About Western Oregon University

Founded in 1856, Western Oregon University. is a Public college. Located in Oregon, which is a city setting in Oregon, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 4,833 full time undergraduate students, and 549 full time graduate students.

The Western Oregon University Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 14:1. There are 291 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Western Oregon University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate87%
Application Deadline
Application Fee60
SAT Range840-1070
ACT Range17-23

Admissions at WOU are considered Less Selective, with ,31% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 28 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

59% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 27% were in the top quarter, and 9% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Western Oregon University.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
23%
“We know about current events and vote”
75%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
70%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
15%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
48%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
53%
“I feel extremely safe”
34%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
39%
“We bought the gear”
26%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
68%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
30%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
73%
“They keep regular office hours”
28%
“They”re always available”
20%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
65%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
13%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
60%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
28%
“We only party on weekends”
5%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
18%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
55%
“There might be people who do”
28%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
23%
“We know about current events and vote”
75%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
70%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
15%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
48%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
53%
“I feel extremely safe”
34%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
39%
“We bought the gear”
26%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
68%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
30%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
73%
“They keep regular office hours”
28%
“They”re always available”
20%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
65%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
13%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
60%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
28%
“We only party on weekends”
5%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
18%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
55%
“There might be people who do”
28%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    90 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    65 Students rated off-campus housing 4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    100 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    108 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    108 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 65 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    108 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    106 Students rated local services 3.5 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    107 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.

Western Oregon University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Western Oregon University?

46 Students rated Western Oregon University

Zoe - 12/23/2022

Western Oregon University is an excellent, affordable college for those pursuing higher education. There are various housing options, welcoming staff, and a variety of programs and activities. Some things feel a little unorganized, and there can always be improvement, but it's an overall great experience.

Elizabeth - 02/23/2022

Western Oregon University's teaching program is fine; I definitely learned more doing the practicum than in the classroom. The accelerated program is not for the faint of heart (or people who need to work full time) and the pace is challenging, but it is perfect for people who are full time students, who are not working and who want to get it done with quickly.

Nancy - 06/06/2021

Great place if you don’t want a big school with lots of people. Everyone seems to know each other which helps you feel safe. However sometimes in the business department I think we could have learn more on hand activities to help us better understand the real world.

lexi - 01/20/2021

During covid lots of teachers answer my emails within that day or the next. There is plenty of tutoring opportunities. Most students actually participate in class even on zoom. I have not had any problems with anyone in any of my classes or group projects everyone participates and teachers are very helpful.

Western Oregon University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Western Oregon University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Western Oregon University is 87%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    When I first arrived at Western Oregon University I thought "party it up" which I am sure is not far off from what some other incoming freshman think. However within the past two terms I have completed at Western, I have come to find that I am discovering myself and what I really want in my life. In my college experience so far I have learned more about myelf and my capabilities. I've grown up a lot in these past months at Western and I think the most valuable part of Western is the education I have recieved here. I feel so comfortable with asking for help and the professors want you to succeed because they are there for you. I would have to say another valuable aspect to attending Western is defiinitely the great friends I have made. I know that with both education and soon-to-be life long friends, a college experience couldn't be any better.

    Read all 121 answers

  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    There aren't many bad things about Western if you are looking for a small safe campus. The only thing I really wish was different was the parking situation. I live somewhat close to campus so don't need a parking pass but when I am at the library late at night it would be nice to be able to drive so I don't have to walk home at late hours. It would be nice if WOU would offer free parking after 5pm or something.

    Read all 25 answers

  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    My school gives confidence of success and encourages the students to move forward.

    Read all 24 answers

  5. Describe the students at your school.

    They are able to listen and respect your way of thinking. There is never very many.

    Read all 23 answers

  6. What kind of person should attend this school?

    People who are looking for a friendly campus and reasonable tuition should attend this school. Motivated, accepting, enviromentally friendly, and original people should attend Western Oregon University. If you are a person who loves a beatiful campus, with great oppertunities for community involvement you should attened Western Oregon University. All minorities are welcomed here so there no need to worry about finding acceptence the WOU family. People that are worried about finding a job after they graduate should also check out WOU because most students find a great job after graduation. If you love life come visit WOU!

    Read all 23 answers

  7. What's unique about your campus?

    Small size. Facilities avalible to students and the small class size.

    Read all 21 answers

  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known it'd be so easy to get in once I graduated. I graduated with Honors and a 3.69 GPA, but continued to work in my small town's supermarket. My girlfriend of 16 months now, was applying, so I decided to go through the same application procedure. We both got accepted, and we both love it. My social life has greatly increased, and I love every aspect of it. It's hard, but I aspire to becoming a successful teacher. Western offers that.

    Read all 19 answers

  9. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    WOU is best known for its ASL program, its teaching program, and its status as a green campus, as well as its sexual/gender/cultural diversity.

    Read all 17 answers

  10. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    At Western they are really friendly and are always willing to help. Although it is a rather small campus, they always have something for us to participate in

    Read all 17 answers

  11. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    There are a few things I brag about a lot. One of the things I brag about the most is the friendly community. It seems like everyone is willing to help you if you need. Another thing I brag about is that the class size isn't too big. FInally I brrag about how the campus is a great size and that everything in town us within walking distance of the campus.

    Read all 16 answers

  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    My university is a very excellent place and I have not experienced anything negative with the staff. The one thing that frustrates me the most about college is the attitude and lack of motivation to acquire real knowledge from a large number of students. I don't see this as just a problem with my school. Students just wanting the "college experience" without concerning themselves for their future career, is probably an issue at a lot of universities.

    Read all 15 answers

  13. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Anyone who thrives in a large city or busy environment. WOU is a small and quiet school, not known for parties or many social activities. Anyone who doesn't enjoy a small town would not have an enojoyable time here.

    Read all 13 answers

  14. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Western has 60+ clubs and organizations that are chartered through the student government and I believe are the #1 way on campus to get involved. They are not the only way obviously but if you want to start a club they will help you get it started. We have a lot of intramural activities on campus from flag football and tennis to ultimate Frisbee and off campus golf tournaments. They are constantly going on and are a great way to meet people... guys and gals as they have some co-ed leagues too. Our Student Activities Board is also constantly putting on activities as well as asking students for input on what to do next. Really if you want it to happen Western will make it happen...

    Read all 2 answers

  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Western Oregon University is an amazing and caring school. When I first visited the school, I fell in love with the school immediately; I visited the school more than three times while I was still in high school. It is absolutely a great school and the staff members are very helpful and very kind. This is my second year at Western Oregon University and still feels like home. When I tell people that I go to WOU, they say that I made a good choice. The school is just right; not too large and not too small. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

61%

female

39%

male

4,833

Total Undergrad Enrollment

549

Total Grad Students

24%

Out-Of-State

74%

In-State

2%

International

Organizations

53

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

26%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
2%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
% Black or African-American
4%
% Hispanic/Latino
14%
% White or Caucasian
63%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

89% of students attending Western Oregon University receive some sort of financial aid. 42% were awarded federal grants. While 71% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$23,445

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,350

Books and Supplies

$9,798

Room and Board

34,593

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$12,189
$30 - $48K
$12,662
$48 - $75K
$16,422
$75 - $110K
$20,682
$110K & UP
$21,138

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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