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University of Oregon vs Portland State University

University of Oregon is a public university in Eugene, OR, and Portland State University is a public university in Portland, OR. University of Oregon is the more selective of the two, admitting about 88% 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 $22,182 at University of Oregon. About 72% of students graduate at University of Oregon, compared with 53% at Portland State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Oregon alumni earn a median of about $61,324, against $57,906 for Portland State University.

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University of Oregon

Eugene, OR · Public

Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Eugene, OR
Portland, OR
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,497
13,182
Acceptance rate
88%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.26–3.76
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1360
1000–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
17–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,182
$9,552
Full cost / yr
$34,793
$21,590
In-state tuition
$16,137
$11,679
Out-of-state tuition
$44,598
$31,074
Application fee
$65
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,909
$7,655
$30k - $48k
$15,760
$7,752
$48k - $75k
$18,364
$8,981
$75k - $110k
$24,704
$12,993
Over $110k
$31,021
$19,112
Outcomes
Graduation rate
72%
53%
Freshman retention
86%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,084
$46,937
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,324
$57,906
Median debt at graduation
$20,139
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
42%
First-generation students
28%
39%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 University of Oregon or Portland State University harder to get into?
University of Oregon is harder to get into. It admits about 88% 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, University of Oregon or Portland State University?
Portland State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,552 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,182 at University of Oregon. 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 University of Oregon and Portland State University?
Before aid, Portland State University costs about $21,590 a year and University of Oregon about $34,793. 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, University of Oregon or Portland State University?
Portland State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,655 there, against about $15,909 at University of Oregon. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Oregon or Portland State University?
University of Oregon is the larger of the two, with about 20,497 undergraduates against 13,182 at Portland State University.
Does University of Oregon or Portland State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Oregon has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 53% at Portland State University.
Do graduates of University of Oregon or Portland State University earn more?
University of Oregon alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,324 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,906 for Portland State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Oregon and Portland State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Oregon 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 University of Oregon and Portland State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1360 at University of Oregon 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