About Portland State University
Students pay an average net price of $12,932 after financial aid, making it accessible for families across income levels. Graduates earn a median of $57,906 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,500. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging just $217. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class families.
The student body reflects Portland's diversity, with 48% white students and significant Hispanic and Asian populations. About three-quarters of students return for their second year, though graduation rates hover around 53%. The Vikings compete in Division I athletics as part of the Big Sky Conference, fielding 15 varsity sports teams.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 53.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.1%
- Retention Rate
- 74.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,906
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $95,073 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,867 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $82,440 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $80,186 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $78,971 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,575 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $65,238 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $64,791 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $63,005 |
Campus Life
Expect rain from October through May and pack layers year-round. Students embrace Portland's quirky culture, spending weekends at Saturday Market, exploring Powell's Books, or hiking in the nearby Cascade Mountains. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk, while the 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name despite the urban setting. With 79% of students from Oregon, there's a strong local connection, but the diverse student body reflects Portland's growing national appeal. Vikings athletics compete in Division I, though most students find their community through the city itself rather than traditional campus traditions.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,032 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1946
Campus Safety (2023)
123 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 38 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 27 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| Stalking | 6 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–46°F
- July Avg
- 57°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.5%
- Women
- 56.5%
- White
- 48.1%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 22.8%
- Asian
- 9.6%
- In-State Students
- 79.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.6%
Location
- Address
- Portland, Oregon 97201
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,906
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,686
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Portland State University?
Portland State University accepts 93% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. This reflects the university's mission to serve the diverse Portland community and provide educational opportunities to a broad range of students.
How much does Portland State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,932 annually for students receiving aid. Portland State keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $11,238, while the university's urban location eliminates the need for expensive campus housing for many students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Portland State University?
Portland State maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its 13,619 enrolled students. The university operates on a quarter system, allowing for intensive courses and accelerated degree completion in its urban research environment.
What are the graduation rates at Portland State University?
Portland State graduates 53% of students within six years, with a 75% retention rate from first to second year. The university serves many working students and non-traditional learners in Portland's urban setting, which impacts traditional graduation timelines.
Where do Portland State University students live?
Campus housing accommodates 2,032 students, representing a small fraction of the 13,619 total enrollment. Most students live throughout Portland, taking advantage of the city's public transportation and the university's downtown location near internship and job opportunities.
What is Portland State University known for academically?
Portland State emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, living up to its motto 'Let Knowledge Serve the City.' The university produces notable alumni like Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, and operates as a research institution deeply connected to Portland's urban challenges and opportunities.
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