Ashland, OR · Private University
Is Southern Oregon University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$49,175
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,093
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,723
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$122,892
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.60x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
8.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
44.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,332
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$16,470
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Southern Oregon University graduates earn $4,175 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Southern Oregon University ranked by graduate earnings
17 graduates
112 graduates
29 graduates
57 graduates
82 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Southern Oregon University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Southern Oregon University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Management Information Systems and Services: $59,328) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $20,668) is $38,660/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and ServicesBest ROI(1yr data) | $59,328 | 1.9x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $57,957 | 1.9x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General(1yr data) | $51,167 | 1.7x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,457 | 1.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $46,680 | 1.5x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $44,816 | 1.5x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $42,893 | 1.4x |
| Social Sciences, General(1yr data) | $41,835 | 1.4x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other(1yr data) | $41,454 | 1.4x |
| Psychology, General | $39,466 | 1.3x |
| Biology, General | $37,055 | 1.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $35,909 | 1.2x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $35,291 | 1.1x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research(1yr data) | $30,632 | 1.0x |
| History(1yr data) | $28,067 | 0.9x |
| Sociology and Anthropology(1yr data) | $27,702 | 0.9x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest(1yr data) | $20,668 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Southern Oregon University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,175 10 years after starting, $4,175 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 8.7 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.