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Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

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Quick Facts

"Out there"

Public research university
Type
29,557
Total Students
32,014
Undergrad
4,439
Graduate
$1.0B
Endowment
(2025)
$13K
Tuition (In-State)
$36K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
79%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
6-year
87%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Jayathi Murthy

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Oregon State University

A powerhouse of research and innovation, Oregon State leads as an R1 land-grant institution.

Oregon State University (OSU) stands as a prominent public land-grant research university in Corvallis, Oregon, renowned for its commitment to discovery and innovation. As an R1 Doctoral University, it boasts "very high research activity" and is one of only four institutions nationwide to hold all four federal grants: Land-grant, Sea-grant, Space-grant, and Sun-grant. This unique position fuels a diverse academic environment, including the nation's seventh-largest engineering college, attracting a vibrant community of scholars and problem-solvers.

The university's rich history dates back to 1856, when it began as the Corvallis Academy, offering the first postsecondary public education in the Oregon Territory. In 1868, it was officially chartered as Oregon's Land-grant university, known then as Corvallis College. This pivotal designation, bolstered by the Morrill Land-Grant Acts, provided the essential financial foundation for growth, allowing OSU to evolve its mission and expand its curriculum, becoming a magnet for young adults seeking professional careers.

Today, OSU offers an impressive array of over 200 undergraduate degree programs, alongside extensive graduate and doctoral degrees through its 11 colleges. Its academic excellence is further underscored by its recognition as a top five doctoral university destination for Fulbright Scholars. With a thriving student body of over 37,000, including more than 32,000 undergraduates, Oregon State University is the largest university in the state, offering an engaging and comprehensive educational experience for prospective students and their families.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as an R1 Doctoral University, signifying "very high research activity."
  • One of only four universities nationwide to hold Land-grant, Sea-grant, Space-grant, and Sun-grant designations.
  • Home to the nation's seventh-largest engineering college (as of 2023).
  • Offers more than 200 undergraduate degree programs across 11 colleges.
  • A top five doctoral university destination for Fulbright Scholars (2022-2023).
  • Serves over 37,000 students, making it the largest university in Oregon.
  • Manages an endowment of over $1 billion (as of 2025).

Timeline

1856
Founded as Corvallis Academy, offering the first postsecondary public education in the Oregon Territory.
1868
Officially chartered as Oregon's Land-grant university and renamed Corvallis College.
1870
First graduates receive Bachelor of Arts degrees.
1961
Officially named Oregon State University.
1971
Became an inaugural member of the Sea Grant program.
1991
Designated a Space Grant institution.
2003
Became a Sun Grant institution.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Oregon State University

⚙️

College of Engineering

Recognized as the seventh-largest engineering college in the nation as of 2023.

Leadership

Roy Haggerty
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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