
Oregon State vs. University of Oregon: An In-Depth Analysis of Two Pacific Northwest Powerhouses
Oregon State University and the University of Oregon are two of the most prestigious universities in the Pacific Northwest. Both schools offer a wide range of academic programs, research opportunities, and athletic teams. But which school is the better choice for you?

To make the best decision for your individual needs, it’s important to compare Oregon State and University of Oregon in a variety of key areas. In this article, we will take a close look at both schools’ academics, research, athletics, and more.
Academics: Oregon State vs. University of Oregon
Oregon State University and the University of Oregon are both ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Oregon State is ranked 168th, while the University of Oregon is ranked 92nd.
Both schools offer a wide range of academic programs. Oregon State has 12 colleges and schools, while the University of Oregon has 11 colleges and schools. Both schools offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.
Oregon State is particularly strong in the sciences, engineering, and agriculture. The University of Oregon is particularly strong in the humanities, social sciences, and arts.
According to the National Science Foundation, Oregon State University received $276 million in research funding in 2019. The University of Oregon received $140 million in research funding in 2019.
Both schools have a strong commitment to research. Oregon State is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute and the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute. The University of Oregon is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Oregon Institute for Educational Leadership and the Oregon Humanities Center.
Athletics: Oregon State vs. University of Oregon
Oregon State and University of Oregon are both members of the Pac-12 Conference. Both schools have strong athletic programs, but they excel in different sports.
Oregon State is particularly strong in football, baseball, and softball. The Beavers have won 33 conference championships in football, 16 conference championships in baseball, and 6 conference championships in softball.
The University of Oregon is particularly strong in track and field, basketball, and football. The Ducks have won 28 national championships in track and field, 6 national championships in basketball, and 3 national championships in football.
Both schools have a passionate fan base. Oregon State fans are known as the “Beavers,” while University of Oregon fans are known as the “Ducks.”
Which School Is Right for You?
Oregon State University and the University of Oregon are both excellent schools. The best way to decide which school is right for you is to visit both campuses and talk to current students.
Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
- Academics: What are your academic interests? Oregon State is stronger in the sciences, engineering, and agriculture, while the University of Oregon is stronger in the humanities, social sciences, and arts.
- Research: Are you interested in research? Both schools have a strong commitment to research, but Oregon State has a higher research budget than the University of Oregon.
- Athletics: Are you a fan of college sports? Oregon State is stronger in football, baseball, and softball, while the University of Oregon is stronger in track and field, basketball, and football.
- Campus life: What kind of campus environment are you looking for? Oregon State has a smaller campus than the University of Oregon, but it is located in a more rural area. The University of Oregon has a larger campus than Oregon State, but it is located in a more urban area.
Once you have considered all of these factors, you can make the best decision for your individual needs.
Comparison Tables
Feature | Oregon State University | University of Oregon |
---|---|---|
World ranking (QS) | 168 | 92 |
Number of colleges and schools | 12 | 11 |
Research funding (NSF) | $276 million | $140 million |
Football national championships | 33 | 3 |
Basketball national championships | 0 | 6 |
Track and field national championships | 0 | 28 |
Campus size | 445 acres | 295 acres |
Location | Corvallis, Oregon | Eugene, Oregon |
Effective Strategies for Deciding
- Visit both campuses. This is the best way to get a feel for each school and see if it is a good fit for you.
- Talk to current students. Current students can give you valuable insights into the academic, social, and athletic life at each school.
- Consider your academic interests. What are you passionate about learning? Oregon State is stronger in the sciences, engineering, and agriculture, while the University of Oregon is stronger in the humanities, social sciences, and arts.
- Think about your research goals. If you are interested in research, you should consider Oregon State’s higher research budget.
- Consider your athletic interests. If you are a fan of college sports, you should consider Oregon State’s strong football, baseball, and softball programs, or the University of Oregon’s strong track and field, basketball, and football programs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t make a decision based on rankings alone. Rankings are only one factor to consider when choosing a college.
- Don’t base your decision on the size of the school. Bigger is not always better. The size of the school should be a factor, but it should not be the only factor.
- Don’t make a decision based on the location of the school. The location of the school is important, but it should not be the only factor.
- Don’t make a decision based on the cost of the school. The cost of the school is important, but it should not be the only factor.
FAQs
- Which school is older? Oregon State University was founded in 1868, while the University of Oregon was founded in 1876.
- Which school has a larger endowment? The University of Oregon has a larger endowment than Oregon State University. As of 2020, the University of Oregon’s endowment was valued at $1.3 billion, while Oregon State University’s endowment was valued at $737 million.
- Which school has a more diverse student body? The University of Oregon has a more diverse student body than Oregon State University. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 27% of University of Oregon students are students of color, while 18% of Oregon State University students are students of color.
- Which school has a better graduation rate? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the University of Oregon has a higher graduation rate than Oregon State University. The University of Oregon’s six-year graduation rate is 79%, while Oregon State University’s six-year graduation rate is 73%.
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