Portland State is Oregon's only urban public research university. We educate more than 20,000 students who travel to campus from around the world.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Phone
503 725-5555
Email
campusvisits@pdx.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Park Blocks
Student Union Center
Simon Benson House
Peter Stott Center & Community Recreation Field
Student Union Center
Simon Benson House
Peter Stott Center & Community Recreation Field
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Portland Art Museum
Powell's City of Books
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Columbia River Gorge
Mount Hood
Powell's City of Books
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Columbia River Gorge
Mount Hood
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
M-F
8:00 - 5:00
503 725-5555
8:00 - 5:00
503 725-5555
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Not Available
Times
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Visiting Center
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Buses, street cars, light rail, bike sharing, taxis.
Nearest airport: Portland International Airport (https://www.flypdx.com/PDX)
Driving Instructions to Campus
From North:
I-5 southbound parallels the east bank of the
Willamette River through Portland.
Move into the left lane as you approach the
Marquam Bridge.
Cross the bridge and merge with I-405.
Move into the right lane and take Exit 1C to
Sixth Avenue.
From South:
Move into the center lane of I-5 north
bound as you approach the city.
Take Exit 299B to merge with I-405.
Move into the right land and take the
SW 6th Avenue exit.
From East:
Move into the left lane of I-84 westbound as
you approach the I-5 interchange.
Take I-5 southbound and move into the left
lane as you cross the Marquam Bridge.
Merge with I-405, move into the right lane, and
take Exit 1C to Sixth Avenue.
From West:
Proceed east on Highway 26 to Portland.
Keep right and follow the signs to I-405.
Follow I-405 to Exit. 1C to Sixth Avenue.
Follow the signs north to PSU.
Local Accommodations
University Place
310 SW Lincoln Street
Portland, Oregon 97201
503.221.0140
uplace@pdx.edu
www.uplace.pdx.edu/
Save School
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Portland State is an access institution that is test-optional and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.
Freshmen Applicants: Our general admission standard for high school graduates is a 2.5 GPA or higher with passing grades in all college prep coursework.
Transfer Applicants: Students with 30 or more transferable college quarter credits (20 semester credits) must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25, or a 2.0 if you've already earned a transferable associate degree or an Oregon Transfer Module (OTM). All transfer applicants are expected to have passed WR121 or an equivalent course with a grade of Cor better.
All applicants who graduated from an Oregon high school are expected to have satisfied the Second Language Admissions Requirement.
Overview
Applicants: 6,701
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Average HS GPA: 3.47
GPA Breakdown
20%
3.75 - 3.99
27%
3.50 - 3.74
26%
3.25 - 3.49
15%
3.00 - 3.24
9%
2.50 - 2.99
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile
(enrolled students)
(enrolled students)
510 - 610
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile
(enrolled students)
(enrolled students)
490 - 580
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
17 - 24
Testing Policies
Yes
Yes
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
While the university is most well known for its ability to develop engineers and savvy business professionals, Portland State boasts a range of academic programs that have earned national recognition. Our School of Public Health, as well as our School of Social Work, are ranked tops in the nation for their innovative curriculum and social impact.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Portland State has a robust portfolio of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including 120 undergraduate majors and minors, 30 certificate programs, and 100 masters degree programs.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
18:1
Total Faculty
1,532
with Terminal Degree
879
819
Women
713
Men
254
Minority
27
International
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
20%
Graduate in 5 years
39%
Graduate in 6 years
47%
Majors
-
ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED SERVICES.
Architecture.
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African-American/Black Studies.
American Indian/Native American Studies.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other.
Women's Studies.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Biomedical Sciences, General.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.
Finance and Financial Management Services, Other.
Finance, General.
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
-
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Recording Arts Technology/Technician.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
-
EDUCATION.
Special Education and Teaching, General.
-
ENGINEERING.
Civil Engineering, General.
Computer Engineering, General.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES/HUMAN SCIENCES.
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services, Other.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Arabic Language and Literature.
Chinese Language and Literature.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Linguistics.
Russian Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Audiology/Audiologist.
Community Health and Preventive Medicine.
Health and Wellness, General.
Health Services Administration.
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.
Public Health, Other.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
General Studies.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Biological and Physical Sciences.
International/Global Studies.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
Environmental Studies.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Jewish/Judaic Studies.
Philosophy.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Community Organization and Advocacy.
Social Work.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.
Economics, General.
Geography.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Social Sciences, General.
Sociology.
Urban Studies/Affairs.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Graphic Design.
Music Performance, General.
Music Theory and Composition.
Music, General.
Musicology and Ethnomusicology.
Visual and Performing Arts, Other.
Voice and Opera.
Students Say
Portland State University’s motto is “let knowledge serve the city,” and students echo this philosophy, saying their school “has a strong focus on civic engagement and sustainability.” “PSU is a great learning environment in the heart of the city” and a “good value” for your tuition dollars. It’s also “a green-minded urban school” that’s “training students to be good community members.” The university offers “a wealth of courses,” with degrees in social work, a range of business majors, and the hard sciences all receiving praise. “Classes are usually pretty small,” and professors “promote lots of in-class discussion and are readily available to meet outside of class as well.” “They really care about the student’s success, and they really help broaden our scope of learning [and] thinking critically.” Adjunct professors are “very connected to the community and their particular areas of expertise.” Overall, students are happy with their instructors, saying, “Most professors are engaging and truly want to challenge you and help you succeed.” They “are well-educated [and] well-versed in current issues and research.” There’s “the occasional dud thrown into the mix,” though. Generally, “they are prepared and are passionate about the classes they teach. They have a wealth of experiences to bring to classroom,” and they’re “easily accessible for questions or further assistance; students just need to reach out.”
Degrees
Bachelor's
Certificate
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Certificate
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
No
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
On Campus Interviews
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Neil Lomax
NFL Quarterback
Michael Richardson
Founder of Dark Horse Comics
Don Riggs
Partner, Deloitte and Touche, LLP
Terrie Wetle
Assoc. Dean Brown Medical School
Gregory Jenner
Partner, Stoel Rives, LLP
Katie Harman-Ebner
Miss America 2002
Academic Rating
76/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
20%
Graduate in 5 years
39%
Graduate in 6 years
47%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
No
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
On Campus Interviews
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Portland State does not require students to live on campus.
Oregon Residents On Campus: $27,631
Oregon Residents At Home: $18,052
Non-residents: $47,747
WUE Eligible Non-residents: $32,228
Financial Aid
Oregon residents who are admitted and Pell eligible are automatically considered for grant programs that cover the full cost of standard tuition: Four Years Free and Transfers Finish Free.
Non-resident students are automatically considered for merit scholarships or the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Tuition Benefit which is prorated to 150% of resident tuition. International applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships if and when they are admitted.
Some of Portland State's scholarships and grants require students to start at the university during specific academic terms (e.g. fall term). Some academic programs charge additional fees on top of standard tuition.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Feb 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$8,392
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$8,111
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,305
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
55%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$23,835
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$8,245
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition (In-State)
$8,471
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$27,360
Required Fees
$1,641
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,200
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
$3,921
Transportation for Commuters
$1,350
On-Campus Room and Board
$11,523
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
79/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Portland State is the most diverse institution in the state of Oregon and has representation from every state in the U.S. as well as students from around the world. With more than 200 student organizations and clubs, our campus community has ample opportunities to join academic and cultural groups, student government, recreational trips, and performance communities that engage the Portland community.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
18,959
Foreign Countries Represented
70
Demographics
1.16%
American Indian or Alaskan Native
9.87%
Asian
3.97%
Black
18.62%
Hispanic
50.97%
Caucasian
4.21%
Unknown
3.81%
International
56% female
44% male
15% are out of state
67% are full time
33% are part time
Students Say
“It is difficult to define the typical PSU student, because there are so many of us from so many different backgrounds,” one student says, and diversity does indeed seem to be the name of the game at PSU. Students describe themselves as “environmentally aware, hip,” and “very liberal.” Overall, people at PSU are “invested in their education and are friendly.” There’s a large population of nontraditional undergraduates, so students are “either typical college-age…or people in their thirties and forties with kids and full-time job trying to juggle everything.” Even within this large, diverse student body, “everyone finds a niche pretty quickly.” As one student notes, “It’s easy to find people you get along with, but it’s also easy to find people who are completely different from you, which makes school a lot more interesting.”
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Portland State is located in the heart of downtown Portland just blocks away from the Willamette River amid a vibrant music scene and an unparalleled smattering of food cart options.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Portland State University is made up of 8 colleges that inhabit historical landmark buildings as well as state of the art facilities for engineering, business, and the School of Public Health. Our campus recreation center includes an olympic sized pool, an indoor climbing wall, several full sized basketball courts, an indoor track, and a full complement of cardio and lifting equipment. To ensure our student body is healthy both in body and mind, Portland State also has a health spa available to its students by reservation.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Portland State students experience a unique curriculum that connects concepts taught in the classroom to work experience and service opportunities throughout the Portland metro area. Our education has proven to be transformative for our students as well as the city. Some of the top employers for Portland State grads include Nike, Intel, Amazon, Google, OHSU and Columbia Sportswear.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
9%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
86/99
First-Year Students living on campus
50%
Campus Environment
Large Urban
88/99
Housing Options
Apartment Married
Apartment Single
Cooperative
Apartment Single
Cooperative
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Frat Sorority
International Student
Dorms Coed
Frat Sorority
International Student
Students Say
The city of Portland is a big draw for PSU students. “The campus is extraordinarily beautiful and ideally located.” Outdoor activities are big here: “There’s skiing, hiking, camping, [and] fishing.” “The downtown area has plenty of microbrew pubs, nightlife, eateries, and theaters.” “The people are friendly, and the city is gorgeous and easy to navigate. You can go to the beach or to the mountain in about two hours, and there are many things to do outdoors. There are great parks throughout the city.” “The public transportation is outstanding.” It’s bikeand vegan-friendly. “There are lots of activist and awareness-raising events going on all the time, and lots of students are involved in volunteering (on and off campus).” Because PSU has a large nontraditional undergraduate population and the majority of students live off campus, the sense of community extends beyond the school and into the city. “There are a lot of things to do on campus, and there are different groups on campus that promote going out into the community at large and helping out.” “Because the student body is so big and really diverse, PSU has tons of programs/clubs/groups that help make you feel more involved with your school. PSU is also committed to sustainability: Any new buildings are made with the latest green technology, and recycling is a big deal.”
Special Needs Admissions
Director
Jen Dugger
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
163
Number of Honor Societies
5
Number of Social Sororities
6
Number of Religious Organizations
12
1% join a fraternity
1% join a sorority
Sports
Athletic Division
Division I
2% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Vikings)
6 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Cross Country
Football
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Vikings)
9 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Day Care
Health
Womens Center
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered
Navy ROTC Offered
Air Force ROTC Offered
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups: Queer Resource Center: https://www.pdx.edu/queer-resource-center/
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered
Navy ROTC Offered
Air Force ROTC Offered
Sustainability
Portland State University in Oregon offers every student the opportunity to gain hands on experience addressing complex sustainability issues—both inside the classroom and out in the community. A 10-year, $25 million gift from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation in 2008 jumpstarted Portland State’s excellence in sustainability research, teaching, and community engagement in programs across campus. PSU’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences faculty are leaders in social sustainability research; the Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science is home to globally recognized transportation researchers and a Green Building Research Lab and the College of Urban & Public Affairs continues to push the leading edge of sustainable urban development. As a national leader in community-based learning, PSU puts students to work solving neighborhood- scale sustainability problems, and its campus—home to nine LEED-certified buildings—is a living lab, testing everything from eco-roofs to district-scale energy systems. Freshmen may choose to live in a Sustainability Living Learning Community, while students visiting the LEED Gold Recreation Center can generate energy on exercise equipment and flush with rainwater. They can apply their learning in the real world with a Senior Capstone course, turn ideas into action with sustainability volunteer groups, and pursue a graduate certificate in sustainability. PSU’s Institute for Sustainable Solutions serves as a hub for supporting student leadership training, cross-disciplinary research, and a curriculum that prepares students for change-making careers.
96/99
AASHE STARS® rating
Gold
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
Yes
% food budget spent on local/organic food
6%
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Car Sharing Program
Yes
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
Yes
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Yes
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Yes
School Developed Bicycle Plan
Yes
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Yes
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2020.
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: http://ope.ed.gov/security
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
No
