Portland State University vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

Portland State University is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Portland State University is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Portland State University 17:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

Portland State University vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Portland State University or SPU? 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 SPU ($10,195 vs. $25,232).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 16.8% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($13,728 vs. $16,491).
• Seattle Pacific University is 246% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $28,728 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30% higher at SPU than at Portland State University (about $9,333 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle Pacific University than at Portland State University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle Pacific University students is 196.9% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($31,558 vs. $10,629).

Portland State University vs. SPU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle Pacific University (1190) is 60 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming SPU 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: Portland State University 1000/1250; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 17/24; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Portland State University - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SPU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than SPU (83.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Portland State University vs. 15.8% at SPU.

Portland State University vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Seattle Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Seattle Pacific University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Portland State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $2,969 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($22,634 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SPU graduates ($234 vs. $264).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.