Portland State University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Portland State University in Portland, OR with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Portland State University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Portland State University is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Portland State University 17:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Portland State University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Portland State University or PLU? 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 PLU ($10,195 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 5.2% lower than at Portland State University ($13,008 vs. $13,728).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 347.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $40,575 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.2% higher at PLU than at Portland State University (about $21,180 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Portland State University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 281.7% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($40,573 vs. $10,629).

Portland State University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Portland State University or PLU? 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 PLU and Portland State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 20 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming PLU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 1000/1250; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 17/24; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Portland State University - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU 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 PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Portland State University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Portland State University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Portland State University and PLU? 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).

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Portland State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $3,166 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($22,634 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($234 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.