Portland State University vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

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

Portland State University is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 10,811 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Portland State University is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Portland State University 17:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Portland State University vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Portland State University or Central Washington 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 Central Washington University ($10,195 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 16.7% lower than at Central Washington University ($13,728 vs. $16,480).
• Portland State University is 24% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $2,262 more per year; $11,679.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at Portland State University than at Central Washington University (about $3,548 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Portland State University than at Central Washington University (89% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Portland State University students is 20.6% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($10,629 vs. $8,816).

Portland State University vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Portland State University or Central Washington 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 Central Washington University and Portland State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Portland State University (1130) is 90 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Portland State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Central Washington University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 1000/1250; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 17/24; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Portland State University - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Portland State University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Central Washington University (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Portland State University vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Portland State University vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Portland State University and Central Washington 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).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Central Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $1,897 lower median loan debt than Portland State University graduates ($20,737 vs. $22,634).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Portland State University graduates ($214 vs. $234).
• More Central Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.