Oregon State University Tuition and Fees

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 10/2023)

Total Cost of Attendance

Oregon State University, located in Corvallis, Oregon, offers prospective students nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its 11 colleges. It’s a public, four-year institution that’s renowned for its engineering, agriculture, food science, and public health programs. In 2022-23, Oregon State University tuition and fees for an in-state student is $12,664 and $33,439 for out-of-state students.

Costs for 2022-23

Financial Aid

The majority of students receive financial aid to help pay for Oregon State University costs. Ninety-three percent of students were awarded some level of financial assistance, whether through grants, scholarships, or loans. Pell Grants, a federal student loan program for students who demonstrate an exceptional financial need, were given to 20% of OSU students, with an average award of $4,734.

Explore financial aid options: Oregon Student Loan & Scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

At OSU, 5% of students opted to take out private student loans to supplement other sources of financial aid. They borrowed an average of $18,094 in non-federal loans.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Over a four-year academic career at the school, the projected cost for an Oregon State University degree is estimated at $54,107 for in-state students and $141,433 for out-of-state students. For comparison, in 2022-23, the average cost of a four-year degree for in-state students at a public institution is $43,800 and $112,960 for out-of-state students, according to the College Board.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

For the 2022-23 academic year, Oregon State University undergraduate tuition, fees, and room and board for full-time, in-state students is $26,902. Tuition, fees, and room and board for out-of-state OSU students are higher at $47,677. For comparison, the average in-state student spends $25,707 for a year on tuition, fees, and room and board at a four-year public institution, according to the Education Data Initiative.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

The average tuition cost to attend an Oregon State University graduate program is $13,446 for full-time, in-state students. Meanwhile, Oregon State University out-of-state tuition for full-time graduate students is $28,242. Students who need financial assistance — beyond any awarded federal aid — should consider graduate loans.

Cost per Credit Hour

In-state OSU undergraduate students who matriculate in 2023-24 pay $348 for their first credit hour while non-residents students pay $1,075 for one credit hour. By comparison, in 2022-23 the cost per credit hour for one credit was $347 for residents and $1,072 for out-of-state students.

Certificates

The Oregon State University Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) department offers more than 100 professional online courses and certificate programs. Classes come in a variety of formats, from self-paced online classes to on-site boot camps. There’s a range of credentialing options, including certificates and continuing education units. Certificate programs include home horticulture and technical writing among others. Prices range depending on what you’re studying. A single day class on white wine tasting costs $55, while a 10-week online class to earn your Permaculture Design Certificate is $900.

Campus Housing Expenses

Costs for 2022-23

*Based on one-bedroom (or studio, etc) pricing. Average rate based on available apartments on Oregon State University off-campus housing website in 2023.

Many first-year students reside on campus in one of the university’s 16 residence halls, which offer single, double, and triple room options. Students can also decide to live in an apartment off-campus. According to OSU, the average cost of rent for a studio in the area is $400 to $500, while a one-bedroom unit costs $700 to $1,000.

Oregon State University Acceptance Rate

Fall 2023

With an acceptance rate of 83%, Oregon State University is a somewhat competitive school.

Admission Requirements

Students who are interested in applying to Oregon State University for the fall term must submit their application by February 1. Applicants must meet certain basic eligibility requirements for admissions, which include submitting a high school transcript and GPA, among other factors.

Required:

•  High school GPA

•  High school transcript

•  Completion of a college-preparatory program

•  Test of English as a Foreign Language, if applicable

Recommended:

•  High school rank

•  Formal demonstration of competencies

SAT and ACT Scores

SAT and ACT scores are not a requirement for 2024 and 2025 admissions to Oregon State University, though students must state on their application whether they’d like their scores considered. Below are the test scores of students who submitted their scores for fall 2021.

Though there are no required test scores for admissions, here are the scores by subject at the 25th and 75th percentile:

Popular Majors at Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers a wide range of majors across 15 colleges — students can choose from more than 200 programs.

1. Computer Science

The most popular undergraduate degree program at Oregon State University is computer science. Students learn how to apply software and design algorithms that prepare them for careers in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other fields.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 877

2. Business Administration and Management

Students who declare a business administration and management major learn how to identify and develop solutions for business success. Areas of focus include organizational behavior, finance, marketing, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 382

3. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering students are offered a foundation of knowledge to prepare students in various industries like aerospace, robotics, and other fields. Students design products and participate in paid internships along their path toward graduation.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 325

4. Psychology

The OSU psychology program teaches students about mental and human behavior in a research-focused environment, learning key psychology principles and applications. This gives students a groundwork for professional programs, like law, or preparation for a career in business or other industry.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 284

5. Human Development and Family Studies

OSU students who pursue a human development and family studies major learn about development from childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Some examples of sources within the curriculum include family policy, children and youth with disabilities, and families and poverty to name a few.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 208

6. Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Kinesiology majors at OSU learn how physical exercise and mechanics impact human health and wellness. Courses include exercise physiology, biomechanics of human movements, and resistance training program design.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 201

7. Biology/Biological Sciences

Biology is a popular major at OSU. Undergrads can also choose among a handful of subspecialties, including various pre-professional focuses, ecology, genetics, marine biology, and others.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 191

8. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other

Medical preparatory programs at Oregon State University are another top major at the school. Students engage in research opportunities and complete courses in chemistry, physics, biology, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 149

9. Finance, General

Finance majors learn about asset and wealth management, financial planning, insurance, and other financial principles. The curriculum prepares students for roles in business, entrepreneurship, banking, or investment.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 142

10. Civil Engineering

Civil engineering students learn about various scientific principles along with engineering sciences as part of the degree program. Students are also encouraged to gain hands-on experience through paid internships. Sample courses include strength of materials, civil and construction engineering materials, transportation engineering, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 126

Graduation Rate

Generally, OSU students take more than four years to complete their degrees. Below are the graduation rates of students who first began their full-time education at OSU in fall 2014.

•  41%

•  69%

•   71%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Graduates of Oregon State University earned a median income of $60,461 ten years after leaving school. This figure is higher than the average college graduate’s salary of $55,260.