Recently, Affordable Colleges Online ranked Oregon State as a top affordable college with high return.  Affordable Colleges Online checked data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Carnegie Classification and Payscale.com data, which leverages surveys from hundreds of thousands of people (employees, employers, job seekers) from the public and private sectors, regarding salary information by school, occupational field, at various points in a career lifecycle.

Oregon State University was one of only four universities in the Pacific Northwest to grace the affordability list with a $279,000 return on academic investment.  Check out the entire list here.

Thanks for reading…
CYN

You can accept your Financial Aid award through Student Online Services. By accepting your award, you are stating that you have read, understand, and accept the Terms and Conditions of your award. You may accept all or a portion of aid awarded to you. For step by step instructions through this process click here.

Scholarship award offers were mailed separately from a financial aid award letter. Scholarship offers must be signed and returned to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. They cannot be accepted online.

If you have additional questions regarding this process please contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at 541-737-2241 or financial.aid@oregonstate.edu.

-KT

For more information visit: http://oregonstate.edu/financialaid/

-KT

1. Does OSU offer a Psychology degree?

Yes, it is a nationally top ranked psychology program.  At OSU we pride ourselves on the research that is conducted by students/professors and the psychology program is one that really encourages students to participate in psychology based research.

Psychology Degree Info

2. Does OSU have a Nursing Program?

We do not, However we do offer all the prerequisite courses that a student needs to take before applying to nursing school of your choice.  Our Advisors do a great job of working with students interested in applying to a nursing school and making sure they are on track.

Pre-Nursing FAQ

3. Do I have to live on Campus my first year and where can I live?

OSU does not have a first year student live in requirement, it is a personal choice.  Over 80% of first year students choose to live on campus.  Students who live on campus their first year have a higher GPA and it’s a great environment to meet new people and make lifetime connections.

 Housing Info

4. Are you the Beavers or the Ducks?

Home of the Beavers!

5. What is the weather like in Corvallis?

It does tend to be on the rainy side, I myself am from Eastern Oregon so I am used to dry weather with blazing summers and freezing winters.   I would just suggest investing in a good rain coat and boots.  My favorite season was fall because the temperature was in the 60/70’s and all leaves changing colors was amazing to see all around campus.

6. What is there to do in Corvallis?

There is always something going on at OSU/Corvallis.  There are several events, concerts, games going on year round at OSU.  There are over 300 clubs students can be a part of to become more involved on campus or have something fun to do.  Another great thing about OSU is the location.  We are close to the Coast if you want to have a fun beach weekend with friends and also about 90 minutes from Portland for shopping or enjoy the wonders of a big city. For the students interested in nature there are several hiking, biking, and running trail close by.

About Corvallis

7. Do you prefer the SAT or ACT and what is the required score?

It is up to the student whichever one they decide to take.   If you do decide to take the ACT make sure you also take the writing portion. There is no minimum score to apply however when it comes to scholarships your SAT or ACT test score will be taken into consideration, we encourage students to do the best they can.

OSU Admissions Info

 8. Can I study abroad?

Yes, we have over 200 study abroad programs a student can choose from depending on their major.  We have study abroad counselors who can work with students and help find the right program for you.

Study Abroad Info

9. Do you have WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange)?

For out of state students we do not participate in WUE however we do offer scholarships that are comparable to what WUE would cover.  In order to apply for those you need to have completed your admissions application and turned in all required materials before the February 1^st deadline. We also encourage student to look at over avenues for scholarships like around your community,scholarship websites, and filling out your FAFSA.  For online scholarship resources, you should never have to submit your bank account or credit card number, it may be a scam.

 Financial Aid Info

10. Why should I go to OSU?

We are Oregon’s Research institution, we are one of the only two University’s in the U.S. to have all 4 designation grants which are the Land, Sun, Sea , and Space Grant.  What that means for our students is there are several opportunities for students to get involved in research and great hands on education.  At the end of the day it’s a personal choice and the best way to make the decision is to see what OSU has to offer students for yourself by coming and scheduling a campus visit.

 Schedule a Campus Visit

-GG

Women’s Building

Bay Area seniors and their families are invited to our annual informational session in Walnut Creek, California.  Explore OSU will be held at Embassy Suites – Walnut Creek on Sunday, October 23^rd at 3pm.  The afternoon reception will introduce our guests to OSU.  Information that will be presented during Explore OSU include our Academic Programs, Advanced Credit Opportunities for AP or IB, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Student Life and Extra Curricular Activities, Research Opportunities, International Programs and more.

Pre-registration for the event is strongly encouraged. Bay Area students may RSVP for the program as well as find directions and parking information by visiting the following website:  http://oregonstate.edu/exploreosu/.

Explore OSU Bay Area
Embassy Suites – Walnut Creek
1345 Treat Boulevard
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Event Date: Sunday, October 23rd
Event Start Time: 3pm
We hope all students are settling into the school year well and gearing up for the opportunities that lie ahead!

Thanks for reading…
cyn

Fall Visit

Whether you are a senior trying to decide which college to attend or a junior just starting the college selection process, Preview OSU (Friday, October 14th) and Beaver Open House (Saturday, October 22nd) is a great way to discover more about Oregon State University. Select one of our fall visit programs and spend a day with representatives from key academic and administrative areas. You’ll also have a chance to tour the campus, learn about scholarships and financial aid opportunities and talk to OSU students about why they chose to be part of Beaver Nation.

Space is limited so please don’t forget to RSVP by clicking here.

If you cannot attend one of the fall visit programs, we invite you and your family to campus during a Monday through Friday tour. Please click hereto schedule a daily tour (Monday – Friday). If you have questions, please call the Office of Admissions at 1-800-291-4192 or email us at osuadmit@oregonstate.edu

Thanks for reading…
cyn

Scholarship Application Deadline: Priority Deadline February 1st
“Incoming students are automatically considered for University wide scholarships based on their application for admission and completion of the scholarship portion of the application. Complete applications must be submitted by February 1st for students planning to enter school Fall 2011. Applications filed after this deadline will not be considered for scholarships but will be considered for admission to the university.” Make sure you get all your documents in by this deadline, including your online application, transcripts and SAT/ACT scores if you want to be considered for these scholarships! For a list of the scholarships visit: http://oregonstate.edu/financialaid/osu-scholarships.

University Honors College Application: Deadline February 1st
To apply to the University Honors College (UHC) you must first apply to OSU, and then fill out the separate UHC application. The UHC application includes two essay questions. There is no additional fee to apply to the UHC. There are specific qualifications to be considered for the UHC, to view these requirements visit: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/honors/you-apply.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Priority Deadline February 28th
This FAFSA priority deadline is “used to determine eligibility for some need based aid programs as well as State and Institutional funds.” Make sure to list Oregon State University on the FAFSA form, Oregon State’s school code is 003210. To get more information about Financial Aid at OSU visit: http://oregonstate.edu/financialaid/how-do-i-apply-financial-aid.

Be an eager beaver and don’t wait until the last minute to get your apps in! If you have any questions regarding the information above please contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-291-4192 or email osuadmit@oregonstate.edu.

-KT

Women's Building

Whether you are a senior trying to decide which college to attend or a junior just starting the college selection process, the Spring Visit program is a great way to learn more about Oregon State University.  There four program dates : Monday, February 21st, 2011, Friday, March 25th, 2011, Friday, April 1st, 2011 and Friday, April 8th, 2011.  Select one of our Spring Visits and spend an afternoon meeting with representatives from key academic and administrative areas. You’ll also have a chance to tour the campus and talk to OSU students about why they chose to be part of Beaver Nation.

Click here to sign up NOW!

Have questions?  Call the Office of Admissions at 1-800-291-4192 or email us at osuadmit@oregonstate.edu

Thanks for reading…
cyn

Oregon State University has been named a Best Buy School in the upcoming edition of “The Fiske Guide to Colleges” for 2011.

The revised and updated 2011 edition features more than 300 colleges and universities, and names 45 institutions – 21 public and 24 private – as Best Buys. These institutions fall into the inexpensive or moderate price category with four- or five-star academic ratings.

Best Buy schools are named according to the quality of a

cademic offerings in relation to the cost of attendance.

“The Fiske Guide to College” accepts no consulting, advertising, or other fees from colleges and has no outside relationship with colleges working on its behalf.

Fiske Best Buy College 2011

Also, “The Fiske Guide to Colleges” named OSU as “Best Buy College” a few years ago.  Below is a brief look at the guide’s review of OSU in 2009.

“In the face of today’s skyrocketing tuition rates, students and families in all economic circumstances are looking for ways to get the best value for their education dollar,” read the guide. “Fortunately, there are some bargains to be found in higher education; it just takes a bit of shopping around with a little guidance along the way.”

In the guide’s lengthy entry on OSU, it notes that “OSU “is strong in many departments, including biotechnology, forestry and engineering. Says one satisfied freshman, ‘If you are looking for a college that is close-knit and has a friendly college town, OSU is the place to go!’”

As always…thanks for reading.
CYN

2010 Spring Visit

This year’s Spring Visits have come to a close.  They were a huge success thanks to the hard work and diligent coordination from the folks in the Campus Visitor Center.

What is a Spring Visit you may ask?  The programs are offered multiple times during the spring and are a full one day event.  They are a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and their family members to learn the basics about Oregon State University.  Some of the highlights during the Spring Visit experience are:  Campus and housing tours, mini breakout sessions called, Beaver Briefings, Academic presentations, Financial Aid and Scholarship information, how to apply, an Engineering tour, Honors College presentation and much much more!

In fact, it was such a powerful program for prospective individuals; the Gazette Times did a piece about the visit experience.  Here is a snippet of the article:

Friday was the second of four planned spring campus visit programs at OSU. “We’re probably pushing just over 1,000 (parents and students). That’s normal,” said Carl Thomas, associate director of campus visits and programs. The majority of students and parents were from Oregon; others came from Arizona, Hawaii, Colorado, California, Kansas, Ohio, Illinois, Idaho and Washington.

According to a national survey, 76 percent of students say the campus visit is the number one decision-maker when they choose a school, Thomas said.

Many, like Jimmy, were just looking: looking at the campus, at housing and dining options, into financial aid and academic program offerings.

Tour ambassador DJ Zissen, a senior in human development and family sciences, gathered a group of 50 at the foot of the Memorial Union steps for a campus tour.

He led them under rain-soaked magnolia blossoms, past the Valley Library, pointing out the architecture and clock tower of Benton Hall, the oldest building on campus. “It once housed the entire college,” Zissen said.

Eiayas Bajracharya, 17, from Portland, traveled at the back of the pack. “My intention is to major in engineering.” He came with his parents and younger brother, Aeijan, 10.

“We like this college for engineering courses,” said his father, Ekamana. “He wants to start here.”

“Walk this way,” said Zissen, his voice at times competing with the noise of leaf blowers, a jackhammer and an idling 18-wheeler.

Taking notes, Bryan Beals, 16, from Eugene, wasn’t sure where he’ll attend college or what he wants to study.

“The biggest thing is the diversity of majors,” said Beals. “I’m kinda split between engineering and social sciences.”

Fit was his second-most-important criterion. “I haven’t found the perfect fit yet.”

“Where’s the nearest food?” Beals called out to Zissen when they stopped near Waldo Hall. He inquired about the payment system and made notes.

Food was a hot topic on both the campus and housing tours.

“If you keep food in the refrigerator, is it there later?” Nancy Kaste asked as she passed through a kitchen in Sackett Hall. “Moms wanna make sure their kids are well-fed.”

Her daughter, Kristen, 18, from Tillamook, didn’t have many questions. She was torn between Sackett and Wilson Halls for housing. Otherwise, she knew what she wanted.

“OSU is pretty much …” Kristen said. “Top of the list,” mom said, finishing the sentence. Kristen said, “I’m going to explore the field of agriculture and then decide what I like.”

“To me, college was the highlight of growing up,” her mother said. “I hope she has just as good a time.”

If you missed out on the Spring Visit programs this year that is ok.  You can schedule your campus visit online or by calling 800-291-4192 or 541-737-2626 and asking for the Student Visitor Center.   Campus tours are available Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Please check the site soon for summer tour hours.

As always….thanks for reading!
CYN