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Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University

Monmouth, OR · Town · 3,103 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$17,237
Average net priceYour net price
In-state · 2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
46%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
54% typical
$51,815
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$55,177 typical
98%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
82% typical · not scored
Accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
About

Established in 1856 as Oregon’s oldest public university, Western Oregon University is widely recognized for its foundational excellence in teacher education alongside standout programs in American Sign Language (ASL) and English interpreting, criminal justice, and psychology. The mid-sized institution fosters an inclusive, tight-knit campus culture in the historic town of Monmouth, heavily supporting a diverse student body—including a large proportion of first-generation students—with small class sizes and accessible faculty. Student life combines competitive NCAA Division II athletics and active campus organizations with a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere set in the scenic Willamette Valley.

Wikipedia:Western Oregon University (WOU) is a public university in Monmouth, Oregon, United States. It was originally established in 1856 by Disciples of Christ pioneers as Monmouth University. Subsequent names included Oregon State Normal School, Oregon College of Education, and Western Oregon State College. Western Oregon University incorporates both the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Enrollment is approximately 3,850 students.

Location
Monmouth, OR, 97361-1394 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
PDX · Portland
60 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
In-stateOut-of-state
Tuition & fees$11,879$32,534
Housing & food (on campus)$12,528$12,528
Books & supplies$1,125$1,125
Cost of attendance$30,654$50,904
Average net price$17,237Not published
Out-of-state prices
Tuition & fees$32,534
In-state: $11,879
Housing & food (on campus)$12,528
Books & supplies$1,125
Cost of attendance$50,904
In-state: $30,654
Average net priceNot published
In-state: $17,237
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: wou.edu
How it’s made up · out-of-state, 2026-27
Western Oregon University’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$30,600
Housing$7,597
Food$5,387
Books & supplies$1,272
Personal expenses$2,250
Transportation$1,437
Total published by the school$50,904
See how the in-state total ($30,654) is made up
How it’s made up · in-state, 2026-27
Western Oregon University’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$10,350
Housing$7,597
Food$5,387
Books & supplies$1,272
Personal expenses$2,250
Transportation$1,437
Total published by the school$30,654
Net price by family income · in-state students, 2023-24
$0–30k
$15,575
$30–48k
$14,585
$48–75k
$16,151
$75–110k
$17,974
$110k+
$20,243
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
46%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
29%
Back for yr 2
73%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
49% graduated · 35% transferred · 1% still enrolled · 16% left or unknown
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$42,537
10 yrs after entry$51,815
Debt
Median at graduation$20,609
Monthly payment$218
Middle 50% owe$6.5k–$27k
90th percentile$34,858
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
98%
Test policy
Not required
Per College Scorecard

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Essay prompts
How much essays count at Western Oregon University: Considered (one of four levels: very important · important · considered · not considered)
Source: Western Oregon University's Common Data Set for 2024-25 — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures (PDF).

If Western Oregon University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 36%Women 64%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
13 : 1
Pell grant
41%
First-gen
42%
Family income
$41,710
Independent
23%
Veterans
1%
Age at entry
22.0
Part-time
14%
Race & ethnicity
White
55%
Hispanic
27%
Black
3%
Asian
3%
Two or more
7%
Non-resident
1%
AI/AN
1%
NH/PI
2%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division II with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$42,537
After 10 yrs
$51,815
Education, General144
Psychology, General131
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other81
Business/Commerce, General73
Criminal Justice and Corrections68
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness41
American Sign Language30
Communication and Media Studies27
Biology, General26
Computer and Information Sciences, General23
Fine and Studio Arts21
Public Health19
English Language and Literature, General18
Information Science/Studies16
Social Sciences, General15
Political Science and Government15
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$27M
Full-time faculty
74%
Faculty salary
$7,388/mo
Teaching spend
$9,229
per student
Federal loans
74%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (larger programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Western Oregon University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

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