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Western Oregon University

Monmouth, OR·Public·3,211 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 3,211 students.

99%
Accept
3,211
Students
$18,290
Net Price
45%
Grad Rate
$43,400
Earnings
10 yr
$15,000
Debt

About This School

Western Oregon University is a public institution located in Monmouth, Oregon with approximately 3,211 undergraduate students enrolled. Western Oregon University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 99%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,290 per year. The graduation rate is 45%, and the typical graduate earns $43,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 99% acceptance rate and a relatively modest $15,000 median debt at graduation make this an accessible, low-risk option financially, but the 45% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than half of students who start here finish, which is worth taking seriously. Worth considering if you need an affordable regional university in Oregon and have a clear plan to stay on track, but students who need strong academic momentum or support structures should ask hard questions before committing.

Founded
1856
Setting
Fringe town

Popular Programs

Education19%
Psychology14%
Business & Marketing9%
Social Sciences6%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Computer Science4%
English4%
Biological Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Ariana Richards

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1057
Reading 75th %ile575
Math 75th %ile533

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$11,025
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,735
Avg Net Price
$18,290
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants40%
Median debt at graduation$15,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
45%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
76%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White57%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino25%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,211 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Western Oregon University

345 Monmouth Ave N

Monmouth, OR 97361-1394

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Oregon

Browse all Oregon schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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