When deciding which university to attend, students often compare multiple factors such as cost, admissions, academics, and campus life. In this article, we will compare two popular universities – University of Oregon (UO) and California State University (Cal State) – to help you make an informed decision.
UO Overview
The University of Oregon, founded in 1876, is a public research university located in Eugene, Oregon. It offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The university has over 22,000 students, offering a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, organizations, and activities.
UO Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending the University of Oregon varies depending on the student’s residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state students can expect to pay approximately $11,898 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $36,336. Room and board costs for on-campus living are estimated at $13,365 per year.
UO Admissions
Admission to the University of Oregon is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 82%. Applicants must submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1080 and 1290, while the average ACT score is between 21 and 28.
UO Degrees Offered
The University of Oregon offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields of study. Some popular majors include Business, Psychology, Biology, Journalism, and Social Science.
UO Academics
UO is known for its strong academics, with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, allowing for personalized attention and support. The university also provides research opportunities, study abroad programs, and experiential learning through internships and co-ops.
UO Diversity
The University of Oregon is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Approximately 29% of the student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority, and 53% are female. The university also offers resources and programs to support underrepresented students, such as the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence and the Division of Equity and Inclusion.
UO Students
UO students enjoy a vibrant campus life with over 250 student clubs and organizations, covering a range of interests from academics and sports to cultural and community service. Additionally, the university boasts 18 NCAA Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both student-athletes and sports fans.
UO Campus
The University of Oregon’s picturesque campus is located along the Willamette River in Eugene, Oregon. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Knight Library, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and the Ford Alumni Center. Additionally, the university is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with several LEED-certified buildings and a comprehensive recycling program.
UO Alumni
UO has a strong alumni network, with notable alumni such as Nike co-founder Phil Knight, author Ken Kesey, and former NFL quarterback Dan Fouts. The university’s alumni association offers networking events, career resources, and lifelong learning opportunities for graduates.
UO Rankings
The University of Oregon is consistently ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2021 rankings, UO is ranked #103 among National Universities and #60 among Best Value Schools.
UO Outcomes
University of Oregon graduates have a strong track record of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 74% and an average starting salary of $47,000 for recent graduates.
Cal State Overview
California State University, established in 1960, is a public university system with 23 campuses across the state of California. It is one of the largest and most diverse university systems in the United States, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university system has over 482,000 students, providing a multitude of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Cal State Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Cal State universities varies depending on the campus and the student’s residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state students can expect to pay approximately $5,742 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $17,622. Room and board costs for on-campus living vary by campus but are generally lower than those at UO.
Cal State Admissions
Admission to Cal State universities is moderately competitive, with acceptance rates ranging from 30% to 80% depending on the campus. Applicants must submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (although many campuses are now test-optional), and may be required to submit additional materials such as personal statements or letters of recommendation, depending on the campus.
Cal State Degrees Offered
Cal State universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields of study, including Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Education.
Cal State Academics
With a student-faculty ratio varying by campus, Cal State universities provide a supportive academic environment. The university system emphasizes hands-on learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and community service.
Cal State Diversity
The California State University system is known for its diverse student body, with nearly 63% of students identifying as a racial or ethnic minority. The university system also has a higher percentage of female students, with 58% identifying as women.
Cal State Students
With 23 campuses across California, Cal State universities offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including over 1,200 student clubs and organizations. Additionally, many campuses have NCAA Division I or Division II sports teams, providing opportunities for student-athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Cal State Campus
Each Cal State campus offers its unique campus experience, with locations ranging from urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco to more suburban settings like San Bernardino and Chico. The campuses feature state-of-the-art facilities, including modern libraries, research centers, and recreational spaces.
Cal State Alumni
Cal State universities boast a strong alumni network, with notable alumni such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The university system’s alumni associations offer networking events, career resources, and lifelong learning opportunities for graduates.
Cal State Rankings
Cal State universities are consistently ranked among the top regional universities by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2021 rankings, several Cal State campuses ranked in the top 100 among Regional Universities West, with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ranked #3 and Cal State Long Beach ranked #14.
Cal State Outcomes
Graduates of Cal State universities have a strong track record of success, with six-year graduation rates ranging from 50% to 85% depending on the campus. The average starting salary for recent Cal State graduates is around $46,000.
UO vs Cal State Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending the University of Oregon and Cal State universities, it is essential to consider both tuition and living expenses. In-state tuition at Cal State universities is significantly lower than at UO, while out-of-state tuition is also generally lower. However, room and board costs at UO may be higher than at some Cal State campuses.
UO vs Cal State Admissions Difficulty
Admissions difficulty varies between UO and Cal State campuses, with some Cal State campuses having lower acceptance rates than UO. However, both university systems require similar application materials, such as high school transcripts and standardized test scores (if applicable). Overall, both UO and Cal State admissions can be considered moderately competitive.
UO vs Cal State Academic Difficulty
Comparing academic difficulty between UO and Cal State universities can be subjective, as both institutions offer a wide range of degree programs and have strong academic reputations. Students should consider factors such as class sizes, faculty support, and opportunities for research or internships when comparing the academic rigor of UO and Cal State.
UO vs Cal State Outcome Comparison
Both University of Oregon and Cal State graduates have strong employment outcomes and starting salaries. UO graduates have a slightly higher average starting salary, while Cal State universities have varying graduation rates, with some campuses having higher rates than UO. Ultimately, the success of a student’s outcome will depend on their individual experience, academic performance, and chosen field of study.
