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 gives you a middling financial return. A $49,175 median salary ten years out against a $16,470 net price is workable, and your $20,332 median debt stays below what many public schools saddle you with. But the numbers hide real risk, and which program you pick decides everything.
Computer and Information Sciences is the clear winner here, and it's the only bachelor's program on this list that clears the school-wide median salary. The catch is debt: you borrow around $26,500 for that degree, more than any other program listed, so the higher pay comes with a heavier loan. Business Administration lands in the middle at $40,017 with similar debt near $25,000, which is a weaker trade than the CS payoff.
The bottom of the list is where you should slow down. Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, and Communication all pay in the low $30,000s a decade after you enroll. Criminal Justice at least keeps borrowing modest, around $20,500, so the debt matches the paycheck. But paying to attend for a $31,042 Communication salary is a thin return, and you should only sign up for those programs if the career itself is what you want.
The biggest risk at SOU is not finishing. Only 44% of students graduate, and about a third don't return after their first year. If you borrow and leave without a degree, you carry the debt with none of the earnings. That's the real gamble here.
The net price barely moves for families under $48,000, sitting near $13,400. It jumps sharply once you pass $75,000, reaching over $22,000. If your family earns above six figures, this school costs you nearly as much as many private options, so compare carefully before committing.
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.