Overview
Enrollment
Southern Oregon University (SOU), located in Ashland, Oregon, is a public liberal arts college nestled in the Rogue Valley near the California border. Established in 1872, SOU enjoys a scenic campus that blends modern and traditional architecture, with ample green spaces and views of the surrounding Siskiyou mountains. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs, with particular strengths in environmental science, business, and the arts. SOU's academic philosophy emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and hands-on experiences. While admission to SOU is moderately selective, the university seeks to accommodate a broad spectrum of students with varied academic backgrounds. On-campus living is provided through a variety of housing options, and the university promotes a comprehensive learning environment incorporating both academic and residential life. SOU is known locally for its vibrant campus atmosphere, with easy access to the cultural offerings of Ashland, including the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
In the most recent statistical year 2,126 prospective students applied, and 1,870 were granted admission. Of those admitted 567 enrolled in the school. 2,581 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 2,623 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $9,405 plus fees of $2,286. Southern Oregon University is ranked 895 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Southern Oregon University is rated within the lower 34% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Southern Oregon University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#895 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#352 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Colleges in Oregon
#6 in Best Public Colleges in Oregon
#31 in Best Value Colleges in Oregon
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 980/1230 |
| ACT | 18/25 |
| GPA | 3.34 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Oregon Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $999 |
| Other Fees | $2,286 |
| Room and Board | $15,819 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $30,009 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $999 |
| Other Fees | $2,286 |
| Room and Board | $15,819 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $48,369 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 18% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 11% |
| Education | 9% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Social Sciences | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Southern Oregon University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=210146 IPEDS survey data for Southern Oregon University.
Current students may use the Southern Oregon University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.