Southern Oregon University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Oregon University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (5,113 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Oregon University is located in Ashland, OR (Midsize Suburban setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Southern Oregon University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Oregon University 23:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Southern Oregon University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Oregon University or PLU? 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 PLU ($17,959 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 23.3% lower than at Southern Oregon University ($13,008 vs. $16,968).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 309.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Oregon University (about $39,492 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $12,762.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.9% higher at PLU than at Southern Oregon University (about $20,367 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $31,887.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Southern Oregon University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 361.7% larger than aid received by Southern Oregon University students ($40,573 vs. $8,788).

Southern Oregon University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 40 points higher than at Southern Oregon University (1110).
• Incoming PLU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Southern Oregon University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Oregon University 980/1230; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Oregon University 18/25; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Oregon University - Test-free; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Southern Oregon University (3.34).
• Southern Oregon University has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.3% at Southern Oregon University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Southern Oregon University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Southern Oregon University's (33%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Southern Oregon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Oregon University graduates have a $2,309 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($23,491 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Southern Oregon University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($242 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Oregon University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.