Public Institution

Southern Oregon University — Ashland, Oregon

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Annual Tuition $12,093

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 82.7%

Open Admission

Enrollment 2,911

Active Students

Avg. Salary $49,175

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Ashland, Oregon
Institution type Public
Accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Southern Oregon University stands as a pillar of higher education in Ashland, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,911 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Southern Oregon University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Southern Oregon University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Visual & Performing Arts
13.6%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
12.1%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
11.2%

Enrollment Share

Education
10.7%

Enrollment Share

Communications
7.7%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement
6.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Southern Oregon University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Southern Oregon University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Southern Oregon University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 82.7%
Difficulty Low

Southern Oregon University maintains an acceptance rate of 82.7%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 35.9%
Women Enrollment 64.1%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Southern Oregon University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $12,093
Out-of-State Tuition $30,723

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 24.3%
Median Student Debt $20,332

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $12,093, graduates see a median starting salary of $49,175, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Oregon.

What salary can Southern Oregon University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $49,175

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 44.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $16,470
Median Salary (6yr) $39,326
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Southern Oregon University in Ashland?

2,911 Students

Gender Comparison

35.9% Men
64.1% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

67.6%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
1.5%
Pacific Islander
1.5%
Asian
2%
Black
1.9%
White
54.8%
Unknown
13.3%
Hispanic
13.8%
Two or More Races
10.1%
International
1.2%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 24
🎓
First-Generation 40.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 70.2%
💍
Married Students 11.3%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 71.9%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $54,749
Average Family Income $51,163
Median Family Income $32,578

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

57.6%
42.4%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Ashland Campus Environment

Located at 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Southern Oregon University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Oregon. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Southern Oregon University

Is Southern Oregon University a good college in Ashland, Oregon?
Southern Oregon University is a recognized institution in Ashland with an enrollment of 2,911 students. It is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and offers a robust ROI for students in Oregon based on Department of Education data.
Is Southern Oregon University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Southern Oregon University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $49,175. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Southern Oregon University cost for Oregon residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Southern Oregon University is approximately $12,093. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $30,723. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Southern Oregon University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Southern Oregon University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 70.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Southern Oregon University good for Visual & Performing Arts and Psychology programs?
Southern Oregon University is highly regarded for its Visual & Performing Arts and Psychology programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Southern Oregon University?
Graduates of Southern Oregon University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Visual & Performing Arts. With a median salary of $49,175, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Southern Oregon University?
Southern Oregon University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Southern Oregon University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Southern Oregon University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Southern Oregon University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Southern Oregon University earn a median salary of $49,175 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Southern Oregon University a good investment compared to other OR colleges?
Southern Oregon University stands out as a high-value investment in Oregon. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Southern Oregon University located and what is the campus like?
Southern Oregon University is located at 1250 Siskiyou Blvd in Ashland, OR. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,911 learners.
Who typically attends Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR?
The student body at Southern Oregon University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 40.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Oregon

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Southern Oregon University with other leading institutions in Oregon across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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