University of Oregon vs. Seattle University

Hi! I’m a current senior in California trying to weigh out my current options for colleges. I’ve been admitted to both University of Oregon and Seattle University already.

I’ve already visited both schools, and I’ve felt very positive about both. I’m very aware they’re very different schools, as SU is a tiny private school in a bustling city and UO is a pretty huge public school in a far less metropolitan area. I appeal to the city life of Seattle, but I also enjoy the peacefulness of Eugene. I understand that UO is making strides to bring in more diversity, but SU has far more diversity. I do slightly prefer going to a larger school though. I would like to know how the campus community is at both schools, and if either of them harbor more intolerable people than average. Additionally, how are the students generally like? I’m not religious at all - would that be an issue at SU (aka. are academics ridden with Catholic rhetoric or would I find it to be very secular)?

I’m looking to major in Political Science, Philosophy, or Psychology, so any information about either schools’ programs in this major will be plenty appreciated! My main concern is the academics at SU and UO; which would be considered a “good school” in terms of academics? Which school would promote more preparedness in future endeavors in both careers and further education? Are the teachers stubborn and unwilling to discuss or compromise? Will they be prone to grading more harshly those that don’t agree with their values?

Costs aren’t as big of an issue for me, but University of Oregon will be cheaper throughout my four years if residency is gained alongside my small scholarship. Seattle University is slightly cheaper for a single year for my first year as they’ve awarded me with a larger scholarship, but the tuition is fixed even with residency.

Thank you!

Read the residency requirements for UOregon. My understanding is that it is VERY difficult to get residency once you start attending school. IF you opt to work for a year of more in OR and support yourself, THEN you may be able to gain residency and attend as a residence.

You won’t get residency since you won’t be paying taxes in the state nor will your parents.

I’m going to be working during/before my freshman year in state.

Yes but you won’t be working full-time while not enrolled at a university, which is what 'counts '.

The previous posters are correct. Unless you work full-time for 12 months - without being enrolled in any Oregon schools - you will not become eligible for in-state tuition.

As to the qualities of both schools, both should give you the academics you’re looking for.
Both have academic strengths in the majors you’ve noted.
UO will provide a more tradition college experience, complete with big-time sports and Greek life, while SU will prepare you to be an thinking individual. Although Jesuit, the SU religious requirements are nominal and fairly broad.

Both will be good choices. This is a wonderful cross-road to be at.
Think about the overall experiences you’d like to have for the next four years,
and how you envision your life unfolding at each place. City or town? Urban or suburban?
Large or small? Lecture classes or discussion-based classes?

Check the general ed. requirements at both schools, and dig deep into the course descriptions for your potential majors. Which classes sounds more interesting? Will you enjoy the GE courses?

Either way – good luck.

Can you live on campus all four years at SU or will you be at the mercy of the Seattle housing market? Factor that into your costs.

Also, echoing the warning that you will likely not ever get in-state tuition at Oregon.