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 Rate
78%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
60
SAT Range
900-1130
ACT Range
19-25
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”
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.
Megan - 02/13/2020
Southern Oregon University has a very lively and welcoming school environment. There are plenty of clubs and organizations to get involved in. The school as a whole aims to have something for everyone and to make everyone feel like they fit in somewhere. The professors have been amazing and really dedicated to getting to know each of their students personally. Overall, I have enjoyed my experiences at SOU and would recommend it to anyone.
Champ - 09/13/2019
The college search was a long and difficult process. Once I really began to tour different campuses I found myself changing my original ideas of what college life looked like . After touring 20 plus college campuses I chose SOU. It was the place that felt most like home. I highly recommended any perspective college student visit the campus before making any decisions and ask questions. Even though life has thrown a couple of curve balls I have not regretted my decision!
Jade - 05/25/2019
Southern Oregon University has the feel of a private university at the cost and affordability of a public school. The professors are incredible and they help to refine your strengths and foster community connections. The small class sizes and the vibrant campus community encourage professional, academic, and personal growth, all while fostering friendships and skills that will last a lifetime.
Charissa - 05/15/2019
I truly enjoyed my time at SOU, the class sizes and accessibility to professors is something I greatly appreciated about my time at school. Football games were extremely fun and as far as campus food is concerned the Hawk is about as good as it gets. They have an extremely welcoming atmosphere and are accommodating to the LGBTQ+ community, which I really admire. Overall, SOU was a great school and Ashland is a cool little town.
Iryna - 04/01/2019
Great place to be if you are coming in as a theater or business major. Most people come for the freshman year and then drop out, or they transfer in as juniors, unless they are theater majors and come for the excellent BFA program and career opportunities with OSF. Although I had to transfer out due to financial issues, I would come back in a heartbeat. Small town but beautiful art, culture, and nature around. Extremely LGBTQ friendly.
Steven - 11/12/2018
Southern Oregon University is an amazing school. They have their campus in Ashland and partner with Rogue Community College in Medford to bring some classes closer to people ( my self included). Fantastic, articulate staff. Thumbs up! Very happy to be going to this college.
Jodey - 05/01/2018
This school has become my home. I came here knowing almost no one, but it was so easy to make friends and feel welcome. Everyone is so helpful and everyone makes going here simple. If I have a question there is always someone to ask that can help me.
Benjamin - 04/10/2018
As a student in the Environmental Science & Policy program, I have loved going to this school. It houses professors who truly care about what they are teaching. It is also very inclusive and welcoming of people from all backgrounds. I have heard mixed reviews from people in other majors, but overall, people tend to really like it here.
Yasmine - 04/10/2018
As a current first-year at SOU, especially one that suddenly moved hundreds of miles away from home, I found staff and students alike to be very friendly and encouraging of the move I took, and future academics. I found my own group of friends within the first month of attending, and have enjoyed all of my professors thus far. My adviser is very easy to talk to and helps me make plans for my future academic terms. I suggest SOU to anyone who is looking for a small college or university. It truly is a hidden gem.
Beatriz - 02/09/2018
Aside from the price and the fact that you have to live a whole year on campus as a freshman, SOU is a great school and I would recommend to anyone who is wanting to be a member of the health career. This school is in an incredible location for its art students.
Ryan - 01/10/2018
It's a good school, the computer science program could be stronger
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Southern Oregon University is 78%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.53%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
