NNU vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID 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 NNU based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 1,635 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Portland State University 17:1.

NNU vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU 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 NNU ($10,195 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 12.1% lower than at Portland State University ($12,070 vs. $13,728).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 249.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $29,115 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.3% higher at NNU than at Portland State University (about $9,720 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest Nazarene University than at Portland State University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students is 136.6% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($25,146 vs. $10,629).

NNU vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU 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 NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Portland State University (1130) is 10 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Incoming NNU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NNU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

NNU vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU 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).

• Northwest Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than NNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $3,366 lower median loan debt than NNU graduates ($22,634 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NNU graduates ($234 vs. $268).
• More NNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.