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Southern Oregon University vs Warner Pacific University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Warner Pacific University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $102,516 in 15 years versus 82.1 years at Southern Oregon University, on median earnings of $55,204 vs $49,175 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern Oregon UniversityWarner Pacific University
Net price / yr$16,732$25,629
Total net cost$66,928$102,516
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,175$55,204
Median debt$20,332$25,000
Payback82.1 yrs15 yrs
20-year net return-$50,628$34,364

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

Which is cheaper, Southern Oregon University or Warner Pacific University?

Southern Oregon University, at $16,732 a year after aid versus $25,629 — a gap of $8,897 a year, or $35,588 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Southern Oregon University or Warner Pacific University graduates earn more?

Warner Pacific University graduates report a median $55,204 ten years after entry, $6,029 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.

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

Southern Oregon University: its completers carry a median $20,332 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Warner Pacific University, a difference of $4,668. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

49% of students finish at Warner Pacific 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 Warner Pacific University: frequently asked questions

Is Southern Oregon University or Warner Pacific University a better value?
Warner Pacific University. It clears its $102,516 net cost in about 15 years versus 82.1 years at Southern Oregon University, on median earnings of $55,204 vs $49,175 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern Oregon University or Warner Pacific University?
Southern Oregon University: $16,732/yr net price after aid versus $25,629/yr at Warner Pacific University — a difference of $8,897 a year, or about $35,588 over four years.
Do Southern Oregon University or Warner Pacific University graduates earn more?
Warner Pacific University graduates earn a median $55,204 ten years after entry, versus $49,175 at Southern Oregon University — a $6,029 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.