About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University has built its reputation as a teaching powerhouse since 1856, producing educators who shape classrooms across the Pacific Northwest. The university enrolls 3,211 students in the small town of Monmouth, where future teachers learn alongside students pursuing degrees in business, liberal arts, and health sciences. WOU particularly excels at supporting first-generation college students, many from rural Oregon communities. With an 83% acceptance rate, the university opens doors for students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere.
Students pay an average net price of $18,290 after financial aid, with 40% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,815 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $20,609 manageable with monthly payments around $218. The return on investment proves solid for a regional public university, especially given the stable job market for teachers.
The student body reflects Oregon's changing demographics, with 25% Hispanic students and nearly 64% women. Three-quarters of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, contributing to a 76% retention rate that shows students generally find what they're looking for here.
Students pay an average net price of $18,290 after financial aid, with 40% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,815 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $20,609 manageable with monthly payments around $218. The return on investment proves solid for a regional public university, especially given the stable job market for teachers.
The student body reflects Oregon's changing demographics, with 25% Hispanic students and nearly 64% women. Three-quarters of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, contributing to a 76% retention rate that shows students generally find what they're looking for here.
Academics & Faculty
Western Oregon University built its reputation as a teacher preparation powerhouse, originally founded as a normal school in 1856. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom settings where education majors get hands-on mentoring from experienced faculty. However, the 44.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face at this regional university. WOU has expanded beyond education to serve rural Oregon communities with programs in business, health sciences, and liberal arts. The quarter system allows for intensive, focused coursework. Faculty know students by name, not number, which helps explain why 76.35% of freshmen return for sophomore year despite academic and financial pressures.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.8%
- Retention Rate
- 76.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,815
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,607 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,667 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $48,041 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $47,327 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,021 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,529 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,505 |
| Gerontology. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $36,382 |
Campus Life
Western Oregon's 157-acre campus sits in Monmouth, a classic college town 15 miles west of Salem and about an hour from Portland. With housing for only 1,300 students and total enrollment of 3,211, most upperclassmen live off-campus in the surrounding neighborhoods. The Willamette Valley location means mild, wet winters where you'll need a rain jacket more than a heavy coat, and dry summers perfect for outdoor activities.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate campus feel where professors know your name. Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong teacher education programs. With 76% of students staying after their first year, the tight-knit community keeps people engaged through intramural sports, outdoor recreation, and trips to nearby Silver Falls State Park. The Wolves compete in 14 Division II sports, drawing decent crowds to football and basketball games. Weekend options include exploring Salem's downtown scene, hiking in the Coast Range foothills, or staying on campus for residence hall programming and student organization events.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate campus feel where professors know your name. Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong teacher education programs. With 76% of students staying after their first year, the tight-knit community keeps people engaged through intramural sports, outdoor recreation, and trips to nearby Silver Falls State Park. The Wolves compete in 14 Division II sports, drawing decent crowds to football and basketball games. Weekend options include exploring Salem's downtown scene, hiking in the Coast Range foothills, or staying on campus for residence hall programming and student organization events.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,300 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1856
Campus Safety (2023)
47 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–46°F
- July Avg
- 52°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 9.6"
Student Demographics
Western Oregon serves students who need an affordable pathway to middle-class careers. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's strong reputation for teacher preparation and education programs. Four in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing WOU's commitment to first-generation college students from working-class families. Three-quarters of students come from Oregon, drawn by in-state tuition rates under $12,000. The diverse student body includes a significant Hispanic population at 25%, making WOU one of the more multicultural campuses in rural Oregon.
- Men
- 36.1%
- Women
- 63.9%
- White
- 57.5%
- Black
- 3.4%
- Hispanic
- 25.2%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 75.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.0%
Location
Western Oregon University sits in Monmouth, Oregon, about 20 miles southwest of Salem and 65 miles from Portland. The campus enrolls 3,211 students in Oregon's Willamette Valley, known for its agricultural communities and small-town atmosphere. Monmouth functions as a classic college town where the university serves as the primary economic driver. The setting offers access to both the Cascade Mountains and Oregon Coast within an hour's drive. About 76% of students come from within Oregon, reflecting the university's role serving rural and small-town communities throughout the state. The quarter system aligns with Oregon's regional university structure. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Western Oregon University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Monmouth, Oregon 97361-1394
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,815
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,801
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $218/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,609
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Western Oregon University?
Western Oregon University accepts 83.35% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1103. The university welcomes students who may not have traditional college preparation, particularly serving first-generation college students in rural Oregon.
How much does Western Oregon University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,290 after financial aid at Western Oregon University. With 40% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university works to keep college affordable for low-income families across Oregon.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Western Oregon University?
Western Oregon University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,211 total students. The university built its reputation on strong teacher education programs that benefit from these smaller class sizes.
What are the graduation rates at Western Oregon University?
Western Oregon University graduates 46.32% of students in four years and 44.80% in six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,815 ten years after graduation with typical student debt of $20,609.
Where is Western Oregon University located?
Western Oregon University sits in Monmouth, Oregon, a small town-fringe community with on-campus housing for 1,300 students. The campus serves as home to 416 student-athletes competing in 14 NCAA Division II sports as the Wolves.
Does Western Oregon University serve diverse student populations?
Western Oregon University enrolls 25.16% Hispanic students and maintains a 63.91% female student body. The university specifically focuses on serving first-generation college students, with 75.62% of students coming from within Oregon.
