Southern Oregon University vs Willamette University: which has better ROI?
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.)
| Measure | Southern Oregon University | Willamette 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 |
| Payback | 82.1 yrs | 11.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$50,628 | $70,536 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
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.
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.
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.
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.