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Head-to-head comparison

Southern Oregon University vs Willamette University: which has better ROI?

Public, Ashland OR · vs · Private nonprofit, Salem OR

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Ashland, OR

Southern Oregon University

Net price / year
$16,732
Earnings, 10 years
$49,175
Payback
82.1 yrs

Option B Salem, OR

Willamette University

Net price / year
$25,121
Earnings, 10 years
$56,911
Payback
11.8 yrs
The verdict

Willamette University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,484 in 11.8 years versus 82.1 years at Southern Oregon University, on median earnings of $56,911 vs $49,175 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern Oregon UniversityWillamette University
Net price / yr$16,732$25,121
Total net cost$66,928$100,484
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,175$56,911
Median debt$20,332$21,500
Payback82.1 yrs11.8 yrs
20-year net return-$50,628$70,536

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Southern Oregon University or Willamette University?

Southern Oregon University, at $16,732 a year after aid versus $25,121 — a gap of $8,389 a year, or $33,556 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Southern Oregon University or Willamette University graduates earn more?

Willamette University graduates report a median $56,911 ten years after entry, $7,736 more than the $49,175 at Southern Oregon University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Southern Oregon University or Willamette University?

Southern Oregon University: its completers carry a median $20,332 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Willamette University, a difference of $1,168. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Willamette University, against 43% at Southern Oregon University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Southern Oregon University vs Willamette University: frequently asked questions

Is Southern Oregon University or Willamette University a better value?
Willamette University. It clears its $100,484 net cost in about 11.8 years versus 82.1 years at Southern Oregon University, on median earnings of $56,911 vs $49,175 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern Oregon University or Willamette University?
Southern Oregon University: $16,732/yr net price after aid versus $25,121/yr at Willamette University — a difference of $8,389 a year, or about $33,556 over four years.
Do Southern Oregon University or Willamette University graduates earn more?
Willamette University graduates earn a median $56,911 ten years after entry, versus $49,175 at Southern Oregon University — a $7,736 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.