Head-to-head · 2026
Oregon State University vs University of Oregon
Compare average net price ($19,604 at Oregon State University; $22,182 at University of Oregon), ROI score (8.16 vs 6.91), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($64,010 vs $61,324), and admissions selectivity (77.3% acceptance at Oregon State University; 88.3% at University of Oregon) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Oregon State University | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.16 ✓ | 6.91 |
| Avg net price | $19,604 ✓ | $22,182 |
| 4-year avg net price | $78,416 ✓ | $88,728 |
| In-state tuition | $14,400 | $16,137 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $38,190 | $44,598 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $64,010 ✓ | $61,324 |
| Acceptance rate | 77.3% | 88.3% |
| Graduation rate | 70.1% | 71.7% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 87.8% ✓ | 86.4% |
| Median debt | $21,221 | $20,139 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 30,743 | 20,497 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1290 | 1272 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Oregon State University | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $12,107 ✓ | $15,909 |
| Family income $30–48k | $13,036 ✓ | $15,760 |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,729 ✓ | $18,364 |
| Family income $75–110k | $20,262 ✓ | $24,704 |
| Family income $110k+ | $27,459 ✓ | $31,021 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Oregon State University | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 6.9% | 3.4% |
| Psychology, General | 3.4% | 6.3% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | 0% | 7.7% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | 0.1% | 6.3% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 1.8% | 3.5% |
| Economics | 0.9% | 3.4% |
| Political Science and Government | 0.9% | 3.1% |
| Biology, General | 2.4% | 1.6% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Oregon State University reports the lower average net price by $2,578 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $10,312 difference over four years ($78,416 vs $88,728).
Oregon State University reports $2,686 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($64,010 vs $61,324). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 87.8% at Oregon State University and 86.4% at University of Oregon. Median federal debt among completers is $21,221 vs $20,139, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Oregon State University vs University of Oregon, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Oregon State University is cheaper — average net price $19,604 per year vs $22,182 at University of Oregon. The annual difference of $2,578 adds up to about $10,312 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Oregon State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $64,010 vs $61,324 at University of Oregon. The gap in the federal data is $2,686. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Oregon State University is more selective at 77.3% acceptance vs 88.3% at University of Oregon.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.