About Portland State University

Founded in 1946, Portland State University. is a college. Located in Oregon, which is a city setting in Oregon, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 21,071 full time undergraduate students, and 5,556 full time graduate students.

The Portland State University Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 848 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Portland State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate89%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range930-1160
ACT Range19-25

Admissions at PSU are considered Less Selective, with ,63% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 28 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

84% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 15% were in the top quarter, and 11% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Portland State University.

1%
“We”re apathetic”
6%
“We know about current events and vote”
43%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
49%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
1%
“We save it for the classroom”
24%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
23%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
51%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
45%
“I feel extremely safe”
34%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
49%
“We bought the gear”
17%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
4%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
45%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
48%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
71%
“They keep regular office hours”
21%
“They”re always available”
20%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
65%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
14%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
7%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
39%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
40%
“We only party on weekends”
13%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
53%
“There might be people who do”
32%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
1%
“We”re apathetic”
6%
“We know about current events and vote”
43%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
49%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
1%
“We save it for the classroom”
24%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
23%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
51%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
45%
“I feel extremely safe”
34%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
49%
“We bought the gear”
17%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
4%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
45%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
48%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
71%
“They keep regular office hours”
21%
“They”re always available”
20%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
65%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
14%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
7%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
39%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
40%
“We only party on weekends”
13%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
53%
“There might be people who do”
32%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    129 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    112 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    149 Students rated campus food 3.6 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    160 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    162 Students rated class size 4 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    162 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    162 Students rated local services 4.6 stars. 69 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    160 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.

Portland State University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Portland State University?

105 Students rated Portland State University

Uma - 10/25/2024

I think Portland State University is a very supportive and intellectual college, that has granted education to thousands. With scholarships and many mentors to provide support, I have found myself wanting to apply to this university and trust in this college to support my education choices and interact with those who have similar interests. Having friends to spend time with is very important to me, and I think there would be many extracurricular activities that I would be more interested compared to the ones we had in college.

Courtney - 10/09/2024

Portland is a lot like if someone took a big city and threw a weighted blanket over it, and Portland State University feels the same way. Although over 20,000 students attend the college, it often feel very laid back and unrushed. The admissions counselors are incredibly helpful in all aspects of student life. The teachers seem to be consistent in their teaching and unbiased to their students. Sports is a big part of campus life and attending the games and meet ups is always a fun time.

Nicole - 12/16/2023

Portland State University offers a unique blend of urban and academic life, making it an exciting place for students. Located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, it provides easy access to the city's vibrant cultural and social scene, which greatly enhances the university experience. The campus itself is quite integrated with the city, giving it a more open and diverse feel compared to traditional college campuses. This integration encourages students to engage with the city, providing real-world experiences and networking opportunities. Academically, PSU is known for its strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility, reflected in many of its programs. It offers a wide range of courses and majors, with particularly strong programs in business, engineering, and urban planning. Classes tend to be interactive, with a good mix of theoretical and practical learning, and professors are generally accessible and supportive. Student life at PSU is vibrant, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events. The university's commitment to inclusivity and diversity is evident in its student body and activities. Additionally, PSU's sustainability initiatives are a major draw for students interested in environmental issues. However, some students may find the urban setting challenging, as it can lack the traditional 'college feel'. Also, being a largely commuter school, PSU sometimes struggles with fostering a strong on-campus community. Overall, Portland State University is ideal for students seeking a practical education in an urban setting, with ample opportunities to engage with diverse communities and real-world issues.

Stephanie - 11/14/2023

It is an ok institution, I don't really have anything to compare it to because it is the only school I have been to. I have had overall decent teachers, there are a few that make me feel iffy. I lived in the Ondine building for a month and it is a terrible building and needs to be remodeled immediately. Also the Viking Mascot needs to be changed to a wizard because wizards are a lot cooler.

Portland State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Portland State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Portland State University is 89%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Don't stress yourself out so much. Seriously. School will be challenging but you're gonna master it. You might be lonely at first but take time making friends, the loyal ones will show themselves. It's okay to tell your parents to stop calling you every single week, they won't get used to you being away as fast as you will. Don't get hung up in any drama. You are here for you, to focus on you, and beimg distracted with other people's business will get exhausting. Take care of your mind and body and your mind and body will take care of you. Take full advantage of the things your university has to offer you, they will come in handy. And no matter what, you keep doing you. At the end of the day, there's gonna someone who critizies you, so might as well do what you want.

    Read all 140 answers

  3. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    A huge and vdiverse university with students of all ages.

    Read all 34 answers

  4. Describe the students at your school.

    PSU has quite a diverse population. A large percentage of this population consists of an older crowd. There are also a ton of international students (the majority of which are Asian).

    Read all 33 answers

  5. What's unique about your campus?

    Since it is a university, I am able to attain my bachelor's degree in my major and get a complete education. I also enjoy knowing I am learning from very intelligent instructors and am being fairly graded. I am specifically enjoying my language classes which have an excellent method of instruction : full immersion, which I think is the best way to learn a language.

    Read all 33 answers

  6. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    PSU has the largest number od students in Oregon, so classes fill up quick. It can be difficult to get into classes you want/need when you want/need them. Also, class sizes are a large making it difficult to get one-on-one assistance from professors.

    Read all 32 answers

  7. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    My school is best known for being a "green" school. Portland State University strongly emphasizes the importance of being environmentally friendly. Currently, many of the buildings are being reconstructed to be more eco friendy, and the faculty in PSU encourage recycling.

    Read all 27 answers

  8. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    My school has excellent public transportation options. They also have programs set up to assist graduates find a job in their field.

    Read all 23 answers

  9. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I would have understood the loans I was taking out. I was signing promissory notes and didn't fully grasp the significance of the amounts.

    Read all 23 answers

  10. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Someone who wants the stereotypical college experience would not want to attend this "commuter" school.

    Read all 19 answers

  11. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Anyone seeking a quality education should attend this school. The campus is great, the professors so far have been fantastic. The school obviously isn't Harvard, but not even on the low-end of U. of Phoenix. The school is set right in downtown Portland but as soon as you step on the campus, you feel as if you are out of the city and on an exclusive college campus. All the classrooms I have been in are equipped with state-of-the art equipment like projectors, computers and camera projectors.

    Read all 18 answers

  12. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    This will be my first semester at Portland State, so I am not sure yet.

    Read all 12 answers

  13. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    About how much I am enjoying my time at Portland State University. The campus is great, the professors are fantastic and passionate about their respective fields. There is even a brand new recreation center with four floors filled with basketball courts, a swimming pool, exercise machines galore, and numerous aerobic rooms. One of the most important things that I love here is the atmosphere. It is truly an atmosphere of higher education and I couldn't think of any school that I would rather study at.

    Read all 12 answers

  14. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Liberals!

    Read all 9 answers

  15. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    It's a commuter school, so a very small greek life but we have literally a club for everything! Like our Ted Talks club, where people get together and drink tea and watch Ted Talks.

    Read all 9 answers

  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    Awesome! University Studies classes can be confusing at first but overall it's a good idea to have students learn these core values.

    Read all 9 answers

  17. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    It is a very big school having over 28000 students so being independent is a must, there are advisors but it takes time to get a meeting. You must help yourself even when scheduling classes because you have to do it online, you cannot come to someone and talk to them while they can access your classes and change it for you.

    Read all 7 answers

  18. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    lots of eco freaks who want to save the world

    Read all 3 answers

  19. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    actually not at all. It's a much better school than I thought. I was returning to finish my degree that I started at a private school back east and it was convenient and relatively cheap to just go to PSU. I was surprised at how good it is. Sure there are idiots who waste everyone's time with their questions and professors who don't know how to shut them down, but you're going to find that everywhere I think.

    Read all 3 answers

  20. When you step off campus what do you see?

    More buildings. Portland State is right smack dab in the middle of downtown Portland. There are skyscrapers everywhere. Also, watch out for streetcar grooves.

    Read all 2 answers

  21. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    Well I wanted to go to an out of state school, and I fell in love with the northwest. Another deciding factor was getting the Western Undergraduate Exchange scholarship, that gives me in-state tuition plus a half. Also when I came to visit Portland State University for the first time it was pouring down rain, and I still really enjoy the campus atmosphere. So I figured if I saw it at its worst and still liked it, it was a good choice for me.

    Read all 2 answers

Student Body

Students

53%

female

47%

male

21,071

Total Undergrad Enrollment

5,556

Total Grad Students

32%

Out-Of-State

65%

In-State

3%

International

Organizations

174

Student Organizations

3

Fraternities

3

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

7%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
9%
% Black or African-American
4%
% Hispanic/Latino
12%
% White or Caucasian
56%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

80% of students attending Portland State University receive some sort of financial aid. 42% were awarded federal grants. While 51% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$24,852

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$2,090

Books and Supplies

$9,960

Room and Board

36,902

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$13,543
$30 - $48K
$13,906
$48 - $75K
$16,656
$75 - $110K
$19,510
$110K & UP
$21,031

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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