Admit rate has ranged 68%–86% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus combines the academic rigor of Oregon's leading public research university with the intimate scale of a small college—all set against the outdoor paradise of Bend, Oregon. With a focus on hands-on learning and career-ready degrees in fields like natural ecosystems and health sciences, OSU-Cascades attracts students who want both a tight-knit community and direct access to 2.5 million acres of national forests.
Admission requirements
Test-blind — scores not considered
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Demonstrated competencies
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
1,044
In-state tuition
$13,566
Out-of-state tuition
$37,356
Acceptance Rate
63-68%
Avg. Class Size
20 students
Female Students
72.8%
Graduation Rate
56%
Students Receiving Aid
89%
Employed/Grad School (6mos)
95%
Median Earnings (1yr post-grad)
$36,427
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,010
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.5×
Median debt at graduation
$21,221
Graduation rate
56%
First-year retention
75%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
67%
Pell (lower-income) share
54%
First-generation share
31%
Endowment / student
$9,949
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Computer Science$73,446
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$73,035
Construction Engineering$71,295
Manufacturing Engineering$69,338
Industrial Engineering$67,420
Engineering, Other$64,493
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
0
Per 1,000 students
0.00
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
93
Summer high
80°F
Winter low
27°F
Annual rain
22.8"
Annual snow
54.9"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus's acceptance rate is approximately 63% (Bend, OR), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
Admitted students at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus typically score 1143–1318 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Oregon State University-Cascades Campus cost?
At Oregon State University-Cascades Campus, the average net price (after aid) is about $18,048 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus enrolls approximately 1,044 undergraduate students.
Where is Oregon State University-Cascades Campus located?
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus is located in Bend, OR.
Admissions
OSU-Cascades maintains a 63-68% acceptance rate, making it somewhat competitive but accessible compared to flagship campuses. For Fall 2023, 2,342 students applied, with 1,478 accepted and 1,049 enrolled. The university is test-optional, though admitted students typically have SAT scores between 1,150–1,320 or ACT scores of 23–28. Notably, 72.8% of enrolled students are female, reflecting a significant gender imbalance.
OSU-Cascades specializes in (average ) and , particularly in . As the , it emphasizes with . Popular programs align with regional needs, including natural resource management and innovation-driven fields. The campus leverages its proximity to for fieldwork and research.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Chemical Engineering
$63,600
Civil Engineering$63,430
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
small classes
20 students
career-focused programs
science, environmental studies, health, and entrepreneurship
only university in Central Oregon offering both bachelor’s and graduate degrees
applied learning
95% of graduates employed or in grad school within six months
Life here revolves around the outdoors and close-knit community. The Office of Student Life oversees:
Clubs and organizations (e.g., environmental groups, DEI initiatives)
Adventure programs (hiking, skiing in the nearby Cascades)
Student government and events (like the Women’s History Month Luncheon)
With no Greek life, socializing leans into intramurals, local Bend culture (ranked one of Oregon’s best cities), and campus-led activities. The 72% female student body shapes a distinct social dynamic, with strong emphasis on wellness and inclusivity.
OSU-Cascades boasts a 56% graduation rate, with 90% of recent graduates reporting satisfaction with their career preparation. The median earnings one year post-graduation are $36,427, rising over time. The Class of 2026 set a record with 380 degrees awarded (mostly bachelor’s), highlighting growth in engineering and first-generation students. OSU graduates overall earn $20,000 more annually than the national average for public university alumni.
In-state tuition runs $13,566/year, while out-of-state students pay $37,356. However, 89% of students receive financial aid, with an average grant award of $11,046. Institutional grants average $8,090, significantly offsetting costs. The university encourages use of its Net Price Calculator to estimate personalized aid packages, which often include scholarships tied to regional workforce needs (e.g., STEM, healthcare).
OSU-Cascades is the only four-year university in Central Oregon, offering a unique hybrid of OSU’s research muscle and a small-college vibe. Its location in Bend—a hub for outdoor recreation—shapes both academics and student life, with programs designed for sustainability and adventure. The 90% career-placement rate and focus on high-demand fields (like health sciences and ecosystems) make it a pragmatic choice for students seeking employability without sacrificing access to nature.
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus logo · sourceOregon State University-Cascades Campus - Bend, OR | Appily · sourceMaps and Directions | Visit OSU-Cascades | OSU-Cascades · sourceOSU-Cascades contributed nearly $90 million to region in 2024, economic impact report finds | OSU-Cascades · source
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