Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Western Oregon University at a Glance
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.
1856
170 years old
$16M
$16 million (2021)
3,857
3,249 undergrad · 608 grad
452
157 acres
Identity
Is Western Oregon University Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, Western Oregon University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,815 — 4% below average — while paying $17,237/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 98% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Western Oregon University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Western Oregon University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OR
Ranked #80 of 143 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #5 | Northwest Florida State College | 88 | $4,571 | $39,664 |
| #6 | Bates Technical College | 86 | $6,292 | $50,051 |
| #80 | Western Oregon University | 35 | $17,237 | $51,815 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Western Oregon University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in OR.
Best Programs at Western Oregon University
The highest-earning program at Western Oregon University is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $49,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $23,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from Western Oregon University earns $49,000, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $23,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $28,583 in median debt vs. $21,183 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,237/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $49,000 | $49,000 | $28,583 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,200 | $35,200 | $26,811 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $34,000 | $34,000 | $21,473 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $33,200 | $33,200 | $22,834 |
| Public Health | $31,900 | $31,900 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,500 | $31,500 | $23,000 |
| Psychology, General | $29,100 | $29,100 | $24,949 |
| American Sign Language | $28,200 | $28,200 | $26,000 |
| Social Sciences, General | $26,800 | $26,800 | $23,281 |
| Biology, General | $26,600 | $26,600 | $21,095 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $24,700 | $24,700 | $25,706 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $23,800 | $23,800 | $21,183 |
Similar Colleges in OR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Monmouth, OR
- Student Body
- 3,103 students
- Admission Rate
- 98%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,237
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,815
- Median Student Debt
- $20,609