Oregon State University is a major land-grant research university in Corvallis, Oregon, with nationally leading programs in forestry, environmental science, and marine biology. Its strong commitment to sustainability and the natural sciences is complemented by its Pacific Northwest location, providing direct access to diverse ecosystems for field research.
Mascot: Beaver
Notable Alumni
Linus Pauling (two-time Nobel Prize winner)•Douglas Engelbart (inventor of the computer mouse)•Gary Payton (NBA Hall of Famer)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Oregon State has a friendly, outdoorsy vibe rooted in its land-grant identity — Corvallis is a quintessential small college town where Beaver football weekends are the social high point and Greek Row chapter houses anchor a lot of the party scene. About 15% of students go Greek across 45+ chapters, and house culture is more prominent here than at many schools. Outside Greek life, the social pace is mellow — hiking, intramurals, and campus org events fill the gaps without the intensity of a big-city school.
A mix of historic brick buildings and modern facilities set among mature trees in the Willamette Valley. Pleasant and well-maintained but architecturally unremarkable.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Oregon State's Department of Public Safety provides 24/7 patrols, blue-light emergency phones, campus escorts, and a 911 dispatch system. Most incidents are alcohol-related.
Corvallis has a violent crime rate 49% below the national average, making it one of Oregon's safer cities. The neighborhoods surrounding campus are quiet and walkable.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Daily during academic year; summer dates open in early May. Fall Open House dates in October-November.
Duration: 60-90 minutes depending on tour type (general, transfer, or college-specific)
Check in at the Welcome Center in the southwest corner of Reser Stadium. College-specific tours available for Ag Sciences (75 min), Business (60 min), Engineering (75 min), and Science. Registration opens through June 12 for spring; summer dates open in May.
Book a TourFree self-guided tour app with recorded audio from student TOUR Ambassadors at each stop. Also available as a virtual video tour online.
Tour ResourcesSeptember through early November for warm, dry weather and full campus activity. Spring (April-May) is also beautiful but rainier. Avoid visiting during finals weeks (mid-March, mid-June) or summer break when campus is quieter. Fall Beaver Open House Days (October-November) are ideal for prospective students.
Complimentary parking for registered visitors in the parking garage at 661 SW 26th St. Virtual permit system — just need your license plate number, no printout required. Park in floors 1-3 of the garage or any B/C zones. Nearest airport is Portland International (PDX), about 90 minutes north via I-5. Eugene Airport (EUG) is 45 minutes south.
Location
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