Linfield vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Linfield University in McMinnville, OR 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 Linfield based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 1,709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Linfield University is located in McMinnville, OR (Distant Town setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Linfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Linfield University 10:1; Portland State University 17:1.

Linfield vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Linfield 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 Linfield ($10,195 vs. $29,936).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 6.2% lower than at Linfield University ($13,728 vs. $14,640).
• Linfield University is 335.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $39,171 more per year; $50,850.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.6% higher at Linfield than at Portland State University (about $19,776 more per year; $50,850.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Linfield University than at Portland State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Linfield University students is 240.2% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($36,156 vs. $10,629).

Linfield vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Linfield 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 Linfield.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Linfield University (1130) is the same as at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming Linfield 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: Linfield University 1050/1210; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Linfield University 20/27; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Linfield - Test-free; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Linfield Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Linfield students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Linfield (85.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at Linfield vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

Linfield vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Linfield 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).

• Linfield University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Linfield University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Portland State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,400 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $2,366 lower median loan debt than Linfield graduates ($22,634 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Linfield graduates ($234 vs. $258).
• More Linfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.