Pacific vs. Southern Oregon University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR 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 Pacific based on total student enrollment (5,113 students vs. 3,427 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific University is located in Forest Grove, OR (Large Suburban setting); Southern Oregon University is in Ashland, OR (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Oregon University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific University 10:1; Southern Oregon University 23:1.

Pacific vs. Southern Oregon University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pacific 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 Pacific ($17,959 vs. $35,235).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific University are 7.9% lower than at Southern Oregon University ($15,620 vs. $16,968).
• Pacific University is 341.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Oregon University (about $43,612 more per year; $56,374.00 vs. $12,762.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.8% higher at Pacific than at Southern Oregon University (about $24,487 more per year; $56,374.00 vs. $31,887.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific University than at Southern Oregon University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific University students is 322.6% larger than aid received by Southern Oregon University students ($37,139 vs. $8,788).

Pacific vs. Southern Oregon University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pacific 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 Pacific.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Oregon University (1110) is 40 points higher than at Pacific (1070).
• Incoming Pacific students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Southern Oregon University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific University 900/1240; Southern Oregon University 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific University 18/29; Southern Oregon University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pacific - Test optional; Southern Oregon University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pacific Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pacific students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Southern Oregon University (3.34).
• Pacific has a higher acceptance rate (89.6%) than Southern Oregon University (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Pacific vs. 29.3% at Southern Oregon University.

Pacific vs. Southern Oregon University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pacific 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).

• Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Southern Oregon University's (33%).
• Graduates from Pacific University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Southern Oregon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Oregon University graduates have a $2,665 lower median loan debt than Pacific graduates ($23,491 vs. $26,156).
• Among borrowers, Southern Oregon University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pacific graduates ($242 vs. $270).
• More Pacific graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Oregon University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.