Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a public university in Corvallis, OR ranked #486 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 29,557 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 78.8%. Students most often pursue Natural Sciences and Computer Science.
Academically, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, 87.5% first-year retention, and 70.6% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $19,568, about $2,570 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -35.0%, roughly 120.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,843. That's about $7,155 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Oregon State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Oregon State University graduates 70.6% of students within six years and keeps 87.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Oregon State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $13,494 |
| Books and Supplies | $600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,075 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,036 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $29,926 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 22.4% of Oregon State University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $13,219 to $26,447 depending on family income. Use Oregon State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,243/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,447/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,843
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,843
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 66.6%
- Employment Rate 89.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Oregon State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Oregon State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Oregon State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Oregon State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Oregon State University graduates earn $50,843 median, the -35.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 29,557
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 87.5%
- Graduation Rate 70.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into Oregon State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Oregon State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 78.8%, Oregon State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 78.8% acceptance rate, Oregon State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Oregon State University undergraduates. Computer Science, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Mechanical Engineering draw the most students.
- Computer Science 10.6%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.9%
- Mechanical Engineering 4.6%
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 4.5%
- Psychology, General 4.3%
- Biology, General 3.8%
See more majors
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 3.6%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 2.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Natural Sciences $112,393
- 2. Computer Science $109,905
- 3. Construction Engineering $106,199
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $105,331
- 5. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $103,024
- 6. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $96,618
- 7. Chemical Engineering $95,971
- 8. Mechanical Engineering $94,649
- 9. Nuclear Engineering $94,372
- 10. Industrial Engineering $92,997
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $153,136
- 2. Education, General (Doctoral Degree) $124,171
- 3. Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degree) $106,174
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Statistics (Master's Degree) $104,485
- 5. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $103,349
- 6. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $95,640
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $93,312
- 8. Public Health (Master's Degree) $79,489
- 9. Forestry (Master's Degree) $76,924
- 10. Natural Resources Management and Policy (Master's Degree) $73,952
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Natural Sciences grads earn $112,393—21% more than Industrial Engineering ($92,997). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $153,136 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Oregon State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 273 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 223 graduates)
- Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 123 graduates)
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 116 graduates)
- Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 114 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (45 programs)▼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Construction Engineering
- Education, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mathematics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Industrial Engineering
- Forest Engineering
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Chemistry
- Animal Sciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Music
- Nuclear Engineering
- Food Science and Technology
- Physics
- Engineering, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Agricultural Engineering
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Social Sciences, General
- Apparel and Textiles
- Forestry
- Biotechnology
- Area Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- International/Global Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering Science
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Architectural Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (55 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Statistics
- Forestry
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Education, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Plant Sciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Food Science and Technology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Materials Sciences
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Chemical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Physics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Geography and Cartography
- Economics
- Animal Sciences
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Soil Sciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Philosophy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Apparel and Textiles
- Agricultural Engineering
- History
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (53 programs)▼
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Public Health
- Chemistry
- Forestry
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Education, General
- Biology, General
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Mathematics
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Physics
- Industrial Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Economics
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Anthropology
- Statistics
- Plant Sciences
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Materials Sciences
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Public Policy Analysis
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Chemical Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Apparel and Textiles
- Animal Sciences
- Agricultural Engineering
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- History
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Food Science and Technology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Soil Sciences
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (12 programs)▼
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Gerontology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Veterinary Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 29,557
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 51.2%
- Female Students 48.8%
- Caucasian 63.7%
- Asian 8.3%
- Hispanic 12.6%
- Black 2.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 22.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Oregon State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Oregon State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Oregon State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Oregon State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 22.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Oregon State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Oregon State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Oregon State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #486 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $19,568 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $50,843 median earnings. The 70.6% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 87.5% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Oregon State University's Strengths
Ranked #486 with a B+ grade, Oregon State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Oregon State University excel at providing affordable education ($19,568 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Oregon State University's 87.5% retention and 70.6% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($50,843 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Oregon State University and $19,568 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 70.6% six-year graduation rate sits 8.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 87.5% first-year retention is 10.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -35.0% return on investment is 120.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,843 run about 16% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $19,568 is roughly $2,450 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 87.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.7% employment rate within three years sits 21.5 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $19,568 is about $2,450 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 22.4% trails the national share by 16.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University operates as a public university and receives a B+ from EDsmart. It stands at #486 among 6272 schools Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 87.5% of first-year students return, and roughly 70.6% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -35.0% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,568 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $29,926.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,358 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 22.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $50,843 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 16% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.7%.
Plan around an ROI of about -35.0% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
78.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Oregon State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Corvallis, OR 97331
- Website oregonstate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$865.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate16.5%