About Southern Oregon University

Founded in 1926, Southern Oregon University. is a Public college. Located in Oregon, which is a city setting in Oregon, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 5,607 full time undergraduate students, and 636 full time graduate students.

The Southern Oregon University Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 21:1. There are 161 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Southern Oregon University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate78%
Application Deadline
Application Fee60
SAT Range900-1130
ACT Range19-25

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

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 24 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

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

0%
“We”re apathetic”
14%
“We know about current events and vote”
54%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
32%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
11%
“Sometimes, but not often”
75%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
11%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
39%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
57%
“I feel extremely safe”
21%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
50%
“We bought the gear”
29%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
25%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
75%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
7%
“Available in class”
43%
“They keep regular office hours”
50%
“They”re always available”
79%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
21%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
61%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
39%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
57%
“There might be people who do”
32%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
14%
“We know about current events and vote”
54%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
32%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
11%
“Sometimes, but not often”
75%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
11%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
39%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
57%
“I feel extremely safe”
21%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
50%
“We bought the gear”
29%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
25%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
75%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
7%
“Available in class”
43%
“They keep regular office hours”
50%
“They”re always available”
79%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
21%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
61%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
39%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
57%
“There might be people who do”
32%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    63 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    54 Students rated off-campus housing 3.6 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    75 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    81 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    81 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 54 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    80 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    80 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    80 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

Southern Oregon University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Southern Oregon University?

33 Students rated Southern Oregon University

Ash - 10/01/2024

I have visited SOU in the past, and it is the school I am most interested in overall. But that isn't just why it has such good reviews on my end! It truly gives you a feeling of safety and comfort there, and the student culture is something I'm beyond excited to be a part of. Their options overall, for activities relating to or outside of campus, their extracurricular activities, their clubs, the options for Greek life(and not being singled out if you don't choose), and the welcoming environment of Ashland, Oregon leads for this to be my top choice not only for a school, but a place to build my life. Southern Oregon University, even as just a visitor, made me feel like one of their own even before I have submitted an application! And this isn't even mentioning their admissions staff at a college fair nearby that I've gone to the past 2 years! I spoke with Pamela Chapin this year at said college fair, and she was not only incredibly kind and helpful, but even in a place that wasn't her own campus of work, she made me feel like I was a fellow Raider! Overall, amazing staff experiences both on and off campus, 10/10 environment for everyone, and things like housing, meals, and facilities are other awesome factors that only add to the wonderful experience platter SOU will serve to you.

Jennifer - 08/18/2021

Honestly, it was never really affordable, especially after they got scammed on the rec center, but when the pandemic hit, tuition price went even higher, and we had little to no access to any opportunities on campus. They also almost never respond to emails especially in housing. I’m currently homeless because housing couldn’t be bothered to answer emails or phone calls from the place I was trying to move into after moving out of student apartments. And when I lived in the dorms, and found that I couldn’t eat any of the food in the Hawk due to allergens, I couldn’t change my meal plan because I was a freshman and was required to live in the dorms and pay for the most expensive meal plan which I couldn’t even use.

Christina - 04/23/2021

The biggest problem I found with their MBA Master's Program is that they have too many professors telling you how it is in the "real world" when realistically these collegiate educators have done nothing more than graduate multiple programs, and started teaching. Which is fine, with the exception that you cannot possible lecture someone who is working for a Forbe's Top 500 Company on what the "real world" is like, and be disgruntled with push back. Their program lacks real world knowledge, and professors created projects with no back-up plan or grading scale when a project designed for 4-5 people suddenly becomes a solo act. If you're looking for teacher's who are going to educate and provide insight on hand on business proceedings, I would not recommend this program.

Cameron - 04/04/2020

While the school itself is strong academically, Ashland was not built to host a college. There are few jobs available and limited affordable resources for students. Freshman are forced into food contracts and on campus housing contracts that we were unaware of being with a third party.

Southern Oregon University FAQS

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

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Southern Oregon University is 78%. 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?

    If I was able to give myself advice as a high school senior, I would stress the importantance of getting college done right away. Waiting until everything falls into place before going back to college sounds great in theory, but I think that it has only held me back from my dream longer. I would also stress the importance of not worrying what others are thinking, and how I should act. I had a certain view point of college in High School from what I had seen in movies about college. It's not all about the parties, people in college for the most part are serious about furthering their education, and the immaturity in High School is frowned upon and no longer seen as funny, which I'm thankful for. I would also stress that college is not as scary as I made it seem in high school and that my dreams are possible.

    Read all 78 answers

  3. What kind of person should attend this school?

    I don't think there is a specific type of person for this school. I think Southern Oregon University offers something for everyone with many diverse fields of study. I recommend this campus to everyone, the faculty are nice and are able to offer more insight into their area of study then any campus I have been to, and are will to provide additional help if you are having trouble understanding something.

    Read all 23 answers

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

    There is nothing else that I could have known that would have better prepared me. Everything that happened to me this year has made me a stronger and better person.

    Read all 17 answers

  5. Describe the students at your school.

    A very diverse group of people to say the least. Many of them are from the surrounding countryside so they are from small communities and might have a graduating class that is smaller than some of their classes. There are also a lot of artistic and theater oriented individuals at this school

    Read all 17 answers

  6. What's unique about your campus?

    The smaller campus allows for more individual attention in the classroom, and easier access to teachers outside of the classroom. You get more out of your money for your education. In addition, everyone makes new friends very quickly. At SOU you get an amazing educational experience and have fun the whole way.

    Read all 13 answers

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

    Dorm rooms are very small and the food in the cafeteria is not good some of the time.

    Read all 13 answers

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

    Southern Oregon University is a place to find and explore your creativity, individuality, and ingenuity.

    Read all 13 answers

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

    It's very local - most students are from the surrounding area. It's very culturally diverse and environmentally friendly. I chose the school because it was the only 4-year university within four hours of my house, but I put in the effort to get to know the professors, and it really paid off in terms of career advise and getting the most out of my classes.

    Read all 12 answers

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

    That the teachers are great and it is a great environment.

    Read all 11 answers

  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    its trees

    Read all 10 answers

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

    It is kind of hard to know what kind of person shouldn't attend Southern Oregon University because I feel that everyone is capable of attending this university. I have met people that didn't want to be in college in the first place and throughout the year, they began to love the school and schol itself. It really does grow on you. I believe anyone who is interested in a quality education should attend SOU.

    Read all 9 answers

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

    The most frustrating thing about my school is that the dorm building I live in is really old. Not even the beautiful old, just old. The solid brick walls do not allow for cell phone reception in most areas, and it is at the very edge of campus so it is along walk between classes.

    Read all 9 answers

  14. Describe a day on campus you'll never forget.

    The bomb threat. Great way to start the year!

    Read all 4 answers

  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The town of Ashland is considered slightly more liberal than most Oregon towns, and, therefore, the university shares the same reputation. As for stereotypes, I haven't run into any. The student body at SOU doesn't reinforce social cliques, and stereotypes are kept at a minimum really.

    Read all 3 answers

  16. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    I don't really pay attention to sports, but I think SOU has a good sports scene. They have a really strong football team and great team spirit.

    Read all 2 answers

  17. Tell us about your professors.

    I love my professors! They are all so helpful. I was sick with mono and missed my midterms. My professors let me wait until I had a full recovery to take the exams.

    Read all 2 answers

  18. What are the academics like at your school?

    Academics here are wonderful. Ther professors know your name and are always willing to help. The campus is full of small groups that focus on topics and study. Some of the staff will often be seen throwing a frisbee on the grass with students. SOU is geared towards both getting a job, and having the knowledge to keep. My favorite class is chemistry because Professor Chapman gives a wonderful lecture, and if your having issues he never makes you feel ashamed for it. I'm pre-med which is a lot of work. SOU gives me the resources I need to be successful in everything I take on.

    Read all 2 answers

  19. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I want to go to school where they have a strong writing program. SOU is one of them. I love the town and their art programs. It is also close to home, so I don't feel too alone and insecure.

    Read all 2 answers

  20. What are your classes like?

    My classes are great! They are just the right size! I get the one-on-one education I really need to understand my studies.

    Read all 2 answers

  21. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    I love this school. SOU is a small school with big opportunities to learn and have fun. The school is expanding every year! Ashland is a quaint town full of friendly people. Although we may not be well recognized we have some great sports, and even greater leaders here on campus. The school pride needs some work, but that is why it is so important to get enthusiastic freshman every year to boost up the spirit. Peole tend to think, "why SOU?' I always respond, "why not SOU?" "SOU is freaking great!" We are a going green and have moved to trayless dining. Small changes like this are happening in hopes to improve our school for future students. If you get involved with leadership at this school you won't regret it. I, myself am a part of our school's RHA. A wonderful experience that I am proud to have had. We have a beautiful library,campus, and community. Keep your mind open, SOU may just surprise you!

    Read all 2 answers

Student Body

Students

60%

female

40%

male

5,607

Total Undergrad Enrollment

636

Total Grad Students

50%

Out-Of-State

44%

In-State

6%

International

Organizations

100

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

15%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
2%
% Hispanic/Latino
9%
% White or Caucasian
49%

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 Southern Oregon University receive some sort of financial aid. 41% were awarded federal grants. While 53% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$23,170

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$999

Books and Supplies

$12,756

Room and Board

36,925

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$5,659
$30 - $48K
$6,584
$48 - $75K
$7,936
$75 - $110K
$11,467
$110K & UP
$12,895

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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