-year institution. The Raiders field 18 varsity sports with 409 total athletes, meaning about 14% of the student body participates in athletics. The athletic department distributes $1.2 million in scholarships across all sports. SOU's unusual NJCAA classification limits their competitive landscape compared to typical four-year universities. The Raiders have historically been competitive in football and basketball within their conference. With a student-faculty ratio of 23:1, the intimate campus size creates tight-knit team actives. The Ashland location provides excellent training conditions year-round, particularly for outdoor sports. Athletic participation offers one pathway for student engagement at a school where retention sits at 68%.