Portland State University vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Portland State University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Portland State University vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Portland State University or Willamette 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 Willamette University ($10,195 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 15% lower than at Willamette University ($13,728 vs. $16,150).
• Willamette University is 338% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $39,477 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.6% higher at Willamette University than at Portland State University (about $20,082 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Portland State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 258.3% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($38,080 vs. $10,629).

Portland State University vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 210 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 1000/1250; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Portland State University 17/24; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Portland State University - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Portland State University vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Portland State University vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Portland State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $3,366 lower median loan debt than Willamette 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 Willamette University graduates ($234 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.