Southern Oregon University vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Oregon University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (5,113 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Oregon University is located in Ashland, OR (Midsize Suburban setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Southern Oregon University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Oregon University 23:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Southern Oregon University vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Oregon University or Willamette 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 Willamette University ($17,959 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 4.8% lower than at Southern Oregon University ($16,150 vs. $16,968).
• Willamette University is 300.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Oregon University (about $38,394 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $12,762.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.4% higher at Willamette University than at Southern Oregon University (about $19,269 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $31,887.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Southern Oregon University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 333.3% larger than aid received by Southern Oregon University students ($38,080 vs. $8,788).

Southern Oregon University vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 230 points higher than at Southern Oregon University (1110).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 21 at Southern Oregon University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Oregon University 980/1230; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Oregon University 18/25; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Oregon University - Test-free; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Southern Oregon University (3.34).
• Southern Oregon University has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.3% at Southern Oregon University vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Southern Oregon University vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Oregon University and Willamette 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).

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Southern Oregon University's (33%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $13,100 more per year than Southern Oregon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Oregon University graduates have a $2,509 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($23,491 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Oregon University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($242 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Oregon University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.