Exploring Student Population At Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University (WOU) is a public university located in Monmouth, Oregon. It was founded in 1856 and has since undergone several name changes. The university offers a range of academic programs and has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 3,300-3,900 students. The campus size is 157 acres, and the university is considered a mid-sized institution.

Undergraduate enrollment

Western Oregon University (WOU) is a public university located in Monmouth, Oregon. It offers 75 bachelor's degrees and had a total undergraduate enrolment of 3,343 students as of January 2025. This figure represents a slight increase from the fall 2022 undergraduate enrolment of 3,320.

WOU is considered a small, mid-sized institution, with an undergraduate enrolment range of 2,864 to 3,750 students according to various sources. The university's student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 13:1 to 14:1, and it maintains a small average class size of 19.

The university's acceptance rate is high, at around 84% to 99%, and it offers a variety of academic programs, including the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Popular majors among undergraduates include Education, Psychology, and Liberal Arts and Humanities.

With a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, WOU prohibits discrimination on various grounds, including race, colour, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The university also offers a range of housing options for its undergraduate population, including apartments for married and single students, as well as special housing for students with disabilities.

Student demographics

Western Oregon University (WOU) is a public university located in Monmouth, Oregon. It was founded in 1856 and currently has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 3,300-3,750 students. The university's campus size is 157 acres, and it offers 60-75 bachelor's degree programs across its two colleges: the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

In terms of student demographics, Western Oregon University has a total enrollment of about 3,300-3,951 students, with a gender distribution of 34% men, 54% women, and 7% non-binary. The university has a diverse student body, with 41% students of color. The racial breakdown of the student population is as follows: 24.1% Hispanic/Latino, 1.1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.1% Black or African American, 1.5% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 5.9% two or more races, and 2.1% race and ethnicity unknown.

The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1-14:1 and an average class size of 19. The average high school GPA for admitted students is 3.38 (unweighted). In terms of financial aid, 74% of all students and 90% of first-time, full-time students receive financial assistance. Additionally, 42% of all students and 48% of undergraduates are first-generation students. The university's acceptance rate is reported to be between 84% and 99%.

Student financial aid

Western Oregon University is a public university located in Monmouth, Oregon. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,320 students (as of Fall 2022) and a campus size of 157 acres. The university offers a range of financial aid options to support its students in funding their education.

Financial Aid Programs

Western Oregon University provides a robust financial aid and scholarship program, administering over $54 million annually to eligible students. The university's financial aid philosophy maintains that the primary responsibility for financing a student's education rests with the student and their family. However, the university is committed to helping students explore various options to secure the necessary funding for their studies.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To be considered for federal and state financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA. The application is available online, and students are encouraged to submit their FAFSAs annually as soon after October 1 as possible. Some funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The FAFSA application deadline for the federal student aid grant is June 30, and it must be resubmitted each year.

Scholarships

In addition to federal and state aid, Western Oregon University offers various scholarship opportunities. The Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) Scholarship Application, for instance, connects students with hundreds of private scholarships and assists them in applying for those they are eligible for. The university also lists dozens of WOU-specific scholarships on its website.

Work-Study Programs

Western Oregon University also offers work-study programs as part of its financial aid package. These programs provide students with the opportunity to work part-time while enrolled, allowing them to earn money to help pay for their educational expenses.

Student Loans

Student loans are another option for students seeking financial assistance. Western Oregon University has partnered with Ascendium Education Solutions to provide annual student debt letters to those who have received federal student loans. These letters outline important information such as interest rates and lifetime loan limits.

Additional Resources

The university's Financial Aid Office provides additional resources and support to both prospective and current students. Students can explore tuition calculators, textbook rental programs, and financial literacy education. The office is available by phone, email, and in-person to answer questions and provide guidance on financial aid options.

Academic performance

Western Oregon University (WOU) is a public university located in Monmouth, Oregon, with a total undergraduate enrollment of around 3,300 to 3,950 students. The university offers a range of academic programs and support services to promote student success.

WOU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 to 14:1, which allows for more personalized attention and support for students. The average class size is 19, which creates a collaborative and engaging learning environment. The university offers 60 to 75 bachelor's degree programs across various disciplines, including education, psychology, liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

The average high school GPA for admitted students is 3.38, indicating a strong academic foundation. The university also offers financial aid to support students in their studies, with 74% of all students and 90% of first-time, full-time students receiving financial assistance. This support helps ensure that students can focus on their academic pursuits without financial worries.

WOU's College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences provide a well-rounded education. The College of Education is divided into the Division of Education and Leadership, the Division of Deaf Studies and Professional Studies, and the Division of Health and Exercise Science. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers 30 bachelor's degrees across seven academic divisions, including Behavioral Science, Business and Economics, Computer Science, Creative Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Science.

The university's academic performance is reflected in its rankings. In 2025, it was ranked #58 in Regional Universities West and #30 in Top Public Schools. WOU's commitment to academic excellence is further demonstrated by its decision to eliminate D- and F grades, instead replacing them with a "no credit" grade. This initiative aims to improve retention and graduation rates and encourage a focus on student learning outcomes.

Campus facilities

Western Oregon University is a public university located in Monmouth, Oregon. The campus covers 157 acres, though another source states 160 acres, in the heart of Oregon's lush Willamette Valley. The university offers small class sizes, with an average of 19 students per class, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1.

Western Oregon University's campus facilities include a range of buildings and resources to support its academic programs and student life. Here is an overview of some of the key campus facilities:

Academic Buildings

• Campbell Hall: This is the oldest building on Oregon's public university campuses. It was constructed in 1871 in the Gothic Revival style from local clay bricks. Campbell Hall is named after Thomas Franklin Campbell, the second president of what was then Christian College. The building features a wing added in 1889 and another in 1898, funded by private donations. Campbell Hall is known for its distinctive tower, which unfortunately collapsed during the Columbus Day Storm in 1962.
• Humanities and Social Science Building: This structure replaced the fallen tower of Campbell Hall after the Columbus Day Storm. It is located at the centre of the Oregon College of Education campus.
• Training School Building: Constructed in 1915, this building originally served as the Model Training School, a model classroom for teacher training. It now houses the Information Technology Center.
• Campus Gymnasium: Built in 1936 with Works Progress funds, the campus gymnasium is a notable feature of the Western Oregon University campus.
• Administration Building: Completed in 1936, this building served as the administration headquarters for the Oregon Normal School.

Student Housing

Western Oregon University offers various housing options for its students, including apartments for married students, apartments for single students, and special housing for disabled students.

Athletic Facilities

As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, Western Oregon University provides athletic facilities to support its varsity sports teams. The university's teams are known as the Wolves, and they compete in 12 intercollegiate sports, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and track & field.

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