OSU vs. Southern Oregon University

Comparable Facts

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

Oregon State University is larger than Southern Oregon University based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 5,113 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, OR (Small City setting); Southern Oregon University is in Ashland, OR (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Oregon State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Oregon University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oregon State University 18:1; Southern Oregon University 23:1.

OSU vs. Southern Oregon University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OSU 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 OSU ($17,959 vs. $22,467).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oregon State University are 3.4% lower than at Southern Oregon University ($16,386 vs. $16,968).
• Oregon State University is 12.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Oregon University (about $1,638 more per year; $14,400.00 vs. $12,762.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.8% higher at OSU than at Southern Oregon University (about $6,303 more per year; $38,190.00 vs. $31,887.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Oregon University than at Oregon State University (91% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oregon State University students is 27.8% larger than aid received by Southern Oregon University students ($11,230 vs. $8,788).

OSU vs. Southern Oregon University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OSU 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 OSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oregon State University (1270) is 160 points higher than at Southern Oregon University (1110).
• Incoming OSU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at Southern Oregon University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 1140/1400; Southern Oregon University 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 24/31; Southern Oregon University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OSU - Test optional; Southern Oregon University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: OSU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OSU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Southern Oregon University (3.34).
• Southern Oregon University has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than OSU (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at OSU vs. 29.3% at Southern Oregon University.

OSU vs. Southern Oregon University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OSU 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).

• Oregon State University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Southern Oregon University's (33%).
• Graduates from Oregon State University earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Southern Oregon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,900 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Oregon University graduates have a $9 lower median loan debt than OSU graduates ($23,491 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Southern Oregon University and OSU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($242 vs. $242).
• More OSU 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.