Western Oregon University
School info
3.7
Overall Quality
Reputation
3.7
Food
3.2
Clubs
3.4
Facilities
4.1
Internet
3.3
Location
3.4
Opportunities
3.4
Safety
4.5
Social
3.3
Happiness
4
Basic Information
Location
- Independence, OR
Institution Overview
- Public/Private: Public university
- Established: January 18, 1856; 168 years ago (January 18, 1856)
- Founder: Disciples of Christ, Thomas H. Lucas, John B. Smith, Squire S. Whitman
Academic information
Degree Courses
- Over 20 fully online graduate degrees
- and numerous undergraduate courses and pathways
Key Area
- Animal behavior and physiology
- Plant ecology and physiology
- Microbial populations
- Evolutionary relationships and conservation ecology
- Teaching and learning in science
Student and Staff Numbers
- Students: 3,746
- Undergraduates: 3,317
- Postgraduates: 429
- Academic Staff: 452
- Administrative Staff: 427
Notable Alumni
- Ariana Richards
- Robert Oberst
- Brian Boquist
- Rick Bartow
- Dan Straily
10 FAQs about this University from
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Students talk about this school
Good reviews
Overall 5
10/10
Overall 5
Great school everything I every hoped for.
Overall 5
Transferring from a larger university to WOU was the best decision that I've ever made! I love the small school, know your professors personally type of school feel. I grew up in a small town so Monmouth feels like a second home to me. Wonderful school and beautiful campus!
Overall 5
Great school. Everyone is really nice and friendly. Never any safety issues. I believe the most active Public Safety was a couple of marijuana busts.
Overall 4.8
Such a chill campus. #Hygge
Overall 4.8
WOU is a beautiful campus that totally caters to the needs of its students. Best known for its Education and Asl studies.
Overall 4.5
Western is a pretty quite place. If you want to party there is places to go. Plus not but 20 mins south and you hit OSU. But if you are looking for a place that is quite and allows you to focus on your education then look no further. The professors vary by department but overall I have had only 2 professors of 30 that were duds.
Overall 4.5
Western is the perfect school for anyone who wants a community. It's the perfect size and even though there's not much to do right in Monouth, it's surrounded by things to do: you can go to the beach or the mountain and Corvallis and Salem are each a 1/2 hour drive. The professors here really get to know you since there are such small class sizes.
Overall 4.4
I came from a small high school and this was the PERFECT school to come to. The class sizes are perfect enough for you to get comfortable with your classmates and your professor. I have had really great professors in my time being here, they are super understanding and flexible as long as you show effort. Awesome school with great people.
Overall 4.4
Absolutely love my school!
Bad reviews
Overall 1
This schools not something you want to get involved in, they staff is slow and seem like they could care less about you as a student and more about the check you have to pay. I don't know much about technology and so I asked one of the financial aid people for assistance and they brushed me off and made me feel inferior. Very disrespectful.
Overall 1.1
The campus is aesthetically pleasing but from that, thats about it. The people here are horrible and its not a good place to be. I chose this for my undergrad and Im planning on leaving after the first term. Too much money for this
Overall 1.4
Very isolating. Not many ways to get involved.
Overall 1.5
I picked WOU after feeling defeated in high school. If you aren't an education or exercise science major they don't care about you. The science department is so small, and they don't have very many good majors in science. The town is super tiny and the campus feels really secluded.I am honestly really glad I transferred.
Overall 1.5
It's a small town in middle of no where. The rehabilitation counseling program wasn't impressive.
Overall 1.6
School says that they would love to hired students for employment, but they will never hire a person with experience. I mean who in the world is going to be your reference? The social environment is dead. You don't know anyone. No one goes to clubs. If you are not here for the ASL program get out of here.
Overall 1.7
There is absolutely nothing to do here at this college. If you are looking for a real college experience look else where. It seems like people here are afraid to be social. Everyone leaves on the Weekends because their nothing going on. Will be going to a different college next year. Save yourself the time and learn from my mistake, DONT COME HERE!
Overall 1.8
Hate it. Won't email you about registration dates. If you have to deal with the business office - don't. Financial aid office is a joke. Been told five different things from five different advisers about simple things like how to accomplish your major. Faculty not helpful unless you're in their specialty. Will be transferring from this ASAP.
Overall 2
School's standards and expectations for students, faculty, and staff are really low. You won't have much options for careers or oppurtunities after graduation. It's in Monmouth, you don't have much options on transportation unless you own a car. No sense of community. No one is serious here. My biggest regret was coming here
Overall 2
this school is for settlers and low achievers. it is cute and charming, but no one really wants to be there and there is nothing to do. I had ONE good professor out of many, but even she couldn't make up for the lack of inspiration. I transferred immediately.