University of Southern Maine vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME 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 University of Southern Maine based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 7,604 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME (Small City setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• University of Southern Maine 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 Southern Maine 14:1; Portland State University 17:1.

University of Southern Maine vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Southern Maine 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 University of Southern Maine ($10,195 vs. $14,028).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 10.5% lower than at Portland State University ($12,280 vs. $13,728).
• Portland State University is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Southern Maine (about $395 more per year; $11,679.00 vs. $11,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at Portland State University than at University of Southern Maine (about $3,130 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $27,944.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern Maine than at Portland State University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern Maine students is 5.3% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($11,188 vs. $10,629).

University of Southern Maine vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Southern Maine 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 University of Southern Maine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Portland State University (1130) is 10 points higher than at University of Southern Maine (1120).
• Incoming University of Southern Maine 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 Southern Maine 990/1250; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 24/28; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Southern Maine - Required; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Portland State University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at University of Southern Maine (3.33).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than University of Southern Maine (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at University of Southern Maine vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

University of Southern Maine vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Southern Maine 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).

• Portland State University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than University of Southern Maine's (33%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than University of Southern Maine graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have a $134 lower median loan debt than Portland State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $22,634).
• Among borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Portland State University graduates ($232 vs. $234).
• More University of Southern Maine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.