By Jennifer Calonia

Total Cost of Attendance

The University of Oregon (UO) is located alongside the Willamette River in the city of Eugene, Oregon. A public, four-year research institution, it’s known for highly-ranked academic programs in environmental law and journalism, as well as its track and field legacy.

In 2023-24, tuition and mandatory fees at the University of Oregon for in-state students was $15,669, while out-of-state tuition and fees was $43,302. Including on-campus room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses, the total cost of attending UO was $35,721 for in-state students and $63,354 for those from out-of-state. That’s higher than the national average cost of attendance at public universities, which is $28,840 for in-state students and $46,730 for out-of-state students.

Financial Aid

Ninety percent of full-time, first-time undergraduate students at UO received some form of financial aid in 2022-23. A majority of the student aid awarded (85%) was grants or scholarships, with a bulk of awards provided by the school itself. Across the entire undergraduate population that year, 21% of students who demonstrated financial need received a federal Pell Grant.

Explore financial aid options: Oregon Student Loan & Scholarship Information Guide

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who 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, or 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, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

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

•  US Department of Education – Search for open and upcoming grant opportunities 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

•  SoFi Scholarship Finder – Search thousands of scholarships, grants, and other aid award opportunities and filter for specific criteria, including location and field of study.

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

A small percentage of first-time undergraduates at the University of Oregon also relied on private student loans to help bridge the financial gap between student aid awards and the cost of attendance. Approximately 4% of UO students used private student loans to pay for their 2022-23 school costs. The average loan amount borrowed was $27,969.

By comparison, 34% of first-time undergrads took out federal student loans with an average amount of $5,103.

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. Federal student loans don’t have to be paid 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 because it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition 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

If the total cost of attendance doesn’t change year over year, the projected cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree at the University of Oregon for in-state students is $142,884, and $253,416 for students from out-of-state. By comparison, the average price of a four-year degree at an in-state public school is $115,360, and $186,920 for those from out-of-state, making UO more expensive to attend.

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

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2023-24, undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state students at UO was $15,669. Add books and supplies at $1,320, and the total tuition and fees for undergraduates was $16,989. This is higher than the average in-state tuition and fees at public colleges, which was $11,260.

For out-of-state students, 2023-24 tuition and fees was $43,302, and books and supplies were $1,320, bringing the total to $44,622. This is higher than the average out-of-state tuition and fees of $29,150 at public colleges in the U.S.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

In-state graduate students at UO paid $16,659 for tuition during the 2023-24 academic year, and out-of-state students paid $30,132. Add the cost of fees, and the in-state total was $19,236 and the out-of-state total was $32,709.

By comparison, the average cost of a two-year Master’s degree from a public university is $51,740, or $25,870 per year. Students may consider graduate loans alongside scholarships, grants, and teaching assistantships to pay for their degree.

Cost per Credit Hour

The cost per credit hour for UO undergraduate students during the 2024-25 term is $253.17. For graduate students, the cost per credit hour largely depends on the degree program being pursued, and starts at $623.

Campus Housing Expenses

All first-year students are required to live on-campus. The University of Oregon has 12 residence halls for students to choose from. Room type options include singles, doubles, triples, suite-style, and apartment-style rooms. In addition, the university offers academic residential communities that help students connect with others with similar interests and passions.

After their first year, students have the option of living off-campus at UO. Rental rates vary, based on a number of factors like distance from campus, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and building amenities. It’s important to note that while off-campus housing costs might appear lower than on-campus housing, students living off campus will need to pay rent for a full year, rather than just the academic term.

University of Oregon School Acceptance Rate

At 85%, the University of Oregon has a high acceptance rate. Of those who were accepted to the school, 15% enrolled.

Admission Requirements

UO follows a holistic review process that considers a student’s academic coursework, grade trends, test scores (if provided), other academic markers, personal statement, extracurriculars and achievements, diversity enhancement, and unique circumstances.

Requirements for admission include:

•  Secondary school GPA

•  Secondary school record

•  Completion of college-preparatory program

•  Personal statement or essay

•  English proficiency test

The following factors are aren’t required for admission, but are considered by the university:

•  Second essay on equity and inclusion

•  Secondary school rank

•  Recommendations

•  Work experience

•  SAT/ACT scores

Prospective freshmen students who are interested in enrolling in the fall term can begin submitting their application on August 1. Below are the set deadlines for the fall term each year:

•  Early action (EA): November 1; submitting supporting documents: November 15

•  Regular admission: January 15; submitting supporting documents: February 15

SAT and ACT Scores

Although incoming freshmen at the University of Oregon aren’t required to take the SAT or ACT for admission, if test scores are provided, they will be taken into account. Below are the test score outcomes of undergraduate students during the fall 2023 term.

Popular Majors at University of Oregon

The most popular programs at UO fall under the social sciences, business, communications and biological areas of study.

1. Business/Commerce, General

The business administration program at UO is offered through the Lundquist College of Business. Available concentrations include accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, sports business, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 567

2. Research and Experimental Psychology

Students in this program learn how to gather and analyze data to perform research. The curriculum involves various lab work in more than 25 labs that partner with the university, including the Center for Translational Neuroscience and local women’s shelters.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 328

3. Advertising

The advertising program encourages students to nurture their creativity, problem-solving skills, and communication. It offers hands-on experience with managing real professional brand clients. Networking trips help keep students connected to key organizations and leaders in the advertising industry.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 256

4. Social Sciences

A bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences provides a multidisciplinary experience that balances research, analysis, and business skills across different professional fields. Concentrations include applied economics, law, environmental policy, and social studies teaching.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 219

5. Physiology

The human physiology program requires core science courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Students commonly use this academic path to bridge science and health in preparation for work in medicine, therapy, education, and other professions.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 207

6. Political Science and Government

As a political science major, students learn about government, domestic and global policy, regulation, and international trade. This program develops students’ critical thinking and writing skills in preparation for work in law, business, government, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 173

7. Public Relations/Image Management

UO’s public relations undergraduate program is a concentration under the Journalism track. Students learn practical strategies to convey a client’s message so it reaches the right target audience and strikes at the right time and place.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 155

8. Journalism

The University of Oregon is well-known for its journalism program. Students learn how to tell a compelling story, perform diligent research, hone writing skills, and dive into the nitty-gritty of ethics, legal, and social considerations in the field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 133

9. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics

Students discover economic systems and apply statistical methods and quantitative analysis to identify patterns that inform business processes and policy. This program is ideal for students who want to move on to a graduate degree or job in data science, public affairs, or government.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 106

10. Human Services

In this program, a family and human services degree offers a multidisciplinary academic experience that weaves fields like psychology, counseling, and public health into one. Students will learn theories, interventions, legal and professional standards, and skills to assess the needs of families and communities so they thrive.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 100

Graduation Rate

Among undergraduate students at the University of Oregon who began their bachelor’s degree program in the fall 2017, 59% earned their degree in four years and 71% earned it within six years.

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

UO students earn a median salary of $61,324 per year. This is lower than the $68,680 median annual salary of all earners graduating with a bachelor’s degree.