Portland State University campus
Portland State University logo

Portland State University

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Quarter
Student body size Large
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 2,352
Student to faculty ratio 19 to 1
Acceptance rate 98%
Students retention rate 76%
On-time graduation rate 54%

Located in Portland, Oregon, Portland State is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Portland State operates on a quarter-based calendar system, dividing the academic year into four terms.

The acceptance rate of 98% indicates that Portland State is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

Portland State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

The student-to-faculty ratio at Portland State is 19-to-1, which is slightly higher than both the state and national averages. The state average student-to-faculty ratio in Oregon is 15-to-1, while the national average is 17-to-1. A lower student-to-faculty ratio generally allows for more personalized attention and interaction between students and faculty.

Portland State boasts an impressive student retention rate of 76% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 74% and 72%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

98.4%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$10,386

Cost of attendance at Portland State University in 2022 for students from Oregon.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Oregon's average $11,345
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$29,286

Cost of attendance at Portland State University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Oregon's average $30,794
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 70 of freshman students at Portland State University received on average $9,424 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$9,424
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 827 58% $4,508 $3,728,504
Other Federal Grant 829 58% $4,700 $3,896,487
State Grant/Scholarships 604 42% $3,255 $1,966,079
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 817 57% $4,325 $3,533,623
Total Grant & Scholarships 997 70% $9,424 $9,396,189

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Portland State University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Portland State University students is 53.8%. Female students graduated at a rate of 57.5%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 48.3%.

53.8%

  • asian 74.9% 131 students
  • African American 40.7% 24 students
  • white 50.5% 451 students
  • unknown 51.7% 15 students
  • hawaiian 45.4% 5 students
  • hispanic 57.8% 152 students
  • International Students 57.6% 53 students
  • Mixed Race 46.5% 54 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Big Sky Conference
  • Baseball Big Sky Conference
  • Basketball Big Sky Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Big Sky Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Portland State University provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Portland State University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic
  • Adult basic remedial or high school equivalent

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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