Western Oregon traces its history to 1856, which makes it the oldest public university in the state. It's in Monmouth, a small town in the Willamette Valley about 20 minutes from Salem. WOU is best known for teacher education and for American Sign Language and interpreting, where it is one of the leading US programmes. Business, computer science and criminal justice are also popular.
Monmouth, Oregon, United States
Official website: wou.edu
1856
Public university in Oregon
Willamette Valley, near Salem
$27,000 – $31,000
International students, undergraduate and graduate
$12,000 – $15,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on wou.edu before you apply.
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Business
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Criminal Justice
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BA Interpreting Studies
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MA Interpreting Studies
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
American Sign Language and interpreting programmes with a national reputation.
Teacher education that supplies Oregon schools.
A small campus with personal attention.
Interpreting graduates work in education, healthcare and video relay services.
Education graduates teach in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
STEM graduates can apply for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Limited programmes
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Limited programmes
The campus is leafy and compact, with residence halls a short walk from class. Most first-year students live on campus.
Monmouth is a quiet college town surrounded by farmland. Salem is about 20 minutes away, and Portland and the Oregon coast are each about an hour and a half.
Form I-20 issued by Western Oregon University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
WOU admits on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply by about June for fall and a few months ahead for winter or spring.
WOU runs on quarters: fall (September), winter (January) and spring (April). Most international students start in fall.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Western Oregon University after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Computer science, business, criminal justice and interpreting studies are popular. Undergraduates need a secondary school record and IELTS 6.0. Interpreting programmes need strong English and ASL skills, and the MA needs a bachelor's degree.
WOU offers some scholarships and tuition reductions for international students, based on grades. Check the international admissions page for current awards.
