Portland State University vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Portland State University in Portland, OR with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Portland State University is larger than South Dakota State University based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 12,056 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Portland State University is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Portland State University 17:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Portland State University vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Portland State University or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University ($10,195 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 25.9% lower than at Portland State University ($10,176 vs. $13,728).
• Portland State University is 25.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $2,380 more per year; $11,679.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 142.6% higher at Portland State University than at South Dakota State University (about $18,265 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at Portland State University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Portland State University students is 137.6% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($10,629 vs. $4,474).

Portland State University vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Portland State University or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University and Portland State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 20 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming South Dakota State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 1000/1250; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 17/24; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Portland State University - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Portland State University (90.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Portland State University vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Portland State University vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Portland State University and South Dakota 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).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than South Dakota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $2,482 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($22,634 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($234 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.