NNU vs. Southern Oregon University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Oregon University is larger than NNU based on total student enrollment (5,113 students vs. 1,635 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Southern Oregon University is in Ashland, OR (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Oregon University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Southern Oregon University 23:1.

NNU vs. Southern Oregon University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU 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 Southern Oregon University than NNU ($17,959 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 28.9% lower than at Southern Oregon University ($12,070 vs. $16,968).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 219.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Oregon University (about $28,032 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $12,762.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.9% higher at NNU than at Southern Oregon University (about $8,907 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $31,887.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest Nazarene University than at Southern Oregon University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students is 186.1% larger than aid received by Southern Oregon University students ($25,146 vs. $8,788).

NNU vs. Southern Oregon University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU 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 NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwest Nazarene University (1120) is 10 points higher than at Southern Oregon University (1110).
• Incoming NNU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Southern Oregon University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Southern Oregon University 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Southern Oregon University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; Southern Oregon University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NNU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Southern Oregon University (3.34).
• Southern Oregon University has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 29.3% at Southern Oregon University.

NNU vs. Southern Oregon University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU 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).

• Northwest Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Southern Oregon University's (33%).
• Graduates from Northwest Nazarene University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Southern Oregon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Oregon University graduates have a $2,509 lower median loan debt than NNU graduates ($23,491 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Oregon University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NNU graduates ($242 vs. $268).
• More NNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Oregon University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.