Overview
Enrollment
Portland State University occupies an urban campus in downtown Portland, Oregon, integrated within the city's South Park Blocks district. Founded in 1946 as a post-World War II educational institution for returning veterans, PSU has evolved into Oregon's largest urban public research university. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including several LEED-certified sustainable structures, connected by pedestrian paths and public transit options. PSU is known for its programs in urban planning, sustainability, business, and social work, with particular emphasis on community-based learning and research. The university maintains a primarily commuter campus profile, though it offers multiple residence halls and apartment-style housing options for students who choose to live on campus, while competing in NCAA Division I athletics as the Vikings in the Big Sky Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Portland State University is rated within the lower 45% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Portland State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#689 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#233 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#11 in Best Colleges in Oregon
#4 in Best Public Colleges in Oregon
#25 in Best Value Colleges in Oregon
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1000/1250 |
| ACT | 17/24 |
| GPA | 3.36 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Oregon Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $798 |
| Other Fees | $1,923 |
| Room and Board | $13,728 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,259 |
| Total One Year Cost | $28,023 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $798 |
| Other Fees | $1,923 |
| Room and Board | $13,728 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,259 |
| Total One Year Cost | $46,923 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 20% |
| Social Sciences | 16% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 9% |
| Psychology | 7% |
| Health Professions | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Portland State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=209807 IPEDS survey data for Portland State University.
Current students may use the Portland State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025