University of Oregon campus
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University of Oregon

Eugene, OR · Public · 20,497 students

Rivers, coffee shops, labs, and legendary arenas like iconic Hayward Field sit steps apart on a pleasant, green campus.

Acceptance rate

88.3%

SAT (mid 50%)

1130–1360

Avg net price

$22,182

after aid

Next deadline

Nov 1

EA

Testing

Required

2026 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and University of Oregon’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. University of Oregon admitted 88.3% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 11301360 on the SAT and 2330 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what University of Oregon actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Where Bold Ideas Become Breakthroughs

Students and faculty team up to tackle big challenges, pushing boundaries from ocean depths to human performance, creating real-world change.

The curriculum offers nearly 200 undergraduate programs, providing flexibility and depth to tailor education to individual interests and career goals.

  • Human PhysiologyHealth fields, cadaver lab, medical breakthroughs
  • JournalismSolutions, engaged, data journalism, global reporting
  • Business AdministrationInnovation, leadership, AACSB, global business

Verified from uoregon.edu and uoregon.edu and admissions.uoregon.edu and admissions.uoregon.edu and admissions.uoregon.edu and admissions.uoregon.edu and admissions.uoregon.edu.

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Next deadlineNovember 1, 2026 (EA)
  • Regular decisionJanuary 15, 2027
  • TestingRequired (2026 cycle)
  • Recommendations0 letters
  • Personal essayNot required
  • ApplicationCommon App

Verified from https://www.uoregon.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

  • Write an essay of 650 words or less that shares information that we cannot find elsewhere on your application.

    Up to 650 words

  • Curiosity and breadth of interests are defining characteristics of Clark Honors College students. We value originality and want to learn more about your unique journey and the nature and breadth of your intellectual curiosity. Please tell us about a specific enthusiasm that showcases your curiosity and intellectual engagement with the world. Your chosen enthusiasm or passion can be from any domain—academic, artistic, scientific, cultural, or any other area that has captivated your interest.

    Up to 500 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.uoregon.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $34,793, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $22,182.

The university awards $268 million in aid annually through grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships, with a Duck Tuition Guarantee locking in undergraduate tuition rates for up to five years.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $61,324.

Verified from https://www.uoregon.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

Grab a coffee, head to the Human Cadaver Dissection Lab, then catch a game at Hayward Field, a Tuesday here.

The vibrant campus in Eugene blends modern facilities like the LEED-certified Lillis Business Complex with green spaces and the energy of iconic Hayward Field.

EntrepreneurialOutdoor-centricCollege TownResearch-focused

Quick answers

University of Oregon FAQ

Is University of Oregon test-optional?
No. For the 2026 application cycle, University of Oregon requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants.
How hard is it to get into University of Oregon?
Very hard. University of Oregon admits 88.3% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1130 to 1360 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
When is the University of Oregon application deadline?
The next deadline is November 1, 2026 (EA). Regular Decision closes January 15, 2027.
How much does University of Oregon cost?
The list price is about $34,793, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $22,182.
Is University of Oregon worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $61,324 ten years after enrolling, and 72% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about University of Oregon.

Spike answers from University of Oregon’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.