Southern Oregon University vs. CSUMB

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Monterey Bay is larger than Southern Oregon University based on total student enrollment (7,713 students vs. 5,113 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Oregon University is located in Ashland, OR (Midsize Suburban setting); California State University Monterey Bay is in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Southern Oregon University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Oregon University 23:1; California State University Monterey Bay 24:1.

Southern Oregon University vs. CSUMB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Oregon University or CSUMB? 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 California State University Monterey Bay than Southern Oregon University ($14,493 vs. $17,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Oregon University are 1.5% lower than at California State University Monterey Bay ($16,968 vs. $17,234).
• Southern Oregon University is 64.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSUMB (about $4,983 more per year; $12,762.00 vs. $7,779.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.5% higher at Southern Oregon University than at California State University Monterey Bay (about $11,508 more per year; $31,887.00 vs. $20,379.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Oregon University than at California State University Monterey Bay (91% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Monterey Bay students is 38.7% larger than aid received by Southern Oregon University students ($12,185 vs. $8,788).

Southern Oregon University vs. CSUMB Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Oregon University or CSUMB? 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 CSUMB and Southern Oregon University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Oregon University (1110) is 50 points higher than at CSUMB (1060).
• Incoming Southern Oregon University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at CSUMB).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Oregon University 980/1230; California State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Oregon University 18/25; California State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Oregon University - Test-free; CSUMB - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSUMB students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Southern Oregon University (3.34).
• CSUMB has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than Southern Oregon University (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.3% at Southern Oregon University vs. 9.8% at CSUMB.

Southern Oregon University vs. CSUMB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Oregon University and CSUMB? 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).

• California State University Monterey Bay's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Southern Oregon University's (33%).
• Graduates from California State University Monterey Bay earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Southern Oregon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Monterey Bay graduates have a $9,491 lower median loan debt than Southern Oregon University graduates ($14,000 vs. $23,491).
• Among borrowers, CSUMB graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Oregon University graduates ($144 vs. $242).
• More CSUMB 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.