University of Portland vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Portland is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (3,285 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Portland is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• University of Portland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Portland 9:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

University of Portland vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Portland or SPU? 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 Seattle Pacific University than University of Portland ($25,232 vs. $30,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle Pacific University are 4.5% lower than at University of Portland ($16,491 vs. $17,260).
• University of Portland is 43.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $17,693 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.8% higher at University of Portland than at Seattle Pacific University (about $17,693 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Portland than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Portland students is 34.8% larger than aid received by Seattle Pacific University students ($42,538 vs. $31,558).

University of Portland vs. SPU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Portland (1270) is 80 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming University of Portland students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Portland 1160/1370; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Portland 25/31; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Portland - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Portland Jan 15, 2027; SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Portland students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at SPU (3.53).
• University of Portland has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than SPU (83.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at University of Portland vs. 15.8% at SPU.

University of Portland vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Portland and SPU? 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 Seattle Pacific University's (74%).
• Graduates from University of Portland earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Portland graduates have a $1,290 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($24,313 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, University of Portland graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SPU graduates ($251 vs. $264).
• More University of Portland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SPU students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 82%)

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.