Portland State University
Portland, Oregon 97201
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Portland State University is a public institution in Portland with particular strength in business and psychology.
A large campus of 13.6K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
53% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $57,906 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $12,932.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History 1946–1964: Establishment Portland State University was established as the Vanport Extension Center in June 1946, founded by Stephen Edward Epler, a native of Iowa.
- •The first classes were held in the Vanport Junior High School and given its location in the Columbia River floodplain was promptly given the colloquial title, "The U by the Slough.
- •" This first summer session had 221 students, and tuition and fees were $50.
- •Over 1,410 students registered for the 1946 fall term, which was delayed until October 7, 1946, due to a lack of space.
- •Following the May 30 Vanport Flood of 1948, the college became known as "the college that wouldn't die" for refusing to close after the flood.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
67.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,457
Programs (243)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
75%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
104
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from OR state average + large city premium