Overview
Enrollment
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.
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 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#901 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#355 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Colleges in Oregon
#6 in Best Public Colleges in Oregon
#30 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 | $2,418 |
| Room and Board | $16,248 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $30,840 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $999 |
| Other Fees | $2,418 |
| Room and Board | $16,248 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $49,470 |
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% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Southern Oregon University.
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.
Last updated February 24, 2025