OSU vs. Western Washington University

Comparable Facts

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

Oregon State University is larger than Western Washington University based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 14,710 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

OSU vs. Western Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OSU or Western Washington 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 Oregon State University than Western Washington University ($22,467 vs. $24,338).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Washington University are 3.9% lower than at Oregon State University ($15,747 vs. $16,386).
• Oregon State University is 50.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Washington University (about $4,818 more per year; $14,400.00 vs. $9,582.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33% higher at OSU than at Western Washington University (about $9,483 more per year; $38,190.00 vs. $28,707.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Washington University than at Oregon State University (93% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oregon State University students is 62.7% larger than aid received by Western Washington University students ($11,230 vs. $6,902).

OSU vs. Western Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OSU or Western Washington 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 Western Washington University and OSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oregon State University (1270) is the same as at Western Washington University (1270).
• Incoming OSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Western Washington University (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 1140/1400; Western Washington University 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 24/31; Western Washington University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OSU - Test optional; Western Washington University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: OSU Feb 1, 2027; Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OSU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Western Washington University (3.46).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than OSU (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at OSU vs. 22.9% at Western Washington University.

OSU vs. Western Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OSU and Western Washington 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).

• Western Washington University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Oregon State University's (61%).
• Graduates from Oregon State University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Western Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,900 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have a $4,087 lower median loan debt than OSU graduates ($19,413 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OSU graduates ($200 vs. $242).
• More Western Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OSU students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.