Portland State University vs. Southern Oregon University

Comparable Facts

Compare Portland State University in Portland, OR with Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Portland State University is larger than Southern Oregon University based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 5,113 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Portland State University is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Southern Oregon University is in Ashland, OR (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Oregon University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Portland State University 17:1; Southern Oregon University 23:1.

Portland State University vs. Southern Oregon University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Portland State University or Southern Oregon 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 Southern Oregon University ($10,195 vs. $17,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 19.1% lower than at Southern Oregon University ($13,728 vs. $16,968).
• Southern Oregon University is 9.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $1,083 more per year; $12,762.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.6% higher at Southern Oregon University than at Portland State University (about $813 more per year; $31,887.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Oregon University than at Portland State University (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Portland State University students is 20.9% larger than aid received by Southern Oregon University students ($10,629 vs. $8,788).

Portland State University vs. Southern Oregon University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Portland State University or Southern Oregon 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 Southern Oregon University and Portland State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Portland State University (1130) is 20 points higher than at Southern Oregon University (1110).
• Incoming Southern Oregon University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 1000/1250; Southern Oregon University 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 17/24; Southern Oregon University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Portland State University - Test optional; Southern Oregon University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Portland State University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Southern Oregon University (3.34).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Southern Oregon University (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Portland State University vs. 29.3% at Southern Oregon University.

Portland State University vs. Southern Oregon University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Portland State University and Southern Oregon 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).

• Portland State University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Southern Oregon University's (33%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Southern Oregon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $857 lower median loan debt than Southern Oregon University graduates ($22,634 vs. $23,491).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Oregon University graduates ($234 vs. $242).
• More Portland State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Oregon University students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 52%)

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.