OSU vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

Compare Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR with Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oregon State University is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, OR (Small City setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Oregon State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oregon State University 18:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

OSU vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OSU or SPU? 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 Oregon State University than SPU ($22,467 vs. $25,232).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oregon State University are 0.6% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($16,386 vs. $16,491).
• Seattle Pacific University is 180.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than OSU (about $26,007 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $14,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at SPU than at Oregon State University (about $2,217 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $38,190.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle Pacific University than at Oregon State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle Pacific University students is 181% larger than aid received by Oregon State University students ($31,558 vs. $11,230).

OSU vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OSU or SPU? 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 SPU and OSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oregon State University (1270) is 80 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming OSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 1140/1400; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 24/31; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OSU - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: OSU Feb 1, 2027; SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OSU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than OSU (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at OSU vs. 15.8% at SPU.

OSU vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OSU and SPU? 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).

• Seattle Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Oregon State University's (61%).
• Graduates from Oregon State University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,900 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oregon State University graduates have a $2,103 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, OSU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SPU graduates ($242 vs. $264).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OSU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 66%)

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.