Oregon State University vs Washington State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Oregon State University and Washington State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Oregon State University vs Washington State University at a glance
Oregon State University admits 77.3% of applicants and Washington State University 86.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $21,504 at Oregon State University and $13,462 at Washington State University. Six-year graduation rates are 67.6% and 62.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Oregon State University admits 77.3% of applicants and Washington State University 86.6%, so Oregon State University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $21,504 a year at Oregon State University and $13,462 at Washington State University; Washington State University costs $8,042 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $16,485 at Oregon State University and $6,750 at Washington State University.
- 67.6% of students graduate within six years at Oregon State University, against 62.8% at Washington State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $67,894 for Oregon State University and $72,280 for Washington State University; Washington State University is $4,386 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at Oregon State University and $18,500 at Washington State University.
- Oregon State University enrolls 30,743 students (small city) and Washington State University 21,099 (distant town).
Side by side
Oregon State University and Washington State University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Oregon State University | Washington State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 77.3% | 86.6% |
| Applicants | 23,188 | 18,197 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1140–1400 | Not reported |
| ACT middle 50% | 24–31 | Not reported |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $21,504 | $13,462 |
| Tuition, in state | $15,117 | $13,888 |
| Tuition, out of state | $40,077 | $30,994 |
| Cost of attendance | $34,878 | $27,914 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $16,485 | $6,750 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,853 | $7,495 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,651 | $8,683 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $21,090 | $15,212 |
| Over $110,000 | $29,717 | $24,537 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 67.6% | 62.9% |
| First-year retention | 87.8% | 78.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $67,894 | $72,280 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $18,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 30,743 | 21,099 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | Town: Distant |
| Location | Corvallis, OR | Pullman, WA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Oregon State University reports 91 bachelor's programs and Washington State University 86; 56 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Oregon State University vs Washington State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Oregon State University or Washington State University?
Oregon State University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Oregon State University admits 77.3% of applicants and Washington State University admits 86.6%.
Which is cheaper, Oregon State University or Washington State University?
Washington State University has the lower average net price after grants: $21,504 a year at Oregon State University against $13,462 at Washington State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $16,485 and $6,750. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Oregon State University or Washington State University graduates earn more?
Washington State University graduates earn more at the median: $67,894 ten years after entry for Oregon State University and $72,280 for Washington State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $18,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Oregon State University or Washington State University?
Oregon State University does: 67.6% of Oregon State University students graduate within six years, against 62.8% at Washington State University.
How big are Oregon State University and Washington State University?
Oregon State University has 30,743 students in Corvallis, OR and Washington State University has 21,099 students in Pullman, WA.