OSU vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR with Portland State University in Portland, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oregon State University is larger than Portland State University based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 19,951 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, OR (Small City setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Oregon State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oregon State University 18:1; Portland State University 17:1.

OSU vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OSU or Portland State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Portland State University than OSU ($10,195 vs. $22,467).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 16.2% lower than at Oregon State University ($13,728 vs. $16,386).
• Oregon State University is 23.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $2,721 more per year; $14,400.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.9% higher at OSU than at Portland State University (about $7,116 more per year; $38,190.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oregon State University than at Portland State University (90% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oregon State University students is 5.7% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($11,230 vs. $10,629).

OSU vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OSU or Portland State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Portland State University and OSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oregon State University (1270) is 140 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming OSU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 1140/1400; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 24/31; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Portland State University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: OSU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OSU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than OSU (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at OSU vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

OSU vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OSU and Portland State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Oregon State University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Oregon State University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Portland State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,900 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $866 lower median loan debt than OSU graduates ($22,634 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OSU graduates ($234 vs. $242).
• More OSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 55%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.