Idaho vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

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

Portland State University is larger than Idaho based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 12,286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Idaho is located in Moscow, ID (Rural Fringe setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• University of Idaho is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Idaho 18:1; Portland State University 17:1.

Idaho vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Idaho or Portland 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 Idaho ($10,195 vs. $15,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Idaho are 18.1% lower than at Portland State University ($11,243 vs. $13,728).
• Portland State University is 28.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Idaho (about $2,595 more per year; $11,679.00 vs. $9,084.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at Portland State University than at University of Idaho (about $2,754 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $28,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Idaho than at Portland State University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Idaho students is 18.2% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($12,568 vs. $10,629).

Idaho vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Portland State University (1130) is 20 points higher than at Idaho (1110).
• Incoming Idaho students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 990/1230; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 20/26; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Idaho - Test optional; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Idaho students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Idaho (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Idaho vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

Idaho vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Idaho and Portland 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).

• University of Idaho's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Idaho graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $1,645 lower median loan debt than Idaho graduates ($22,634 vs. $24,279).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Idaho graduates ($234 vs. $251).
• More Idaho graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.