For the 12th consecutive year, Oregon State University (OSU) has retained its title as the largest university in Oregon, enrolling 38,460 students across all its campuses and online programs this fall, according to preliminary data released Monday.
OSU President Jayathi Murthy said the record enrollment reflects the university’s mission as a modern land-grant institution committed to expanding access to higher education.
“We’re proud to deliver on our mission by opening more paths to opportunity for more students than any other university in Oregon,” Murthy said. “OSU’s academically rigorous, career-focused programs fuel the workforce, power the economy and create prosperity for our state, nation and world.”
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Record Growth Across Campuses
Oregon State’s student body now represents all 36 Oregon counties, all 50 U.S. states, and more than 100 countries. The enrollment figure includes students studying at OSU’s campuses in Corvallis, Bend (OSU-Cascades), Portland, La Grande, and through its globally recognized Ecampus online division.
The Corvallis campus remains OSU’s largest, with 25,374 students, marking a 2% increase from last year. The Ecampus program continues to thrive with 11,647 students enrolled—holding steady after several years of explosive growth. Meanwhile, OSU-Cascades in Bend reported 1,384 students, maintaining its enrollment numbers.
Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Nechell Bonds said the university’s continued growth underscores OSU’s deep commitment to accessibility and student success.
“Our message of ‘every student graduates’ is not just a catchy phrase,” Bonds said. “It represents our promise to ensure that every student we admit—whether on campus or online—has the resources and support to achieve their goals.”
Expanding Access and Opportunity
This fall’s class includes 9,012 first-year students, of which 2,356 are transfer students, reflecting OSU’s ongoing collaboration with Oregon’s community colleges to simplify transfer pathways.
Nearly 21% of incoming students are the first in their families to attend college, while 54% received support through the Oregon Opportunity Grant, which helps keep higher education financially accessible.
OSU also earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report as the most affordable public university in Oregon, highlighting the school’s efforts to keep costs down while expanding academic opportunities.
Diversity and Global Reach
OSU’s student body continues to become more diverse. The percentage of students of color enrolled at both Corvallis and through Ecampus increased by approximately 3%, outpacing overall growth.
International enrollment also remains robust at 2,181 students. While the number of new international students dipped slightly due to shifting visa policies, the population of returning international students grew compared to last year.
Among the nearly 4,900 new freshmen, 57% are from Oregon, with the remainder coming primarily from Washington, California, Hawaii, Colorado, and Texas.
Graduate and Online Program Expansion
Graduate and professional programs are also experiencing strong momentum, particularly through OSU’s Ecampus. Online graduate enrollment grew by 10% year-over-year, underscoring the growing demand for flexible, remote education options among working professionals.
The university’s Ecampus—regularly ranked among the top online programs nationwide—now serves students around the world, offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs entirely online.
OSU’s Impact and Research Leadership
Beyond enrollment, Oregon State continues to distinguish itself as a national leader in research and innovation. OSU receives more research funding than all other public universities in Oregon combined, fueling advancements in sustainability, climate science, agriculture, health, and technology.
As one of only three universities in the U.S. to hold land, sea, space, and sun grant designations, OSU operates research and outreach programs in every Oregon county, including the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport and the OSU Portland Center.
A Commitment to Oregon’s Future
President Murthy emphasized that Oregon State’s steady growth isn’t just a matter of numbers — it’s a reflection of the university’s broader mission to serve communities statewide.
“Every new student represents a story of opportunity and transformation,” Murthy said. “Whether they’re studying in Corvallis, Bend, or online from halfway around the world, OSU students are shaping Oregon’s future — and beyond.”
With another year of record-breaking enrollment, Oregon State University’s reach continues to expand, reaffirming its position as a cornerstone of education, research, and innovation in the Pacific Northwest.
