Portland State University
About Portland State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Portland State University is a public urban research university in downtown Portland, Oregon. It is known for its community-based learning model and offers programs in business, engineering, social work, and urban planning.
Founded
1946
Location
Portland, Oregon
Students
17,719
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
52.7%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,679
Out-of-state: $31,074
Avg Net Price
$9,552
After financial aid
SAT Average
1195
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$57,906
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Aug 1
Portland State University accepts the majority of applicants at 90.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1195/ 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Average: 21 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
52.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
76.1%
4-Year Grad
29%
6-Year Grad
54%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
56.8%
$/Student
$13.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 29% graduation rate is below average, but 76.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,679
In-State
$31,074
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,728
Books & Supplies
$732
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,590
After Financial Aid
$9,552
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,655
Receive Grants
41.7%
Take Loans
32.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $21,590/yr for in-state students, including $13,728 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $9,552. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $31,074.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Portland State University fund their education.
While in School
41.7%
Get Grants
Free money
32.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$25,986
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 32.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Portland State University.
Gender
56.2%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
13,182
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,537
Graduates
39.1%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
32.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 39.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
13,182
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Portland State University fields 10 varsity teams with 411 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Big Sky
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
411
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
59% / 41%
242
Men
169
Women
6
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Portland State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$57,906
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$33K
350 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Sciences, General
$35K
275 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$51K
263 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$23K
233 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$41K
192 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$38K
164 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $58K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Portland State University
What is the acceptance rate at Portland State University?▾
How much does Portland State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Portland State University?▾
How much do Portland State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.