Southern Oregon University
About Southern Oregon University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Southern Oregon University is a public university in Ashland, Oregon, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It offers programs in business, theater, psychology, and environmental science, with a creative arts culture influenced by its proximity to the festival.
Founded
1926
Location
Ashland, Oregon
Students
3,629
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
88.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
42.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$12,762
Out-of-state: $31,887
Avg Net Price
$16,732
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$49,175
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$60
Early
Feb 1
Regular
Rolling
Southern Oregon University accepts the majority of applicants at 88.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
N/A
Not reported
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Average: 22 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
42.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
67.9%
4-Year Grad
28%
6-Year Grad
41%
Teaching Quality
23:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
56%
$/Student
$10.5K
Class Size
Large
The 28% graduation rate is below average, but 67.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$12,762
In-State
$31,887
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,968
Books & Supplies
$999
Total Cost of Attendance
$27,636
After Financial Aid
$16,732
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,830
Receive Grants
24.9%
Take Loans
28.1%
The full cost of attendance is about $27,636/yr for in-state students, including $16,968 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $16,732. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $31,887.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Southern Oregon University fund their education.
While in School
24.9%
Get Grants
Free money
28.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$32,578
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,332
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$216/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 28.1% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,332. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southern Oregon University.
Gender
63.4%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,751
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
878
Graduates
40.4%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
17.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 40.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
2,751
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Southern Oregon University fields 11 varsity teams with 443 student athletes, about 16% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division II
Conference
Cascade
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
443
16% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
271
Men
172
Women
8
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southern Oregon Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$49,175
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$32K
76 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$48K
70 grads
1yr Earnings
Education, General
—
45 grads
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$21K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$41K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$35K
32 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $49K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southern Oregon University
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Oregon University?▾
How much does Southern Oregon University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southern Oregon University?▾
How much do Southern Oregon University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.