Oregon State University

Oregon State University admits 78.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive admission offers. This places Oregon State University in the Open Access category for institutions admitting more than 75% of applicants.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates Oregon State University's acceptance rate aligns closely with similar large public research universities. This accessibility level creates favorable admission odds for most academically prepared students, though specific programs may maintain higher standards.

Students should expect that meeting basic admission requirements typically results in acceptance, making Oregon State University a reliable option for college planning. The open access admission structure means students can focus on program fit and outcomes rather than admission uncertainty.

For prospective students, this indicates Oregon State University prioritizes educational access while maintaining academic standards through program-level requirements rather than institution-wide selectivity. This admission profile makes Oregon State University particularly valuable for students seeking strong post-graduation outcomes without the uncertainty associated with highly selective institutions.

Oregon State University's published cost of attendance totals $29,926 annually, including $35,664 in out-of-state tuition, $15,075 for room and board, and $600 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less with tuition of $13,494, reducing total attendance costs substantially.

However, the average student pays just $19,568 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,358 from the sticker price. This net price falls $3,978 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating Oregon State University provides favorable affordability compared to similar large public research universities.

The substantial difference between published costs and actual net price demonstrates the institution's commitment to financial aid accessibility. Out-of-state students face higher costs but still benefit from aid that reduces actual expenses well below published rates.

The financial aid effectiveness positions Oregon State University competitively among public research universities while maintaining strong academic and outcome performance.

Oregon State University graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings rise from $50,843 six years after enrollment to $57,210 at eight years and $64,010 at ten years, representing 25.9% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 6,569 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Earnings span from $39,922 at the 25th percentile to $92,783 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation across programs and career paths.

The gap represents a 2.3:1 ratio between top and bottom quartile outcomes. Low-income graduates earn $54,900, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from modest backgrounds.

Approximately 26.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting strong preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.

Oregon State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive ranking analysis. Construction Engineering ranks #1 nationally, graduating 97 students with median earnings of $93,310 and a perfect value score of 100.0.

Computer Science ranks #63 nationally and #2 in Oregon, producing the largest STEM cohort with 626 graduates earning $94,403. Mechanical Engineering ranks #55 nationally and #1 in Oregon, graduating 273 students with median earnings of $84,855.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering achieves the highest median earnings at $96,536, ranking #35 nationally. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs rank #3 nationally with strong value performance.

Business Administration and Management ranks #115 nationally, graduating 406 students with earnings of $63,726. These flagship programs demonstrate Oregon State University's strength in engineering, technology, and professional preparation.