St. Cloud State University vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

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

Portland State University is larger than St. Cloud State University based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 10,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Cloud State University is located in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Saint Cloud 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: Saint Cloud State University 18:1; Portland State University 17:1.

St. Cloud State University vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Cloud State University 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 St. Cloud State University ($10,195 vs. $14,735).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 22.8% lower than at Portland State University ($10,596 vs. $13,728).
• Portland State University is 14% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $1,434 more per year; $11,679.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 203.3% higher at Portland State University than at Saint Cloud State University (about $20,829 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Portland State University than at Saint Cloud State University (89% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Portland State University students is 51.1% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($10,629 vs. $7,036).

St. Cloud State University vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Cloud State University 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 St. Cloud State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Cloud State University (1140) is 10 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming St. Cloud State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 17/25; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Cloud State University - Test optional; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St. Cloud State University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than Portland State University (90.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.6% at St. Cloud State University vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

St. Cloud State University vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Cloud State University 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).

• Saint Cloud State University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $134 lower median loan debt than Portland State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $22,634).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Portland State University graduates ($232 vs. $234).
• More St. Cloud State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.