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Southern Oregon University (SOU) is a premier liberal arts college situated in Ashland, Oregon and established in 1926. Since that time, it has provided high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. The campus is located close to the border with California, covering 175 acres, and surrounded by national forests and the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.


Overview of Southern Oregon University (SOU)


The beautiful campus is surrounded by mountains and full of activities for the 5,000+ enrolled students who attend each year. Students may choose to attend in-person or make use of the offered undergraduate courses and graduate programs offered through online learning. There are also study abroad options for those who are looking for a more hands-on approach to their education. Students will have plenty of opportunity to learn and grow if they attend SOU.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting Suburb: Midsize
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 20:1
Graduation Rate 41%
Year Founded 1872

Student Enrollment


Total Students5,179

Undergraduate
4,396
Graduate
783

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,714
1,714
Female 2,682
2,682

Graduate Student

Male 305
305
Female 478
478

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SOU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS1,913

Male 684
Female 1,229

ACCEPTANCE1,722

Male 616
Female 1,094

Acceptance Rate90%

Male 90%
Female 89%

Enrollment 517

Male 222
Female 295
Admissions
Application Fee $60
High School GPA Required
High School Rank NA
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations NA
Formal demonstration of competencies Recommended
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline Rolling
Common Application Accepted No

SOU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Southern Oregon University tuition costs depend on both residency status and program of study, with in-state students being charged less compared to out-of-state students. As of the 2022-23 academic year, in-state undergraduate tuition costs were estimated to be $11,691 while out-of-state students paid $30,051.

Additional expenses that students should expect to cover beyond tuition include fees and expenses for student activities, technology, health services, and additional housing or meal plans that may be available on-campus.

SOU offers many scholarships and financial aid options to offset tuition expenses such as merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, work study positions, and work study positions. Students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and seek financial aid so that their education remains more affordable. SOU also provides payment plans and installment plans to make tuition and fees payments more manageable for those who may find them challenging, making payments over the term more manageable.

Average net price 2020-2021
Net Price $12,134
Average Total Aid $5,932
Students Receiving Financial Aid 80%
Room & Board $15,819

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $11,691
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $30,051
  • Books and Supplies - $999
  • Room & Board - $15,819
  • Other - $1,500

Popular Academic Programs at SOU


Southern Oregon University (SOU) offers an expansive selection of undergraduate programs in multiple fields, providing students with ample opportunities to discover their interests and pursue academic goals. Ranging from social sciences and healthcare, SOU offers comprehensive undergraduate offerings that support various career pathways. These include bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as postbaccalaureate certificates. Both certifications and master's programs allow students to expand upon their areas of interest for added specialization in the job market.

One of SOU's signature programs is its Theatre Arts program. Boasting a longstanding affiliation with Oregon Shakespeare Festival, students gain hands-on experience and professional guidance while learning from industry professionals. This unique partnership elevates academic experience while equipping them for successful careers in performing arts. SOU stands out with a range of academic offerings that provide an education that prepares its students for success in whatever path they choose to take in life.

From its College of Arts and Sciences to the School of Business and School of Education programs, SOU offers something suitable for every career path. SOU provides students with a broad selection of academic programs tailored to meet their interests and career aspirations, whether that means arts and humanities, business and economics, education, or the sciences. Through experiential learning opportunities and partnerships with industry leaders, SOU provides its students with a well-rounded education that sets them up for success in whatever their chosen fields may be.

Student Population Total


Student Population 5,179

Undergraduate
4,396
Graduate
783
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 112 Total Graduates / 16%
Business Administration and Management, General 110 Graduates
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other 2 Graduates
All Psychology Majors 101 Total Graduates / 14%
Psychology, General 101 Graduates
All Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs Majors 91 Total Graduates / 13%
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia 50 Graduates
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 41 Graduates
All Visual and Performing Majors 71 Total Graduates / 10%
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General 46 Graduates
Art/Art Studies, General 15 Graduates
Music, General 9 Graduates
All Education Majors 65 Total Graduates / 9%
Education, General 38 Graduates
Elementary Education and Teaching 14 Graduates
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels 13 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 38%

Outcome & Salary


Southern Oregon University (SOU) is committed to offering its graduates strong employment prospects and successful integration into various industries, with particular attention paid toward career preparation for each individual student. SOU equips its students with all the knowledge and tools needed for excellence in their chosen fields.

SOU students post-graduation benefit from promising employment prospects, often finding employment within their desired industries. SOU offers graduating students individual job placement counseling to help them find a role as soon as possible after graduation. They also offer academic counseling during your program and employment services for students.

SOU graduates often enjoy competitive earnings after graduation, reflecting the value and relevance of their education. From business to healthcare to education to the arts - SOU graduates have ample opportunity to achieve substantial salaries that may grow their earning power over time.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $50,100
College Grads Average Salary $65,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $87,300
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $650,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,523,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $48,536
10 Year Projected ROI $601,464
20 Year Projected ROI $1,474,464
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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