
1250 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, OR 97520, USA


Southern Oregon University provides a variety of athletic opportunities for students interested in competing and staying active. The university supports numerous intercollegiate sports teams that participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). These teams compete in the Cascade Collegiate Conference, offering student-athletes a chance to engage in a competitive and collegiate environment.
Among the sports programs available, students can join men's and women's teams in basketball, cross country, volleyball, and track and field. The school also offers men's baseball and women's softball, providing a wide range of options for athletes with different interests and skill sets.
Beyond varsity sports, Southern Oregon University encourages student involvement in intramural and club sports, allowing a broader segment of the campus community to participate in recreational activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Southern Oregon University offers a variety of student groups that cater to diverse interests and cultural backgrounds. Among these organizations are the Native American Student Union, which provides a community space for Indigenous students and those interested in Native American culture; the International Student Association, supporting students from abroad with cultural exchange and social activities; and Impact, a club with religious affiliations that engages members in faith-based discussions and community service.
Additionally, the university hosts the Ho`opa`a Hawaii Club, focused on Hawaiian culture and heritage, and Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society that recognizes academic achievement and leadership on campus. These groups contribute to a vibrant campus life, fostering engagement and connection among students.
Southern Oregon University hosts a diverse student body across both undergraduate and graduate levels, characterized by a varied age distribution and multiple ethnic backgrounds. The undergraduate population notably includes a substantial number of younger students, with 1,281 under the age of 18 and 984 aged 18 to 19, alongside significant groups in their early twenties and older age brackets. Graduate students tend to be older, with considerable representation in the 40-49 and above 65 age groups, indicating the university attracts mature learners as well.
In terms of enrollment size, freshmen entering the university number around 657 annually, a figure regarded as average compared to peer institutions. Transfer students add approximately 312 more, bringing total new enrollment to about 969, which falls into a similar average range. This balance suggests a steady influx of both new first-year and transfer students, contributing to a dynamic campus community.
Ethnically, White students make up the largest identified group, with 3,794 individuals, placing the university in the top 40% for this demographic concentration. Native American students are notably well-represented as well, with 108 enrollees, ranking Southern Oregon University in the top 20% nationally for this group. Hispanic and Asian students are present in more modest numbers, while African American students number 45, placing these groups within average or slightly below average representation ranges at the university. There is also a significant portion of students categorized as unknown ethnicity, totaling 297, which reflects a level of diversity or data limitations.
The university does not currently provide publicly available data on in-state versus out-of-state student distribution, nor on international student enrollment, limiting the ability to analyze geographic diversity or foreign representation.
Southern Oregon University offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities that contribute to a vibrant campus life. Students can participate in campus theater productions, join the campus radio station, or take part in the campus chorus. Additionally, a campus newspaper and a campus television station provide platforms for student journalism and media experience.
Support services on campus include legal services, a health clinic, psychological counseling, a veterans affairs office, and a women's center, all available to assist students with various needs throughout their academic journey.
The university competes in athletics as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), providing opportunities for student-athletes to engage in competitive sports.
Southern Oregon University maintains an average total enrollment of approximately 5,506 students, with about 896 full-time degree-seeking students. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 23, which is considered very high and ranks among the top 5% nationally, potentially impacting class sizes and faculty accessibility.
Southern Oregon University offers access to the Lenn and Dixie Hannon Library, its sole library facility. While the university does not provide additional libraries, this main resource supports a moderate collection size with approximately 340,015 physical books, placing it near the median among comparable institutions.
The library houses a digital collection of about 135,298 eBooks, though this number is relatively low in comparison to other universities. It also includes around 80 databases, reflecting an average level of resource availability for research and study purposes. Students benefit from both physical and digital access to these materials, as well as access to shared collections across institutions.
Facility amenities include study rooms and the presence of trained staff to assist with research needs. The library operates with established service hours; however, all-day access is not provided. Overall, despite fewer additional libraries, the Lenn and Dixie Hannon Library offers essential resources to support academic work at Southern Oregon University.
Total enrollment
5506Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
896Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
189 full time, 148 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Lenn and Dixie Hannon LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes