Through the relentless efforts of local citizens, the state legislature appropriated funds to establish the Southern Oregon Normal School, and the college's doors reopened for a summer session in 1926. During the 1940s all state normal schools were renamed Colleges of Education. Following World War II, Southern Oregon College of Education experienced rapid growth in enrollment as veterans returned to college. In 1956 the college became Southern Oregon College, in recognition of its transformation into a regional liberal arts college. In 1975 the college's name was again changed, this time to Southern Oregon State College.
Classrooms are accessible for all students.
The student body includes 4,720 undergraduate students pursuing their studies in 35 baccalaureate degree programs, with approximately 410 students enrolled in five graduate programs. While most students are predominately from the western United States, more than 140 international students from 38 countries are also enrolled at the university.