In this article, we will compare two popular universities in the United States: Oregon State University and the University of Colorado. We will discuss various aspects of each university, such as their costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more. The goal is to help prospective students make an informed decision about which university may be the best fit for them.
Oregon State University Overview
Oregon State University (OSU) is a public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon. Established in 1868, OSU is one of the few universities in the United States with a land-grant, sea-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant designation. The university is organized into 11 colleges, offering more than 200 undergraduate and 80 graduate degree programs. OSU is renowned for its strong programs in engineering, forestry, marine sciences, and environmental sciences.
Oregon State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Oregon State University varies depending on the student’s residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition for in-state undergraduate students is $11,166, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $31,590 per year. Room and board on campus is estimated at $11,916 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, including federal grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
Oregon State University Admissions
The admissions process at Oregon State University is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 82% for the Fall 2020 entering class. Potential students must submit the Common Application or OSU-specific application, along with their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1080-1310, while the average ACT score range is 22-28. Additional factors considered during the admissions process include class rank, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
Oregon State University Degrees Offered
Oregon State University offers a wide range of degree programs across its 11 colleges. Some of the most popular majors at OSU include engineering, business, health sciences, agriculture, and forestry. In addition to traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees, OSU also offers accelerated master’s programs, online degree programs, and continuing education courses.
Oregon State University Academics
OSU is known for its strong academic programs, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. The university emphasizes experiential learning, offering numerous research, internship, and study abroad opportunities for students. OSU is also home to numerous research centers and institutes, such as the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory.
Oregon State University Diversity
Oregon State University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. As of Fall 2020, the undergraduate student population is 47% male and 53% female, with 25% identifying as an underrepresented minority. OSU offers various resources and programs to support diverse students, including cultural resource centers, diversity scholarships, and multicultural student organizations.
Oregon State University Students
OSU has a vibrant campus life, with over 400 student clubs and organizations covering a wide range of interests. Students can participate in intramural sports, Greek life, academic and professional organizations, and cultural clubs. Additionally, OSU offers various support services for students, such as academic advising, career services, and mental health resources.
Oregon State University Campus
The OSU campus is situated on 400 acres in Corvallis, Oregon, a city consistently ranked as one of the most livable college towns in the U.S. The campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, research facilities, and recreational spaces. OSU also has a strong emphasis on sustainability, with numerous green buildings and a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Oregon State University Alumni
OSU has a strong alumni network, with over 200,000 graduates around the world. Notable alumni include Nobel Prize-winning chemist Linus Pauling, former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts, and former NASA astronaut William Oefelein.
Oregon State University Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 rankings, Oregon State University is ranked #139 in National Universities and #68 in Top Public Schools.
Oregon State University Outcomes
OSU has a strong track record of positive student outcomes, with a six-year graduation rate of 67% and an employment rate of 84% within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for OSU graduates is $48,000.
University of Colorado Overview
The University of Colorado (CU) is a public research university system, with four campuses located in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Aurora. Established in 1876, CU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various colleges and schools. The Boulder campus, the flagship campus of the CU system, is particularly well-known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and the natural sciences.
University of Colorado Costs & Tuition
Tuition at the University of Colorado varies depending on the campus and the student’s residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition for in-state undergraduate students at the Boulder campus is $12,500, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $38,300 per year. Room and board on campus is estimated at $14,500 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, including federal grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
University of Colorado Admissions
The admissions process at the University of Colorado is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 78% for the Fall 2020 entering class at the Boulder campus. Potential students must submit the Common Application or CU-specific application, along with their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score range for admitted students at the Boulder campus is 1150-1360, while the average ACT score range is 25-31. Additional factors considered during the admissions process include class rank, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
University of Colorado Degrees Offered
The University of Colorado offers a broad range of degree programs across its campuses, with over 150 undergraduate and 110 graduate programs available at the Boulder campus alone. Some of the most popular majors at CU include engineering, business, psychology, and biological sciences. CU also offers online degree programs and continuing education courses.
University of Colorado Academics
CU is known for its strong academic programs, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 at the Boulder campus. The university emphasizes experiential learning, offering numerous research, internship, and study abroad opportunities for students. CU is also home to numerous research centers and institutes, such as the National Snow and Ice Data Center and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.
University of Colorado Diversity
The University of Colorado is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. As of Fall 2020, the undergraduate student population at the Boulder campus is 52% male and 48% female, with 22% identifying as an underrepresented minority. CU offers various resources and programs to support diverse students, including cultural resource centers, diversity scholarships, and multicultural student organizations.
University of Colorado Students
CU has an active campus life, with over 500 student clubs and organizations covering a wide range of interests. Students can participate in intramural sports, Greek life, academic and professional organizations, and cultural clubs. Additionally, CU offers various support services for students, such as academic advising, career services, and mental health resources.
University of Colorado Campus
The CU Boulder campus is located on 600 acres at the base of the Rocky Mountains, offering stunning views and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, research facilities, and recreational spaces. CU is also committed to sustainability, with numerous green buildings and a strong focus on reducing its environmental impact.
University of Colorado Alumni
CU has a robust alumni network, with over 300,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former NASA astronaut Vance Brand, and bestselling author Stephen King.
University of Colorado Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 rankings, the University of Colorado Boulder is ranked #103 in National Universities and #46 in Top Public Schools.
University of Colorado Outcomes
CU has a strong track record of positive student outcomes, with a six-year graduation rate of 71% and an employment rate of 84% within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for CU graduates is $50,000.
Oregon State University vs University of Colorado Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Oregon State University and the University of Colorado, several factors must be considered, including tuition, room and board, and financial aid availability. For in-state students, tuition at OSU is slightly lower than at CU, with the estimated annual tuition being $11,166 and $12,500, respectively. Out-of-state students can expect to pay more at CU, with an estimated annual tuition of $38,300 compared to $31,590 at OSU. Room and board costs are also higher at CU, with an estimated annual cost of $14,500 compared to $11,916 at OSU. Both universities offer financial aid to eligible students, including federal grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
Oregon State University vs University of Colorado Admissions Difficulty
Both Oregon State University and the University of Colorado have moderately selective admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 82% and 78% for the Fall 2020 entering classes, respectively. The average SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students are slightly higher at CU, with admitted students scoring between 1150-1360 on the SAT and 25-31 on the ACT, compared to 1080-1310 on the SAT and 22-28 on the ACT at OSU. Both universities consider additional factors during the admissions process, such as class rank, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
Oregon State University vs University of Colorado Academic Difficulty
The academic rigor at both Oregon State University and the University of Colorado is considered challenging, with both universities offering strong programs in engineering, business, and the natural sciences. Both universities have a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, indicating a similar level of classroom engagement and faculty accessibility. Additionally, both universities emphasize experiential learning and offer numerous research, internship, and study abroad opportunities for students.
Oregon State University vs University of Colorado Outcome Comparison
When comparing the outcomes of attending Oregon State University and the University of Colorado, several factors must be considered, including graduation rates, employment rates, and starting salaries for graduates. The six-year graduation rate is slightly higher at CU, with 71% of students graduating within six years compared to 67% at OSU. The employment rate within six months of graduation is the same at both universities, with 84% of graduates finding employment. The average starting salary for CU graduates is slightly higher at $50,000, compared to $48,000 for OSU graduates.
