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 Rate
87%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
60
SAT Range
840-1070
ACT Range
17-23
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”
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?
47 Students rated Western Oregon University
Rachel - 01/09/2025
Perfect university for city life (30mins from Salem, OR) but with a small town feel (Monmouth). The class sizes are just right and you actually get a chance to meet with your professor and get a good professional academic relationship with them. The university organizations and groups are very inclusive and there is even an Ally group for LGTBQ+. Walking around campus is also great! There are lots of sidewalks and pathways to get around, and the size of campus makes it easy to get from one side to the other in less than 20mins.
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.
Brooke - 05/30/2020
I love Western! It is such a small, involved school so it is very easy to become more involved and there's lots of fun and academic resources all around campus. I work in the SLCD and I absolutely loved it. Everybody is so friendly and I love how you get the chance to get close with your professors. Western has a wide variety of events and clubs and the whole campus feels very inclusive.
Kenzie - 04/23/2020
Education, I am extremely satisfied with the programs offered at WOU and WOU as a whole. I live about a half hour away from the school, so I do not go home in the middle of the day. The facilities and resources on campus make staying in town worth it! The academics are top notch, and all of my instructors so far have been effective with their communication with students and the way the class is handled. I feel that the course curriculum for each class is very well put together, and useful for my career. The assignments are challenging, yet important in developing our skills for our career and as an asset to society.
Lily - 10/21/2019
I really like my school, and I'm glad I chose it over the others that I was thinking about. I feel safe at WOU, despite not knowing the town very well yet. I also like that it's fairly small, and I know that all of my teachers know who I am early on in the term.
Baylea - 09/13/2019
I LOVE Western. I am a senior this year and I have enjoyed my four years here. The weather is AMAZING. And I don’t mean to brag but the psychology department is the best. WOU offers a large array of classes and accommodate a lot of schedules. We are an extremely safe campus with campus security 24/7 that is probably my favorite part about WOU! We have numerous resources, sports teams, clubs, cafe/lunch spots, staff is friendly! It’s easy to feel like you belong here because we always try our best to be the kindest and inclusive! Come to Western and check us out, you won’t regret it!
Go Wolves!
And don’t forget, on Wednesday we wear our WOU apparel!
madilyn - 09/08/2019
I will be attending in the Fall of 2020, WOU is my dream school. I love the programs it has to offer, and the way I felt stepping on the campus for the first time. I wish there were more scholarship options, but I am grateful for ALL of the help my advisor has been giving me.
Neil - 06/26/2019
Western Oregon has to be the worst university I have ever attended or at least someone of my stature. Coming from a conservative and evangelical Christian point, I was frowned upon since the school has opposite core values they represent. Teachers make us do some assignments that are strongly opposed to what I believe in. I explain to the teacher why it’s wrong and yet doesn’t care. I did the assignment anyway but it was terrible what I had to read and watch. Because of who I am the other students don’t like to be with or talk to me. They are not open minded for me to talk to them but rather their own friends they made who share the same interests. I ate in their cafeteria once and while their food is ok, they are extremely overpriced. I would rather go out to a nice restaurant for myself and pay the same amount of food that go to their cafeteria. Luckily there is a Subway nearby so I go there on an occasion to eat. I have never stayed there on campus or stayed the night so I have no comment about it and depends on the person and what you have like budget for instance. One silver lining about WOU is they have a great library and computer room. I can get my homework done there with peace and quiet and staff there are happy to help. The takeaway from this is that if you love the Lord and your beliefs are lined as a conservative, avoid this University at all costs. Otherwise you’ll be fine.
Melanie - 06/24/2019
Western Oregon University is a university that is not to big nor too small. The campus is very compact and inviting, as well as very maintained. The class sizes are small enough to allow students individual time with teachers. The town is small, but accessible and easily comfortable to adjust to.
Stephanie - 05/11/2019
I generally liked WOU, The feel and ambiance is great. Class sizes are small, so there is always the opportunity to connect with your professors and get one on one advise if you need it. Plus, the free on campus tutoring is great resource for those who need it. A variety of classes offered at different times allowing one to make their schedule with moderate ease. A few negatives are the location. Although fairly close to bigger cities like Salem, Portland, Corvallis, or the coast, Monmouth itself is super small and there is not much to do around there. Additionally, although they are partnered with OHSU for their nursing program, it is evident that professors and advisers are still getting into the hang of what advise to give students who are pursuing nursing.
Caitlyn - 04/20/2019
It's a good school if you're majoring in education, criminal justice, or ASL. It is a small sized school in a small town so there isn't much to do, especially if you don't have your own transportation. However, tuition and cost of living is relatively cheaper than living in the city or suburban area.
Brianna - 03/01/2019
I love this campus. It's a smaller campus but that just means that everyone is very close and social with one another. The faculty and staff are always friendly and accommodating to everyone. The teachers are great at explaining subjects in class. If a student needs extra help with a subject, the teacher generally reviews over the content in a different. They do this without talking down to the student and that's extremely rare.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Western Oregon University is 87%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.71%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
