Southern Oregon University

4/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Ashland, OR
0 reviews

#6 Best Public Universities in Oregon

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

5,113

Location Ashland, Oregon
Website sou.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Midsize Suburban

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Southern Oregon University (SOU) occupies a 175-acre campus in Ashland, Oregon, situated in the Rogue Valley between the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges, approximately 15 miles north of the California border. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with many structures incorporating local stone and sustainable design elements that reflect the region's natural environment. Originally established in 1872 as the Ashland Academy, SOU has evolved into a comprehensive public university that maintains selective admission standards while serving as a regional educational hub. The university is recognized for its programs in theater arts, environmental studies, and business, with strong connections to the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival located in downtown Ashland. Students typically reside in one of several on-campus residence halls during their first year, with the campus offering views of the surrounding mountains and integration with Ashland's arts-focused community.

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Ratings

Southern Oregon University is rated within the lower 32% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10.

Overall Rating

4 out of 10
Academics

5 out of 10
Resources

4 out of 10
Outcomes

3 out of 10
Value

1 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Southern Oregon University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Moderate

GPA 3.34

Acceptance Rate

88.6%

Applications Due -
Enrollment Rate 29.3%
Application Fee $60

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Oregon Resident Tuition

$12,762

Out of State Resident Tuition

$31,887

Breakdown

Tuition $12,762
Books and Supplies $999
Other Fees $2,592
Room and Board $16,968
Budget for Other Expenses $1,500
Total One Year Cost $34,821

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$41,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

33% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Southern Oregon University are Business, Visual and Performing Arts, and Education. 18% of students major in Business, 11% in Visual and Performing Arts, and 9% in Education.