Portland State University campus

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Portland State University Demographics & Diversity

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  • 4 Year
  • Portland, OR
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#4 Best Public Universities in Oregon
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

High

Racial Diversity Index: 59%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at Portland State University are mainly White with a smaller Hispanic population. The school has high racial diversity. 41% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Racial demographics of Portland State University students
Race Percent of Students
White
59%
Black
4%
Hispanic
12%
Asian
8%
American Indian / Alaskan
1%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
1%
Two or more races
6%
International
5%
Race Unknown
4%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 49%

There are 36% more female students than male students enrolled at Portland State University with a gender ratio of 58% women to 42% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, Portland State University has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for Portland State University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
42%
Women
58%
Enrollment by gender for Portland State University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
8,449
Women
11,502

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Very Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 22%

Portland State University draws 78 percent of students from Oregon, 20 percent from other states, and 2 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Oregon, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for Portland State University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
78%
Out of State
20%
Foreign
2%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$62,889 per year

60% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

19,951
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 40%
Part-time undergraduates 28.3%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to Portland State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=209807.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026