Portland State University vs. Southern Utah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Portland State University in Portland, OR with Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Portland State University is larger than Southern Utah University based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 15,444 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Portland State University is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Southern Utah University is in Cedar City, UT (Remote Town setting).
• Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Utah University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Portland State University 17:1; Southern Utah University 22:1.

Portland State University vs. Southern Utah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Portland State University or Southern Utah 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 Southern Utah University ($10,195 vs. $11,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Utah University are 32.7% lower than at Portland State University ($9,236 vs. $13,728).
• Portland State University is 67.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Utah University (about $4,717 more per year; $11,679.00 vs. $6,962.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.6% higher at Portland State University than at Southern Utah University (about $9,882 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $21,192.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Utah University than at Portland State University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Portland State University students is 8.7% larger than aid received by Southern Utah University students ($10,629 vs. $9,779).

Portland State University vs. Southern Utah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Portland State University or Southern Utah 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 Southern Utah University and Portland State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Utah University (1140) is 10 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming Southern Utah University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 1000/1250; Southern Utah University 1030/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 17/24; Southern Utah University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Portland State University - Test optional; Southern Utah University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Utah University Sep 8, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Southern Utah University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Southern Utah University (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Portland State University vs. 13.7% at Southern Utah University.

Portland State University vs. Southern Utah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Portland State University and Southern Utah 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).

• Portland State University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Southern Utah University's (35%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Southern Utah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $43,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Utah University graduates have a $10,059 lower median loan debt than Portland State University graduates ($12,575 vs. $22,634).
• Among borrowers, Southern Utah University graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Portland State University graduates ($130 vs. $234).
• More Southern Utah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.