Southern Oregon University is a public liberal arts institution situated in Ashland, Oregon, where students can select from 37 undergraduate majors. A robust student/faculty ratio supports students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations. In athletics, the Southern Oregon Raiders play in the NAIA Cascade Collegiate Conference for most sports.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 6,114 (5,256 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 36 percent male/64 percent female
• 63 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $9,615 (in-state); $25,545 (out-of-state)
• Books: $999
• Room and Board: $14,199
• Other Expenses: $2,697
• Total Cost: $27,510 (in-state); $43,440 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 84 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 72 percent
  • Loans: 53 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $6,175
  • Loans: $7,085

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Visual and Performing Arts; Psychology; Education; and Social Sciences

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 69 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 37 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 22 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 40 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Track and Field, Wrestling
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, Volleyball, Wrestling

Overview of Southern Oregon University Admissions

Southern Oregon University, which accepts more than three-quarters of applicants, has a moderately selective admissions process. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices. Students should make a campus visit to determine if the institution is a good fit for them.

Admissions Data                        

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, Southern Oregon University had an acceptance rate of 76%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 76 students gained admission, making SOU’s admissions process moderately competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 75% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most Southern Oregon University’s students scored within the bottom 29% nationally on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to SOU scored between 490 and 600 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 490 and 25% scored over 600. 50% of students scored between 430 and 550 on the math part, while 25% scored under 430, and 25% scored over 550. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1150 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Southern Oregon University.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 36% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most Southern Oregon University’s students score within the bottom 46% nationally on the ACT. The median 50% of students received a cumulative ACT score between 19 and 25, while 25% scored over 25, and 25% scored under 19.

GPA

In 2019, the mean high school GPA of Southern Oregon University’s freshmen class was 3.32, and over 56% of students had a mean GPA of 3.25 and over. Successful applicants have B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Southern Oregon University, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If Southern Oregon University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

University of Texas at El Paso, California State University Sacramento, California State University Northridge, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, California State University East Bay, Kean University, California State University Los Angeles

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Southern Oregon University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

East Carolina University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Old Dominion University, Texas State University, Georgia State University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Southern Oregon University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Alabama, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, California State University Long Beach, Pace University