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Portland State University is a rather large urban campus located in downtown Portland, Oregon. The campus is home to over 17,000 undergraduate and over 5,000 graduate students. Degree options span the academic gamut and include STEM fields, such as biology and computer science, but also humanities topics, such as philosophy and economics. Both graduate and undergraduate students enjoy the option to pursue degrees online or by way of a flexible course schedule.
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Overview of Portland State University (PSU)
Students not only have access to some of Oregon's best academic programs, but they also pursue a well-rounded education with extra-curricular interests. The campus recreation center is a great place to get a workout, enjoy a pick-up game, or sign up for an outdoor adventure. The rec center features a climbing wall, indoor track, pool/spa, recreational clubs, and group fitness classes. Since Portland is smack in the middle of some of the most rugged and beautiful geography, students will have opportunities to take paddling trips, backpacking adventures, or to rent equipment for a trip with friends.
Since PSU is located downtown, students can also sample the local food carts, bookstores, and music venues. Every night of the year students can find an eclectic cultural offering either within walking distance of their dorm or a short drive away. For a more contemplative time, students find that the riverfront park is a perfect urban oasis.
General Information
School Type | Public |
---|---|
Campus Setting | City: Large |
Campus Housing | Yes |
Student Faculty Ratio | 19:1 |
Graduation Rate | 54% |
Year Founded | 1946 |
Student Enrollment
Total Students22,858
17,753
5,105
Undergraduate Student
Male 7,811
Female 9,942
Graduate Student
Male 2,246
Female 2,859
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Top Rankings For Portland State University
PSU Acceptance Rate and Admissions
APPLICATIONS6,859
ACCEPTANCE6,722
Acceptance Rate98%
Enrollment 1,748
Admissions | |
---|---|
Application Fee | $60 |
High School GPA | Required |
High School Rank | NA |
High School Transcripts | Required |
College Prep Courses | Required |
Recommendations | Recommended |
Formal demonstration of competencies | Recommended |
SAT/ACT | Considered But Not Required |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
Application Deadline | Rolling |
Common Application Accepted | Yes |
PSU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid
As a public institution, Portland State University is able to provide Oregon's tax paying residents a terrific education at a considerable discount, especially relative to private institutions. Indeed, Oregonians see gross academic costs of around $11,500, which includes tuition, books, supplies, and all academic fees. Meanwhile, non-residents pay over $30,000 for their courses and materials.
Once room, board, and other costs of living as a college student in Portland are factored in, the gross price tag for in-state students exceeds $28,000 for both on and off-campus residents. Non-Oregonians pay a bit more, with their gross costs exceeding $47,000. However, out-of-state students who qualify for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program may be able to reduce their gross costs. And the financial aid office applies grants and scholarships to bring the price tag down considerably.
In fact, the average net price for a year at PSU is only $13,000, including all living costs. For households in the lowest income bracket the average net cost is only $12,000. Households with income in excess of $110,000 see their average net price rising over $20,000, a true value in higher education.
Average net price | 2020-2021 |
---|---|
Net Price | $13,015 |
Average Total Aid | $9,424 |
Students Receiving Financial Aid | 84% |
Room & Board | $$13,500 |
Sticker Price
- Tuition In-State - $10,386
- Tuition Out-of-State - $29,286
- Books and Supplies - $1,200
- Room & Board - $13,500
- Other - $3,210
Academics
There are many reasons to attend Portland State University. Students may be drawn to the city of Portland, which is known for its excellent culture and open mindedness. However, researchers are more interested in how PSU stands up academically. To assess PSU, our research team evaluates educational statistics, such as the retention rate and the graduation rate, among other factors.
The retention rate is a measure of how many of PSU's first-time, full-time students return to campus for a second year. The higher the number, the more students are seen to value PSU's curriculum, faculty, degree opportunities, and campus resources. In fact, PSU has a very strong retention rate of 76%, well above the national average, indicating that PSU students and their families are very happy with the school. The graduation rate is 54%, which is augmented by a 23% transfer rate. Since transfer students need a strong academic background to venture forth to more competitive schools, PSU is seen as providing a strong academic foundation for all students. Researchers thus deem PSU as preparing 77% of its students for a college diploma.
Retention
Rate
4 year
Graduation
Rate
6 year
Graduation
Rate
Student Population Total
Student Population 22,858
17,753
5,105
Most Popular Programs & Majors
(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)
All Business Majors | 970 Total Graduates / 21% |
---|---|
Marketing/Marketing Management, General | 203 Graduates |
Accounting | 200 Graduates |
Business Administration and Management, General | 190 Graduates |
Finance, General | 135 Graduates |
All Social Sciences Majors | 536 Total Graduates / 11% |
social Sciences, General | 227 Graduates |
Political Science and Government, General | 95 Graduates |
Sociology, General | 62 Graduates |
Economics, General | 52 Graduates |
All Psychology Majors | 395 Total Graduates / 8% |
Psychology, General | 395 Graduates |
Health Professions and Related Programs | 386 Total Graduates / 8% |
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 165 Graduates |
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | 95 Graduates |
Audiology/Audiologist | 48 Graduates |
Health and Wellness, General | 39 Graduates |
All Engineering Majors | 312 Total Graduates / 7% |
Mechanical Engineering | 117 Graduates |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 81 Graduates |
Civil Engineering, General | 70 Graduates |
Computer Engineering, General | 23 Graduates |
All Other Diplomas | 45% |
Outcome & Salary
Portland State University offers a wide range of degree programs, but all students are interested in estimated earnings once they graduate. Since Portland and the nearby environs are rather tech-heavy, it's no surprise that the top-earning graduates from PSU report a median income in excess of $93,000. In the #5 spot for top-earning graduates, graduates from the finance and financial management program report pre-bonus, median salary of $58,000. Students who graduate with engineering degrees also report great success, with median earnings that range from $66,000 to $82,000.
Graduates Salary | |
---|---|
College Grads Early Career Salary | $55,300 |
College Grads Average Salary | $71,000 |
College Grads Mid Career Salary | $96,200 |
Return on Investment (ROI) | |
---|---|
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential | $710,000 |
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential | $1,672,000 |
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year | $52,060 |
10 Year Projected ROI | $657,940 |
20 Year Projected ROI | $1,619,940 |
No College Education Salary Comparison | |
---|---|
National Average Salary | $38,792 |
10 Year Projected Income | $387,920 |
20 Year Projected Income | $775,840 |
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