At $16,470/yr net price, Southern Oregon University graduates earn $49,175/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,175/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,470 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,175/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,175/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,332 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,402/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,511/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,838/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,735/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,467/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $26,546 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,729 | $41,182 |
| Education, General. | Master | $47,650 | $32,483 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $47,260 | $58,517 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $44,971 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,017 | $25,000 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,192 | $20,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $31,042 | $20,363 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $30,771 |
The Risk Factor
44.2% of students at Southern Oregon University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southern Oregon University delivers weak financial returns that should give most students pause. With median earnings of just $49,175 ten years after graduation and a troubling 44% graduation rate, your investment faces significant downside risk.
Computer science offers the only decent financial outcome at $48,432 annually with manageable debt of $26,546. Education majors earn around $47,000 but carry crushing debt loads, with teacher preparation programs saddling graduates with over $41,000 in loans for careers that typically start around $40,000 in southern Oregon. Mental health services graduates face the worst deal, earning $47,260 while carrying nearly $60,000 in debt.
The 67% retention rate signals that many students recognize these poor prospects and transfer elsewhere. Business majors earn less than $45,000 despite borrowing $41,000, creating a difficult payback scenario in a region where living costs keep rising while wages stagnate.
You might consider SOU if you plan to study computer science and can graduate without excessive borrowing. The low net price of $16,470 helps, but only if you actually finish. For most other majors, the combination of weak earnings potential and high dropout risk makes this a poor financial bet.
Look elsewhere if you want business, education, or mental health careers. These programs saddle you with debt that your post-graduation salary cannot easily service, especially in southern Oregon's limited job market. Transfer to a stronger regional university after completing general requirements here if you need the lower entry costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Oregon University worth the cost?
Southern Oregon University offers below-average returns with median earnings of $49,175 ten years after graduation and typical debt of $20,332. The low graduation rate of 44% means many students leave without a degree, making the investment risky for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Southern Oregon University?
Computer science graduates earn the most at $48,432 annually, followed by education programs around $47,000-$48,000. Business graduates earn less at $44,971, which is below the national average for business majors.
How much debt do Southern Oregon University graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $20,332 in debt, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with starting salaries around $49,000, the debt-to-income ratio creates financial pressure in early career years.
What is Southern Oregon University's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Only 44% of students graduate from Southern Oregon University, meaning most students who enroll never finish their degree. This dramatically increases the risk of taking on debt without gaining the credentials needed for higher earnings.