CSU vs. Southern Oregon University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Chico in Chico, CA with Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Chico is larger than Southern Oregon University based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 5,113 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Southern Oregon University is in Ashland, OR (Midsize Suburban setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Oregon University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Southern Oregon University 23:1.

CSU vs. Southern Oregon University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Southern Oregon University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State University Chico than Southern Oregon University ($14,630 vs. $17,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Chico are 2.8% lower than at Southern Oregon University ($16,500 vs. $16,968).
• Southern Oregon University is 50.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $4,290 more per year; $12,762.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.3% higher at Southern Oregon University than at California State University Chico (about $10,815 more per year; $31,887.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Oregon University than at California State University Chico (91% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Chico students is 31% larger than aid received by Southern Oregon University students ($11,509 vs. $8,788).

CSU vs. Southern Oregon University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Southern Oregon University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Southern Oregon University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Oregon University (1110) is 40 points higher than at CSU (1070).
• Incoming CSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Southern Oregon University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; Southern Oregon University 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; Southern Oregon University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Southern Oregon University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Southern Oregon University (3.34).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Southern Oregon University (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 29.3% at Southern Oregon University.

CSU vs. Southern Oregon University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Southern Oregon University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California State University Chico's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Southern Oregon University's (33%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than Southern Oregon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $6,491 lower median loan debt than Southern Oregon University graduates ($17,000 vs. $23,491).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Oregon University graduates ($175 vs. $242).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Oregon University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.