Washington State vs. Portland State University vs. California Lutheran University vs. Idaho

Comparable Facts

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

Washington State University is larger than Portland State University based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 19,951 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington State University is located in Pullman, WA (Distant Town setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Washington 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: Washington State University 15:1; Portland State University 17:1.

Washington State vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington State 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 Washington State ($10,195 vs. $18,171).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington State University are 0.8% lower than at Portland State University ($13,622 vs. $13,728).
• Washington State University is 14.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $1,712 more per year; $13,391.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.8% higher at Portland State University than at Washington State University (about $1,124 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $29,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Portland State University than at Washington State University (89% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington State University students is 2.4% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($10,886 vs. $10,629).

Washington State vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington State 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 Washington State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Portland State University (1130) is 10 points higher than at Washington State (1120).
• Incoming Washington State 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: Washington State University 1020/1210; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington State University 20/26; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington State - Test-free; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington State students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Washington State (86.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.7% at Washington State vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

Washington State vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington State 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).

• Washington State University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Washington State University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Portland State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $2,205 lower median loan debt than Portland State University graduates ($20,429 vs. $22,634).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Portland State University graduates ($211 vs. $234).
• More Washington State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.