Portland State University vs. Whitworth University

Comparable Facts

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

Portland State University is larger than Whitworth University based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Portland State University is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Whitworth University is in Spokane, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitworth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Portland State University 17:1; Whitworth University 11:1.

Portland State University vs. Whitworth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Portland State University or Whitworth 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 Whitworth University ($10,195 vs. $27,605).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 4% lower than at Whitworth University ($13,728 vs. $14,300).
• Whitworth University is 352.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $41,201 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.2% higher at Whitworth University than at Portland State University (about $21,806 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whitworth University than at Portland State University (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whitworth University students is 285.8% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($41,007 vs. $10,629).

Portland State University vs. Whitworth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Whitworth University (1210) is 80 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming Whitworth University 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; Whitworth University 1090/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 17/24; Whitworth University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Portland State University - Test optional; Whitworth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Whitworth University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Whitworth University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Whitworth University (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Portland State University vs. 13.9% at Whitworth University.

Portland State University vs. Whitworth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Portland State University and Whitworth 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).

• Whitworth University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Whitworth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $3,366 lower median loan debt than Whitworth University graduates ($22,634 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whitworth University graduates ($234 vs. $268).
• More Whitworth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.