Portland State University vs. University of Portland

Comparable Facts

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

Portland State University is larger than University of Portland based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 3,285 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Portland State University is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); University of Portland is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Portland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Portland State University 17:1; University of Portland 9:1.

Portland State University vs. University of Portland Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Portland State University or University of Portland? 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 University of Portland ($10,195 vs. $30,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 20.5% lower than at University of Portland ($13,728 vs. $17,260).
• University of Portland is 397.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $46,421 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87% higher at University of Portland than at Portland State University (about $27,026 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Portland than at Portland State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Portland students is 300.2% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($42,538 vs. $10,629).

Portland State University vs. University of Portland Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Portland (1270) is 140 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming University of Portland students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 1000/1250; University of Portland 1160/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 17/24; University of Portland 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Portland State University - Test optional; University of Portland - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Portland Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Portland students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than University of Portland (89.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Portland State University vs. 9.6% at University of Portland.

Portland State University vs. University of Portland Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Portland's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Portland earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Portland State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $1,679 lower median loan debt than University of Portland graduates ($22,634 vs. $24,313).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Portland graduates ($234 vs. $251).
• More University of Portland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.