Oregon State University – Cascades: A Comprehensive Overview
Oregon State University-Cascades (OSU-Cascades) is a branch campus of Oregon State University (OSU) situated in Bend, Oregon. As the only university in Central Oregon providing both baccalaureate and graduate programs, OSU-Cascades plays a vital role in the region's higher education landscape. Furthermore, it offers professional pathways and certificate programs, catering to a diverse range of educational needs.
Historical Context and Growth
The establishment of OSU-Cascades marked the fulfillment of a 30-year endeavor to bring a four-year university to the largest region in the state lacking one. The campus officially opened in 2016, signifying a major milestone as Oregon's first new public university in over half a century. This development addressed the educational gap for rural families, as studies indicated that most freshmen attending public universities typically do so within 50 miles of their homes.
OSU's plan to expand the campus into a four-year school was approved by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education in August 2012. The campus began offering four-year degrees by Fall 2015. The Oregon Legislative Assembly approved $16 million in construction bonds during the 2013 legislative session to finance a new, expanded four-year campus in Bend for OSU-Cascades. The expansion was further supported by an additional $8 million through philanthropic funds and campus-supported bonds, creating a financing package totaling $24 million.
In early 2018, the Oregon Legislature approved a $39 million state-backed bond to further expand the OSU-Cascades campus. This expansion will facilitate the construction of a new academic building focused on STEAM fields, featuring labs, classrooms, and faculty offices. The new building will house majors such as kinesiology, engineering, art, and outdoor products.
Campus and Facilities
OSU-Cascades initially operated in Cascades Hall at Central Oregon Community College from its opening in 2001. Currently, the campus is situated on 10 acres (4.0 ha) of land, featuring four buildings, one of which is operated by the Bend Science Station. A fifth building, the Graduate and Research Center (GRC), is located a half-mile away near Deschutes Brewery.
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The Cascades Student Residence (CSR) serves as the university's sole residence hall and can accommodate up to 304 students. Obsidian Hall functions as the campus dining and academic building, with a capacity of up to 250 students. Edward J. Ray Hall, named in honor of former OSU President Emeritus Ed Ray, was inaugurated during the fall of the 2021-22 academic year.
In late 2017, OSU-Cascades acquired a 73-acre demolition landfill from Deschutes County for $1. The landfill, located adjacent to the Cascades campus, was previously utilized for the disposal of construction debris. The anticipated cost for the site cleanup is $43.3 million. The university also possesses an additional 46 acres from a former pumice mine situated next to the landfill. With over 100 acres purchased, OSU-Cascades intends to expand its campus footprint. Encompassing a 128-acre campus footprint, a vision to become a model for innovation and sustainability, and a mission to connect with the surrounding community, the university’s award-winning long range development plan reflects a nearly two-year, public planning process. Sustainability features are embedded in our newest building, Edward J. Ray Hall.
Academics and Programs
OSU-Cascades offers a range of academic programs reflecting Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Input from area businesses and industries has helped develop and enhance programs in computer science, energy systems engineering, hospitality management, outdoor products, and kinesiology. The campus is growing to 3,000 to 5,000 students to meet state education goals.
OSU-Cascades partners with Central Oregon Community College to provide a dual degree partnership. Students have the option to complete lower-division courses at Central Oregon Community College and upper-division courses through OSU-Cascades or Oregon State University.
The university prides itself on providing students with small class sizes and one-on-one mentoring, fostering a supportive and personalized learning environment. Students appreciate the very small class sizes at OSU-Cascades, which enable more one-on-one interaction with professors and create a close-knit learning environment. Professors are described as accessible and supportive, often knowing students by name and responding quickly to questions. This intimate academic setting is ideal for those who prefer personalized attention and a community feel within their education.
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Admissions and Student Life
OSU-Cascades is a public university with a somewhat competitive admissions process, boasting an acceptance rate of 68%. As of Fall , the full-time enrollment was 628 undergraduate students, with an additional 430 part-time undergraduate students.
For the Fall 2017 term, the first year of enrollment at the new campus featuring campus housing, the university had 1,204 students. This included 81 first-year students, 158 transfer students, and 249 graduate students. Notably, approximately 25 percent of all OSU-Cascades students were the first in their families to attend college. Only eleven percent of OSU-Cascades students are under age 20. The average age of all OSU-Cascades students is 29, while the average age of graduate students is 33.
A significant portion of students receive financial aid, with the average total aid awarded amounting to $9,294 per year. The net price, which represents the average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, is $18,949 per year.
While the campus is smaller than some might expect, with a significant portion of undergraduate students enrolled online, there are opportunities for social engagement through clubs, particularly those focused on outdoor sports. The dorms are considered beautiful, and the campus is generally regarded as safe.
Location and Surroundings
Bend, the largest city in Central Oregon and the seventh largest in the state, provides a dynamic backdrop for OSU-Cascades. Situated between the Cascade Mountains and the Central Oregon high desert plateaus, Bend has evolved from its origins as a lumber town in 1905 into a thriving tourist hub. The city attracts outdoor recreation enthusiasts and beer aficionados alike, offering a plethora of hiking/biking trails and breweries.
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The Oregon State Cascades Campus enjoys close proximity to attractions such as Mount Bachelor, the Factory Outlets, and the Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
Student Perspectives and Outcomes
Reviews from students reveal a mixed but generally positive experience at Oregon State University - Cascades. While some students express concerns about the limited social scene and the availability of resources for certain programs, others praise the supportive campus community and the valuable opportunities for personal and academic growth.
A significant majority of students (94%) are employed within one year of graduation, and 100% of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation. The median earnings five years after graduation is $65,204 per year, exceeding the average of $45,519.
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