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Portland State University vs Western Oregon University

Portland State University is a public university in Portland, OR, and Western Oregon University is a public university in Monmouth, OR. Portland State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 91% of applicants against 98% at Western Oregon University. Portland State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,552 a year against $17,237 at Western Oregon University. About 53% of students graduate at Portland State University, compared with 46% at Western Oregon University. Ten years after enrolling, Portland State University alumni earn a median of about $57,906, against $51,815 for Western Oregon University.

Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public

Western Oregon University

Monmouth, OR · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Portland, OR
Monmouth, OR
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
13,182
3,103
Acceptance rate
91%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1250
868–1108
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,552
$17,237
Full cost / yr
$21,590
$25,062
In-state tuition
$11,679
$11,879
Out-of-state tuition
$31,074
$32,534
Application fee
$60
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,655
$15,575
$30k - $48k
$7,752
$14,585
$48k - $75k
$8,981
$16,151
$75k - $110k
$12,993
$17,974
Over $110k
$19,112
$20,243
Outcomes
Graduation rate
53%
46%
Freshman retention
76%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,937
$42,537
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,906
$51,815
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$20,609
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
41%
First-generation students
39%
42%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
Rolling

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 Western Oregon University harder to get into?
Portland State University is harder to get into. It admits about 91% of applicants, compared with 98% at Western Oregon 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 Western Oregon University?
Portland State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,552 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,237 at Western Oregon 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 Portland State University and Western Oregon University?
Before aid, Portland State University costs about $21,590 a year and Western Oregon University about $25,062. 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 Western Oregon University?
Portland State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,655 there, against about $15,575 at Western Oregon University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Portland State University or Western Oregon University?
Portland State University is the larger of the two, with about 13,182 undergraduates against 3,103 at Western Oregon University.
Does Portland State University or Western Oregon University have a better graduation rate?
Portland State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 53% against 46% at Western Oregon University.
Do graduates of Portland State University or Western Oregon University earn more?
Portland State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,906 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,815 for Western Oregon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Portland State University and Western Oregon University require SAT or ACT scores?
Portland State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Oregon University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Portland State University and Western Oregon University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1250 at Portland State University and 868–1108 at Western Oregon 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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