WSU vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wichita State University in Wichita, KS 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 WSU based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 16,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wichita State University is located in Wichita, KS (Large City setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Wichita State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wichita State University 19:1; Portland State University 17:1.

WSU vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU 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 WSU ($10,195 vs. $14,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wichita State University are 9.5% lower than at Portland State University ($12,420 vs. $13,728).
• Portland State University is 20.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $1,995 more per year; $11,679.00 vs. $9,684.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.4% higher at Portland State University than at Wichita State University (about $11,205 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $19,869.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Wichita State University as at Portland State University (89% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Portland State University students is 30.8% larger than aid received by Wichita State University students ($10,629 vs. $8,125).

WSU vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU 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 WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Portland State University (1130) is 60 points higher than at WSU (1070).
• Incoming WSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wichita State University 905/1240; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wichita State University 17/25; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WSU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Portland State University (90.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at WSU vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

WSU vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU 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).

• Wichita State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wichita State University graduates have a $2,134 lower median loan debt than Portland State University graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,634).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Portland State University graduates ($211 vs. $234).
• More Portland State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.