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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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Pacific University

Forest Grove, OR · Private

Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Forest Grove, OR
Portland, OR
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,516
13,182
Acceptance rate
90%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.26–3.76
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1240
1000–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
18–29
17–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,273
$9,552
Full cost / yr
$72,374
$21,590
In-state tuition
$56,374
$11,679
Out-of-state tuition
$56,374
$31,074
Application fee
$40
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,318
$7,655
$30k - $48k
$23,607
$7,752
$48k - $75k
$29,844
$8,981
$75k - $110k
$34,369
$12,993
Over $110k
$40,911
$19,112
Outcomes
Graduation rate
66%
53%
Freshman retention
79%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,936
$46,937
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,583
$57,906
Median debt at graduation
$23,223
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
42%
First-generation students
29%
39%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
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.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school