Portland State University Overview

Portland State University is a four-year, medium full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Portland, OR. It has an enrollment of 15,674 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 98.43%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,334. Tuition is $10,386.00 without financial aid.

Portland State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Portland State University, 75.70% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Portland State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1.

Portland State University Website

Portland State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 98.43%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1099.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 21.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Portland State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,334. The in-state tuition is $10,386.00. Out-of-state tuition is $29,286.00

The average tuition is:

• $12,067, when family income is less than $30,000

• $12,103, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $13,137, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $16,965, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $20,218, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 36.37% of students received a federal student loan and 39.22% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $29,286.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

Portland State University Net Price Calculator

Portland State University Majors/Salaries

Portland State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Portland State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,933
• Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,007
• Architecture. (Master’s Degree) – $52,607
• City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. (Master’s Degree) – $55,964
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,633
• Communication and Media Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $54,661
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $80,186
• Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $45,566
• Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $55,512
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $41,937
• Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $47,762
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $44,919
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $45,526
• Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. (Master’s Degree) – $26,353
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,860
• Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $64,791
• Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $76,460
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,575
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $95,073
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,479
• Mechanical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $82,440
• Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,055
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,133
• Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,141
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,889
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $37,478
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,626
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,947
• Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,798
• Biological and Physical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,301
• Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. (Master’s Degree) – $43,798
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,381
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,348
• Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $60,161
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,167
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,416
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Master’s Degree) – $47,260
• Community Organization and Advocacy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,423
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $59,214
• Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $49,962
• Social Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,252
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,679
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,310
• Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Geography and Cartography. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $35,060
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,202
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,707
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,021
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,808
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,703
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,376
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Master’s Degree) – $32,391
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $29,593
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,796
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $55,724
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
• Public Health. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,682
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $46,087
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,790
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $86,867
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,846
• Accounting and Related Services. (Post-baccalaureate Certificate) – $51,106
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,035
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Master’s Degree) – $78,971
• Human Resources Management and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,203
• International Business. (Master’s Degree) – $56,776
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,193
• Real Estate. (Master’s Degree) – $65,238
• General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,087
• Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,363
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,035

Portland State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Portland State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 1.29%
• Asian: 10.24%
• Black: 4.29%
• Hispanic: 20.19%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.61%
• Non-resident alien: 3.22%
• Two or more races: 6.97%
• Unknown: 3.27%
• White: 49.92%

At Portland State University, 34.42% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Portland State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Portland State University?

Portland State University has a strong school spirit. There are numerous student organizations on campus that promote and organize events to enhance the sense of community and school spirit. Sports teams like the Vikings Football team and the Women’s soccer team compete in multiple local tournaments and leagues. Students also participate in annual traditions such as Homecoming and Viking Days, which bring together faculty and alumni to join in the festivities. Additionally, Portland State has a strong reputation for civic engagement, with many opportunities for students to engage in community service and volunteer projects. All these factors contribute to a vibrant campus culture and an immense sense of pride and spirit among students and faculty.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Portland State University?

At Portland State University, some of the popular extracurricular activities include student government, Greek life, volunteer and community service programs, recreational sports, performing arts groups, and academic clubs related to majors or interests. They also have a wide range of student organizations that cater to diverse backgrounds and interests such as political clubs, cultural organizations, and religious groups. In addition, many students participate in outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, and biking in the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.

How are the food choices at Portland State University?

Portland State University has a diverse range of food choices in its dining hall and campus eateries to cater to different dietary preferences. The university has several dining options such as food carts, cafes, restaurants, and markets that feature various cuisines like Mexican, Italian, Asian, and American. They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. PSU’s Dining Services regularly partners with local farmers and suppliers to source fresh and locally sourced ingredients, making the food at PSU healthy and sustainable. Additionally, the dining halls operate on a flexible meal plan that allows students to access several dining areas.

Is there Greek life at Portland State University?

Yes, Portland State University has several Greek organizations/ fraternities and sororities that students can join. Some of these include the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. These organizations offer students opportunities for leadership, philanthropic events, and social activities. Additionally, Greek life at PSU also helps students make connections and build a strong community on campus.

What is Portland State University known for?

Portland State University, located in Portland, Oregon, is known for its commitment to sustainability and urban studies. It is also recognized for its strong programs in business, engineering, social work, and public affairs. The university is among the top schools in the nation when it comes to community engagement and public service. Additionally, Portland State is the largest university in Oregon, with over 26,000 students enrolled.

What are the most popular school clubs at Portland State University?

Portland State University (PSU) offers a wide variety of student clubs and organizations, and the popularity of these clubs may fluctuate depending on student interest and involvement. However, some of the most popular clubs at PSU include PSU Outdoors, the PSU Climbing Club, the International Student Association, the Latinx Student Association, and the Black Student Union. In addition, there are also clubs focused on specific interests, such as the Anime Club, the Film Club, and the Gaming and Esports Club.

Is the campus at Portland State University safe?

Portland State University is located in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon, and like any urban campus, safety is definitely a concern. PSU has a comprehensive campus safety program that includes a campus security force, 24-hour patrols, video surveillance, and emergency call boxes located throughout the campus. The university also has a dedicated Campus Public Safety Office that is staffed by trained professionals who are committed to keeping the campus safe. PSU encourages students, faculty, and staff to take personal responsibility for their own safety by being aware of their surroundings, staying in well-lit areas, and reporting any suspicious behavior or activity to Campus Public Safety. In general, PSU’s campus is considered safe, but it’s always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times.