American Samoa to SOU Initiative
SOU is pleased to share two opportunities that assist future Island Raiders in making their college dreams a reality. SOU representatives traveled to American Samoa in February 2018 to announce this initiative at an SOU2You presentation and to visit high schools to discuss these pathways with students and their families in person.
Discounted Tuition Rate
The American Samoa to SOU (ASTS) tuition rate can save students over $18,000 per year, compared to the out-of-state rate. The ASTS rate is equivalent to the Oregon resident tuition rate.
To qualify for ASTS, students from American Samoa must be admitted as an undergraduate freshman or transfer student. Upon admission, residents of American Samoa will automatically receive the ASTS tuition rate. For full details about admissions requirements, visit apply.sou.edu
ASTS recipients will continue to receive the tuition rate as long as they are enrolled full-time and remain in good academic standing.
ROTC at SOU
American Samoa has a strong tradition of military service, ranking among the top states and territories for the number of enlistments. Students from the island may choose to explore this pathway by joining ROTC at SOU.
The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) educates and inspires future officers of the U.S. Army, and is open to residents of American Samoa. In addition to guidance from experienced servicemen and women, qualifying cadets receive:
- Leadership development guidance
- In-state tuition rate (for eligible participants)*
- Scholarship opportunities
- On-campus housing assistance is available (for eligible participants)
- Living stipends
*Students who join the Oregon Army National Guard upon enrollment at SOU are immediately eligible for the in-state tuition rate.
Estimated Annual Cost for American Samoa Students
Undergraduate: Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms – 2026/2027
American Samoa to SOU Students Save with Reduced Tuition Rates!
Out-of-State
Tuition*
$32,265
Fees^
$2,675.25
Room and Board†
$18,137
TOTAL§
$53,077.25
Oregon Resident (American Samoa and ROTC)
Tuition*
$11,294.10
Fees^
$2,675.25
Room and Board†
$18,137
TOTAL§
$32,106.35
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Tuition*
$16,920
Fees^
$2,675,25
Room and Board†
$18,137
TOTAL§
$37,732.25
* Tuition estimate based on full-time status of 15 credits per term for Fall, Winter, and Spring (45 credits per year) at $238.19 per credit hour for Oregon residents, $683 per credit hour for non-residents, and $357 per credit hour for WUE residents.
^ Includes mandatory building, incidental, health services, and student recreation center fees.
† Room & board based on Shasta Hall double-occupancy with a Red meal plan.
§ Does not include indirect costs such as books, supplies, transportation, or personal expenses.
What American Samoa to SOU Students are Saying
In my experience here, I’ve come to realize that SOU is a place I can call “home away from home.” I can honestly say that choosing Southern Oregon University has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The ROTC program has allowed me to make friends that are surely becoming family, and that is all an islander can ever ask for.
Contact SOU Admissions
SOU Office of Admissions
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6411 (local)
855.470.3377 (toll-free)
541.552.8403 (fax)
admissions@sou.edu
– Questions About Admissions? –