Southern Oregon University
SOU
Ashland, Oregon 97520
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for psychology — excellent value
Southern Oregon University is a public institution in Ashland with particular strength in psychology and business.
A mid-sized campus of 2.9K undergraduates with a 23:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
44% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $49,175 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $16,470.
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Raiders
History & Fun Facts
- •History Southern Oregon University began as "Ashland Academy" in 1872, founded by Ashland's Methodist Episcopal Church.
- •Joseph Henry Skidmore served as its first president.
- •While Oregon lawmakers designated the institution in 1882 as an official state normal school — a teachers’ college — the state provided no funding.
- •It closed in 1890 and reopened five years later, still relying on tuition and donations for revenue.
- •The Oregon legislature finally recognized the institution's needs in 1897 and approved a first-time appropriation of $7,500.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
73.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.4%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,000
Programs (78)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
68%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
21
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from OR state average + suburban adjustment