Skip to main content
86.3%Acceptance
$15,669Tuition
19,758Students
72%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$61,324Earnings
#3 in OregonPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Oregon

The Oregon Ducks command respect far beyond their 19,758 students in Eugene's mid-sized college town. This public research university built its reputation on strong journalism and business programs, plus a track and field dynasty that produced Olympic champions. Phil Knight, Nike's co-founder, and novelist Ken Kesey both walked these paths before changing their industries forever.

Students pay an average net price of $21,782 after aid, making Oregon accessible despite the $43,302 sticker price for out-of-state families. Graduates earn a median $61,324 ten years out, easily covering the typical $20,139 debt load with monthly payments around $214. The 86% acceptance rate means most qualified students get in, though the 72% four-year graduation rate suggests staying focused matters.

Oregon's athletic culture runs deep, with 518 student-athletes competing across 16 Division I sports backed by over $14 million in scholarships. The Ducks recently joined the Big Ten Conference, elevating their already fierce rivalry with Oregon State. Women make up 56% of campus, while nearly half the students come from in-state. The quarter system keeps academics moving fast, matching the pace of Eugene's outdoor lifestyle.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Oregon operates as a public research university where students can dive into modern projects alongside faculty mentors. The journalism program consistently ranks among the nation's best, while the business school has produced industry leaders like Nike co-founder Phil Knight. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, classes can feel large, but professors remain accessible for motivated students. The 72.45% four-year graduation rate reflects the quarter system's fast pace and academic rigor. Research opportunities span from sports science to environmental studies, taking advantage of Oregon's natural laboratory. The university's strong athletics culture extends into academic programs like sports marketing and exercise physiology.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Full-Time Faculty
69.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
72.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
71.5%
Retention Rate
85.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,324
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Management Information Systems and Services. Master $117,572
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $89,230
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $86,621
Economics. Doctoral $84,653
Chemistry. Doctoral $83,177
Physics. Master $75,832
Chemistry. Master $72,231
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. Master $71,486
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. Master $62,012
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $61,681

View all 193 programs →

Campus Life

Eugene sits 110 miles south of Portland, giving students access to a major city without the urban hustle. The 295-acre campus centers around the historic Deady Hall and sprawls along the Willamette River. Oregon's rainy reputation holds true, pack a rain jacket and waterproof boots for the wet months from October through May. Summers are dry and warm, perfect for outdoor adventures in the nearby Cascade Mountains.

With housing capacity for 6,135 students among 19,758 total enrollment, about 31% live on campus. The quarter system keeps academics moving fast, but weekends revolve around Duck football at Autzen Stadium, especially during Big Ten Conference games. Students flock to Saturday Market downtown, hike Spencer Butte, or catch shows at the historic McDonald Theatre. The campus bike culture runs deep, Eugene's extensive trail system connects students to coffee shops, food trucks, and the Willamette River paths. Nike's presence looms large thanks to alumnus Phil Knight, creating a campus where athletic gear and environmental consciousness blend naturally.
Setting
City-Midsize
Housing Capacity
6,135 beds
Calendar System
Quarter
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1876

Campus Safety (2023)

163 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 30 13 1 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 38 4 2 0
Stalking 16 9 1 0
Fondling 9 7 1 0
Rape 8 7 0 0
Arson 3 3 0 0
Dating Violence 2 2 0 0
Domestic Violence 2 2 0 0
Robbery 3 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
34°–48°F
July Avg
51°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
40.8"
Annual Snowfall
2.7"

Student Demographics

The University of Oregon draws students from across the country, with roughly equal splits between in-state and out-of-state enrollment reflecting its national reputation in athletics and academics. Women outnumber men , partly due to strong programs in journalism and liberal arts that traditionally attract female students. About 22% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves middle-class families seeking quality public education. The student body is predominantly white but increasingly diverse, with growing Hispanic and Asian populations that mirror Oregon's changing demographics and the university's efforts to expand access.
Men
43.9%
Women
56.1%
White
61.8%
Black
2.7%
Hispanic
15.8%
Asian
6.8%
In-State Students
48.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
22.0%

Location

Eugene sits in Oregon's Willamette Valley, about 110 miles south of Portland. The city of 177,000 revolves around the university, creating a classic college town atmosphere where students make up nearly 12% of the population. Dense forests and the Cascade Mountains frame the valley, while the Pacific Ocean lies just an hour west. Eugene's bike-friendly culture matches the environmentally conscious Pacific Northwest vibe. The 295-acre campus borders the Willamette River, giving students access to running trails that have helped produce Olympic-caliber track athletes. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare University of Oregon with similar schools in the region.
Address
Eugene, Oregon 97403
Sam Adams Nov
Sam Adams Nov
Lee Bollinger - Daniella Zalcman less noise
Lee Bollinger - Daniella Zalcman less noise
Suzanne Bonamici
Suzanne Bonamici

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,324
Median Earnings (5 years)
$60,069
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,800
Loan Repayment Rate
62.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$214/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,139

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Oregon?

University of Oregon accepts 86.29% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140 and 1370 on the SAT, reflecting the school's focus on building a diverse student body rather than ultra-selective admissions.

How much does University of Oregon cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Oregon is $21,782 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,975 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full out-of-state tuition of $43,302.

What is University of Oregon known for academically?

University of Oregon is well-known for its journalism school, which has produced notable alumni like Ann Curry and other media professionals. The business school also draws strong enrollment, and with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get solid access to professors across the university's research programs.

What do University of Oregon graduates earn after college?

University of Oregon graduates earn a median salary of $61,324 ten years after graduation, with a strong employment rate of 94.1%. The 71.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's quarter system and research university environment, where some students take longer to complete degrees.

Where do University of Oregon students live on campus?

University of Oregon houses 6,135 students on campus in Eugene, a mid-size college town that balances urban amenities with outdoor recreation. With 19,758 total students and nearly equal numbers of in-state and out-of-state enrollment, the campus maintains a diverse Pacific Northwest vibe.

How competitive are University of Oregon's athletics?

The Oregon Ducks compete in NCAA Division I and recently joined the Big Ten Conference, offering 16 varsity sports with $14.4 million in athletic scholarships. The program is legendary for track and field, continuing the legacy of Nike co-founder Phil Knight, and draws national attention in football and basketball.