Admissions
Most Commonly Asked Transfer Student Questions continued
Do I have to pay out-of-state tuition if I have not lived in Oregon for one year?
In general, yes. If you are a non-resident, you will pay non-resident tuition regardless of how many credit hours you are taking. Please refer to the SOU Catalog for policies regarding residency and to the tuition and fee schedule.
How long will it take me to get my degree?
The length of your degree program depends on how much course work you have already completed and what requirements you have met. To earn a bachelor's degree, you must earn at least 180 college level credits. Those credits are a compilation of specific general education courses, major courses, electives, and possibly minor courses. A full-time student could earn his/her degree in four years by taking 45 credits each year. Many students take longer because of job or family commitments. Summer classes that are college-level credit classes and required for your degree program will count.
What is University Seminar? Do I have to take it?
University Seminar is an academic first-year experience for students entering SOU. This three-term sequence introduces students to key foundational skills that help them develop as researchers, critical thinkers, and communicators. University Seminar provides students with opportunities to examine their motivation and goals with regard to higher education. Through a structured sequence of writing experiences, students progress beyond unsupported assertion to reasoned argumentation and dialogue. More information is available at the University Seminar page.
Do I have to take Math or Foreign Language?
All SOU students must take at least one college-level math class from a specific list of freshman-level math classes; some majors require additional math classes. A math placement test will help you determine what class you should start out with. Placement tests are offered on both Ashland and Medford campuses. Foreign language does need to be taken if you plan on getting a Bachelor's of Arts degree. You are not required to take foreign language if you plan on getting a Bachelor's of Science degree. More information about the BA/BS requirements can be accessed through the online catalog beginning on page 34. (You can view or download the catalog here.)
Do you accept AP/IB credit and CLEP scores?
We do accept AP and IB credit. For an AP chart and IB information please reference the SOU catalog beginning on page 7. We also accept CLEP scores. CLEP chart and information is available via the SOU catalog beginning on page 9. (You can view or download the catalog here.)
Who is my advisor?
Academic Support Programs offers advising to students who have not decided on or declared a major. For freshmen enrolled in the University Seminar, the instructor serves as their advisor. Once you declare a major, you may choose an advisor from the department you are majoring in, or one will be chosen for you. Once you reach junior standing (90 credits), you should have declared a major and developed a plan for the completion of your degree.
Do you have counseling, academic, disability, or tutoring services available?
Yes, all of the above. Personal counseling is available at the Student Health and Wellness Center. Any student who has paid the student health fee and is currently enrolled is eligible for these services. You can contact Academic Support Programs to inquire about the services available at 541-552-6213.
How many credits do I need to take to get financial aid? What financial/scholarships are available for transfer students?
You must be an admitted student to receive financial aid. You may qualify for federal financial aid and some scholarships if you are attending as a part-time student (students taking fewer than 12 credits). Your financial aid will be adjusted according to the number of credit hours you are registered for. Information about scholarships and financial aid availability can be accessed on the SOU Financial Aid web site.