UO vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Oregon is larger than Portland State University based on total student enrollment (24,404 students vs. 19,951 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Oregon is located in Eugene, OR (Midsize City setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• University of Oregon 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 Oregon 19:1; Portland State University 17:1.

UO vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UO 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 UO ($10,195 vs. $24,605).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 17.4% lower than at University of Oregon ($13,728 vs. $16,611).
• University of Oregon is 38.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $4,458 more per year; $16,137.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.5% higher at UO than at Portland State University (about $13,524 more per year; $44,598.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Portland State University than at University of Oregon (89% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Portland State University students is 11.2% larger than aid received by University of Oregon students ($10,629 vs. $9,560).

UO vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UO 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 UO.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Oregon (1250) is 120 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming UO students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Oregon 1130/1360; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Oregon 23/30; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UO - Test optional; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UO Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UO students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than UO (88.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at UO vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

UO vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UO 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 Oregon's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Oregon earn a median of about $400 more per year than Portland State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Oregon graduates have a $1,533 lower median loan debt than Portland State University graduates ($21,101 vs. $22,634).
• Among borrowers, UO graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Portland State University graduates ($218 vs. $234).
• More UO graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.