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Portland State University vs University of Portland

Portland State University is a public university in Portland, OR, and University of Portland is a private university in Portland, OR. University of Portland is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 91% at Portland State University. Portland State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,552 a year against $28,210 at University of Portland. About 80% of students graduate at University of Portland, compared with 53% at Portland State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Portland alumni earn a median of about $82,804, against $57,906 for Portland State University.

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Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public

University of Portland

Portland, OR · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Portland, OR
Portland, OR
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
13,182
2,957
Acceptance rate
91%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1250
1160–1370
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,552
$28,210
Full cost / yr
$21,590
$73,224
In-state tuition
$11,679
$58,100
Out-of-state tuition
$31,074
$58,100
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,655
$20,070
$30k - $48k
$7,752
$16,577
$48k - $75k
$8,981
$23,858
$75k - $110k
$12,993
$27,021
Over $110k
$19,112
$37,284
Outcomes
Graduation rate
53%
80%
Freshman retention
76%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,937
$67,913
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,906
$82,804
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$21,370
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
22%
First-generation students
39%
18%
International students
3%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Aug 1
Feb 15

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 Portland State University or University of Portland harder to get into?
University of Portland is harder to get into. It admits about 89% 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, Portland State University or University of Portland?
Portland State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,552 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,210 at University of Portland. 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 Portland State University and University of Portland?
Before aid, Portland State University costs about $21,590 a year and University of Portland about $73,224. 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, Portland State University or University of Portland?
Portland State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,655 there, against about $20,070 at University of Portland. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Portland State University or University of Portland?
Portland State University is the larger of the two, with about 13,182 undergraduates against 2,957 at University of Portland.
Does Portland State University or University of Portland have a better graduation rate?
University of Portland has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 53% at Portland State University.
Do graduates of Portland State University or University of Portland earn more?
University of Portland alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,804 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,906 for Portland State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Portland State University and University of Portland require SAT or ACT scores?
Portland State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Portland is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Portland State University and University of Portland look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1250 at Portland State University and 1160–1370 at University of Portland. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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