Southern Oregon University Ashland USA 2025

Southern Oregon University (SOU) is a campus of approximately 6,200 students that serves the state of Oregon with a focus on southern Oregon and the northernmost counties of California. SOU provides a comprehensive education with selected professional programs at the bachelor’s and master’s level. One of seven public universities in Oregon, SOU provides intellectual and personal growth through a theoretical and experiential education. Southern Oregon University emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and focuses on preparing students to live and lead in a multicultural, global society. SOU has been ranked among the top 25 campuses in the nation for three years running by Campus Pride Index.

SOU’s culture of engaged faculty is ideal for undergraduate and graduate instruction. Its rising national recognition is thanks to the faculty’s notable research and creative talents. With over 90% of SOU instructors possessing the highest degrees in their fields, the faculty provides a friendly, service-oriented environment where students learn and grow.

Hands-­on experience in research and community projects enhance classroom, laboratory, and studio learning. An Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree program, Honors College, Innovation and Leadership degree completion program, and an array of other special programs and certificates provide students with an education that best accommodates their lifestyles, particularly through its online education offerings.

In 2015, Southern Oregon University was named the first “Bee Campus USA” in the nation. In keeping with the University’s goals of environmental stewardship, SOU was also distinguished as a “Tree Campus USA” institution by the Arbor Day Foundation. SOU remains a major partner in the economic, cultural, and environmental development of the region, offering students an variety of opportunities for direct participation. SOU is a regional leader for its outstanding education and research in the science fields and technology.

The university maintains close global connections through its many international students, exchange programs, and longstanding sister university alliances, including the flagship, Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico.

SOU’s main campus is located in vibrant Ashland, Oregon. With the location largely residential in character, students live both on campus or in Ashland’s student­-friendly local neighborhoods.

On­-campus housing offers four complexes with residence halls, fine dining featuring many organic and locally-­sourced ingredients, apartments for upper­ division housing, family housing in Old Mill Village with childcare services, and a facility for visiting groups who participate in SOU’s educational enrichment offerings.

Serving a growing number of commuter students from as far away as Roseburg, Oregon and Redding, California, SOU provides many educational programs and services at the RCC/SOU Higher Education Center in Medford. SOU enjoys many fruitful and growing partnerships with regional community colleges, including Rogue Community College, Klamath Community College, Umpqua Community College, and the College of the Siskiyous, as well as Oregon Health & Science University.