Pacific University vs Portland State University
Pacific University is a private university in Forest Grove, OR. Portland State University is a public university in Portland, OR. Pacific University admits about 90% of applicants and Portland State University about 91%, making Pacific University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,552 a year at Portland State University after aid, and about $35,273 at Pacific University. About 66% of students graduate at Pacific University, compared with 53% at Portland State University. Ten years after enrolling, Pacific University alumni earn a median of about $60,583, against $57,906 for Portland State University.
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- Is Pacific University or Portland State University harder to get into?
- Pacific University is harder to get into. It admits about 90% of applicants, compared with 91% at Portland State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Pacific University or Portland State University?
- Portland State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,552 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $35,273 at Pacific University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Pacific University and Portland State University?
- Before aid, Portland State University costs about $21,590 a year and Pacific University about $72,374. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Pacific University or Portland State University?
- Portland State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,655 there, against about $23,318 at Pacific University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Pacific University or Portland State University?
- Portland State University is the larger of the two, with about 13,182 undergraduates against 1,516 at Pacific University.
- Does Pacific University or Portland State University have a better graduation rate?
- Pacific University has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 53% at Portland State University.
- Do graduates of Pacific University or Portland State University earn more?
- Pacific University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,583 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,906 for Portland State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Pacific University and Portland State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Portland State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Pacific University and Portland State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1240 at Pacific University and 1000–1250 at Portland State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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