Western Oregon University — College Profile

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

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

Source: wou.edu

See how the in-state total ($30,654) is made up

How it’s made up · in-state

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

Source: wou.edu

Net price by family income · in-state students

$0–30k

$15,575

$30–48k

$14,585

$48–75k

$16,151

$75–110k

$17,974

$110k+

$20,243

Your family's actual price → Western Oregon University net price calculator

Source: U.S. College Scorecard

Grants from the school

90% of first-years get a grant from the school, averaging $3,925

Source: College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS)

Outcomes

Completion

Within 6 yrs

46%

Within 4 yrs

29%

Back for yr 2

73%

Transferred

Pell students: 43.0% · others: 50.1%

8 yrs after starting

49% graduated · 35% transferred · 1% still enrolled · 16% left or unknown

Earnings

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

Admit rate

98%

Test policy

Not required

Admitted students

Admit rate: men 97.6% · women 98.5%

Yield: 18.6% of admitted students enroll

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

omhu 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.

Personalized reach / match / safety list

Financial aid & net cost estimates

Deep dives on any school

Scholarship search

Get your college list →See a sample college plan first

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 — 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

Age at entry

22.0

Part-time

14%

Where first-years come from

In state (OR)

83.7%

Out of state

14.5%

International

1.1%

Most out-of-state first-years from: WA 38 · CA 16 · HI 11 · AK 4 · ID 3

Race & ethnicity

White

55%

Hispanic

27%

Black

Asian

Two or more

Non-resident

AI/AN

NH/PI

Unknown

Varsity sports

NCAA Division II with football

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

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