Portland State University
2025 USNews Best Colleges Ranking: 259(↑21) (Click for schools/majors ranking)
School Characteristics: Private (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: Quarter
Religious Affiliation: Not applicable
School Chief: Ann Cudd (President)
Website: www.pdx.edu/; Phone: 5037253000
Location: 724 SW Harrison St., Portland, OR, 97201

Portland State University Important Facts
Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates at Portland State University
Portland State University has exhibited significant changes in various aspects over the past decade, particularly in tuition fees, student enrollment, and graduation rates.
Firstly, the tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have shown a considerable upward trend. For in-state students, the tuition escalated from $7,878 in 2014 to $10,617 in 2024, reflecting a 34% increase. For out-of-state students, a more pronounced hike is observed, from $23,088 to $28,257, representing a 22% increase within the same period. This rise in tuition costs can have profound implications on student enrollment as financial barriers become a more pressing concern.
In contrast to rising tuition fees, enrollment numbers have been on a decline. The total number of undergraduate students decreased from 22,927 in 2014 to 15,960 in 2024, a dramatic drop of approximately 30%. This trend suggests that affordability issues may be contributing to discouraged enrollment, as potential students find it increasingly difficult to justify the financial investment required for higher education.
However, on a positive note, graduation rates have seen significant improvements over the years. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students has increased from 14.33% in 2014 to 28.81% in 2024. This substantial growth indicates that while financial hinderances may deter initial enrollment, those who do attend are more likely to successfully complete their degrees in a timely manner.
Together, these elements highlight the complex interplay between tuition costs, enrollment figures, and student success rates. Moving forward, it will be crucial for Portland State University to address the challenges posed by rising tuition while continuing to support graduating students effectively. Balancing these priorities is vital for fostering a sustainable and accessible educational environment.
Portland State University Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Graduate Demographics at Portland State University
The graduation statistics from Portland State University reveal intriguing trends in various academic disciplines concerning domestic and international students. Notably, the Marketing and Accounting programs lead the pack in the number of bachelor's degrees conferred, showcasing 174 and 150 graduates respectively, which reflects the high demand for professionals in these fields in today’s job market.
Additionally, the presence of international students is particularly pronounced in the Marketing program, where 12 international students earned their bachelor’s degrees. This figure accentuates the university's appeal to global students seeking qualifications in business-oriented disciplines, ultimately enhancing the diversity of perspectives within the program.
In contrast, fields such as Education and Health Services show strong master's degree completion rates, with 152 graduates in Education, of whom 3 are international students. This discrepancy may indicate a more domestic focus for advanced studies, aligning with national trends where graduate education in education is often pursued by those already residing in the U.S.
Furthermore, it’s striking to note the absence of graduates in the doctoral categories across most disciplines, hinting at a potential area for PSU to cultivate with increased doctoral programs or initiatives. The artistic disciplines such as Dance and Drama appear to lack graduation numbers, which may reflect broader societal challenges in the performing arts sectors, possibly exacerbated by the aftermath of the pandemic.
In summary, Portland State University graduates are predominantly concentrated in business and education-related fields, highlighting the university's role in funneling skilled professionals into crucial sectors. The low representation of doctoral graduates and the underrepresentation in the arts indicate opportunities for future growth and program development.
Portland State University Ranking and Admission
Commentary on Portland State University's Admission Trends and Rankings
Over the past few years, Portland State University has shown a noteworthy trend in its admissions and ranking metrics. The data reveals a significant improvement in the university’s ranking, moving from 285th in 2023 to an impressive 259th in 2025. This upward trajectory is indicative of the university’s effort to enhance its academic reputation and attract a more diverse student body. Examining the admission rates, it is remarkable to see the substantial increase in both male and female acceptance rates, particularly in 2020, which reached nearly 94% for males and over 96% for females. This high acceptance rate, coupled with a consistent and relatively low denial rate over the years, suggests that Portland State may be focusing on inclusivity and increasing enrollment figures to foster a diverse educational environment. The enrollment numbers also reflect a growing interest in attending Portland State, with over 1,600 students enrolled in 2023 and a peak enrollment of 1,929 in 2018. However, the rates of deferred admissions indicate that the university might be dealing with a number of students choosing to postpone their entry, possibly due to external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic or financial considerations. As the university gears up for 2025, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to evolve, particularly in light of its improving ranking and the impact it may have on future enrollment strategies and academic offerings. Overall, Portland State University's advancements in both admissions and ranking demonstrate a positive trajectory that could have lasting effects on its academic standing and student experience.
Portland State University Admission Score Requires
*Numbers at left represent SAT/ACT submitting percentage, numbers on blue blocks represent 25%-75% admission scores
**Drag green block to check data for different years, click blue block to check scores trends
Trends in Admissions Data at Portland State University
The admissions data at Portland State University reflects significant trends in standardized testing and submission rates over the years. From 2007 to 2023, there has been a consistent decline in the percentage of students submitting SAT scores, dropping from 77% down to a mere 1% in 2024. This dramatic decrease suggests a shift in the university's admissions strategy, aligning with the growing national trend of colleges becoming test-optional.
Though the total number of students submitting scores varied, declining from 1,092 to just 1, this reduction indicates a notable shift in applicant behavior, possibly influenced by the pandemic and increased discussions around equity in admissions. The rise in test-optional policies at many institutions may also contribute to this trend, as students increasingly prioritize applications without high-stakes testing.
Meanwhile, the median SAT and ACT scores for admitted students exhibit fluctuations, with the reading and math sections seeing small improvements, hinting at a competitive applicant pool despite fewer submissions. The range in scores suggests that while some students achieve above-average results, there remains a significant disparity, indicating the need for a nuanced approach in assessing applicant qualifications beyond numerical scores.
Overall, Portland State University exemplifies the evolving landscape of higher education admissions, reflecting broader societal changes and the imperative for institutions to adapt to the diverse needs of prospective students.
Portland State University Students Diversity
Analysis of Student Composition at Portland State University in 2024
In 2024, Portland State University showcases a diverse student body composed of undergraduate freshmen, continuing undergraduates, transfer students, and graduate students. The data indicates a total of 15,178 students in these categories, with notable gender ratios across the board.
Undergraduate freshmen consist of 1,580 students, of which 42.6% are male and 57.4% are female, reflecting a trend of a larger female presence in entry-level education. Continuing undergraduates demonstrate similar gender dynamics, with 43.8% male and 56.2% female among the 10,042 students, continuing the pattern observed in the earlier levels. Transfer students also present a comparable ratio at 42.8% male to 57.2% female from 1,997 students.
Contrastingly, the graduate student population exhibits a significant gender gap, where 37.5% are male and 62.5% are female within the 4,559 students, suggesting that graduate studies attract a larger proportion of female students. This trend aligns with broader national statistics indicating that women increasingly pursue advanced degrees.
The racial and ethnic diversity within these groups remains an important area for the university. While exact totals for the subdivisions of various racial and ethnic categories are not provided for continuing students, it is essential to note the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the community's demographics.
Overall, these statistics not only highlight the changing gender dynamics in academic institutions but also reinforce the necessity for continued efforts towards inclusivity and diversity in higher education settings, aligning with national trends advocating for equitable representation across all demographics.
Portland State University Students Age Distribution
Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Portland State University in 2024
The data reflecting the age composition of students at Portland State University in 2024 presents an insightful look into the demographics that shape the university environment. Notably, the largest age group is represented by students aged 22-24, which stands out not only in terms of enrollment figures but also indicates a vibrant cohort likely transitioning from undergraduate to graduate studies. In this age range, both male and female undergraduates outnumber their graduate counterparts significantly, showcasing the importance of this period in higher education.
Interestingly, there is still a strong representation of younger students, particularly those under 18 and in the 18-19 age groups, highlighting the university's appeal to fresh high school graduates. In contrast, the number of older students, particularly those over 50, remains relatively low. This trend may reflect broader societal patterns, where younger adults are more likely to pursue higher education, especially following recent educational trends emphasizing the need for advanced degrees in a competitive job market.
Moreover, the gender distribution within different age brackets points to a considerable female presence, especially among undergraduates. This could reflect ongoing efforts to promote gender equity in higher education, a topic that continues to gain traction across various institutions as seen in recent initiatives nationwide.
Overall, the student age composition at Portland State University illustrates a dynamic educational landscape, where varying age groups contribute to a diverse academic environment, supporting peer interactions across generations and enhancing the learning experience for all students.
Portland State University International Students Trends
International Student Trends at Portland State University
The data highlights significant trends concerning international students at Portland State University over nearly two decades. From 2005 to 2019, there was a general upward trend in the number of international undergraduates, peaking at 1,624 in 2015, alongside an increase in their proportion within the overall undergraduate population, which reached 7.34% that same year. This reflects a growing appeal of Portland State University to foreign students during this period, likely influenced by global events that increased international mobility, such as the expansion of educational partnerships and the university's commitment to diversity.
However, from 2020 onwards, we witness a sharp decline in international undergraduate enrollment and also a drop in their representation, falling to 2.86% in 2024. This downturn can be attributed to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited international travel and altered student recruitment strategies. The uncertainties posed by the pandemic caused many prospective students to reconsider their plans for studying abroad, leading to a significant dip in enrollment figures.
Conversely, the graduate section shows an interesting uptrend in the proportion of international students, which reached 15.40% by 2024. This suggests that while undergraduates may have been deterred, graduate programs at Portland State University continued to attract a more significant international cohort. This divergence posits that the university may need to adapt its strategies for recruiting and retaining undergraduate international students while simultaneously leveraging the growing interest in graduate studies. The evolving landscape of global education demands that universities remain agile and responsive to the changing needs of students worldwide.
Portland State University Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable institutions near Portland State University:
Reed College - Ranked 63 in the 2025 US News list, this liberal arts college is known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus culture.
George Fox University - With a rank of 273, this comprehensive university is rooted in Christian values and offers a diverse range of programs.
Pacific University - Ranked 220, this comprehensive university serves a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on health and education.
Willamette University - This liberal arts college ranks 77 and is the oldest university in the western United States, known for its strong emphasis on civic engagement.
Oregon State University - At rank 144, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly noted for its research initiatives.
University of Oregon - With a rank of 109, this state flagship university is known for its strong programs in architecture, journalism, and the sciences.
University of California-Berkeley - This highly prestigious institution ranks 17th and is renowned for its academic excellence in various fields.
This selection highlights the diversity and academic strengths of the schools near Portland State University.
Campus Safety
Analysis of Crime Rates at Portland State University
The crime rates at Portland State University show a significant decrease since 2013. Starting from an average of 10.79 incidents per 1000 students in 2013, the rates have steadily declined to 6.47 in 2023. This trend reflects a broader movement towards enhancing campus safety, which is crucial for the well-being of students and staff.
Examining the specific types of incidents, it is noteworthy that offenses like gun-related arrests and drug-related arrests have been prominent. Over the years, the university has engaged in various initiatives to curb these issues, such as educational programs, stricter enforcement policies, and collaborations with local law enforcement.
The sharp decline in crime rates during the years 2020 and 2021, where figures dropped to 4.78 and 4.88 respectively, may be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to fewer students on campus and possibly reduced opportunities for crime. However, there is a slight uptick in 2023, with the average rising to 6.47, indicating that continued vigilance is required.
Overall, while the ongoing measures are showing positive results, it remains essential for the university to maintain and strengthen its crime prevention strategies to ensure a safe educational environment. The community, including students, faculty, and administration, must work together to sustain this downward trend in crime rates. For further reference on calculating crime rates, you can visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Reference
- Portland State University Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
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Portland State University Important Facts Trends
Portland State University degrees/majors
Portland State University major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2023 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Business Administration and Management, General. | $51,358-$99,771 | |||
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $51,358-$99,771 | |||
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management. | $51,358-$99,771 | |||
Accounting. | $58,069 | |||
Finance, General. | $52,859 | |||
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $49,696 | |||
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. | - | |||
Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $41,395 | |||
Real Estate. | $77,791 | |||
Taxation. | $66,631 | |||
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | $37,585 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Social Sciences, General. | $35,093 | |||
Anthropology, General. | $34,862 | |||
Economics, General. | $47,865 | |||
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. | $47,865 | |||
Geography. | $35,330-$67,045 | |||
Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | $35,330-$67,045 | |||
International Relations and Affairs. | $30,253 | |||
Political Science and Government, General. | $35,173 | |||
Sociology, General. | $28,708 | |||
Urban Studies/Affairs. | $45,870 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Community Organization and Advocacy. | $34,020 | |||
Public Administration. | $73,655 | |||
Public Policy Analysis, General. | - | |||
Social Work. | $41,594-$57,241 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $37,709 | |||
Health and Wellness, General. | $37,709 | |||
Audiology/Audiologist. | $35,615-$61,171 | |||
Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | - | |||
Public Health, General. | $36,762 | |||
Environmental Health. | $36,762 | |||
Public Health Education and Promotion. | $36,762 | |||
Community Health and Preventive Medicine. | $36,762 | |||
Health Services Administration. | $36,762 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Civil Engineering, General. | $67,509 | |||
Computer Engineering, General. | $87,259 | |||
Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | $82,853-$115,939 | |||
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | - | |||
Materials Engineering. | - | |||
Mechanical Engineering. | $73,079-$97,958 | |||
Systems Engineering. | - | |||
Electrical and Computer Engineering. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Education, General. | $50,274 | |||
Curriculum and Instruction. | $64,503 | |||
Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $57,547 | |||
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration. | $57,547 | |||
Special Education and Teaching, General. | $56,409 | |||
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services. | $48,263 | |||
Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $43,030 | |||
Health Teacher Education. | - | |||
Mathematics Teacher Education. | - | |||
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Psychology, General. | $33,179 | |||
Community Psychology. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - | |||
Computer Science. | $78,669-$105,287 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biological and Physical Sciences. | $37,419 | |||
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | - | |||
Systems Science and Theory. | - | |||
International/Globalization Studies. | - | |||
Data Science, General. | - | |||
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $31,571 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Graphic Design. | $35,304 | |||
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | $25,352 | |||
Film/Cinema/Media Studies. | $27,028 | |||
Fine/Studio Arts, General. | $20,866 | |||
Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | $20,866 | |||
Music, General. | $17,638 | |||
Music Performance, General. | $17,638 | |||
Music Theory and Composition. | $17,638 | |||
Musicology and Ethnomusicology. | $17,638 | |||
Conducting. | $17,638 | |||
Keyboard Instruments. | $17,638 | |||
Voice and Opera. | $17,638 | |||
Visual and Performing Arts, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $29,468 | |||
Biochemistry. | $40,230 | |||
Biostatistics. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $23,253 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $45,401 | |||
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | $27,819 | |||
Creative Writing. | $41,170 | |||
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing. | $41,170 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | $35,143 | |||
Publishing. | $23,449 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Architecture. | $32,678 | |||
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning. | $57,357 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics, General. | $37,427 | |||
Financial Mathematics. | $73,557 | |||
Statistics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chemistry, General. | $35,395 | |||
Geology/Earth Science, General. | $37,831 | |||
Physics, General. | $62,749 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental Studies. | $31,512 | |||
Environmental Science. | $31,512 | |||
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Linguistics. | - | |||
Chinese Language and Literature. | $25,262 | |||
Japanese Language and Literature. | $25,262 | |||
Russian Language and Literature. | - | |||
German Language and Literature. | - | |||
French Language and Literature. | $27,500 | |||
Spanish Language and Literature. | $27,500 | |||
Arabic Language and Literature. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services, Other. | $32,481-$57,021 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
History, General. | $24,612 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering/Industrial Management. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
African-American/Black Studies. | $32,441 | |||
American Indian/Native American Studies. | $32,441 | |||
Women's Studies. | $32,441 | |||
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other. | $32,441 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Recording Arts Technology/Technician. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Philosophy. | $24,124 | |||
Jewish/Judaic Studies. | - |
Portland State University Schools/Majors Ranking
Under Ranking (2025)
World University Ranking
*Rankings have been updated to 2025USNews schools/majors ranking, rankings are for reference only
*numbers in bracket represent rankings change compare to last version
Portland State University Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 112 | - |
Track and Field (Outdoor) | 32 | 27 |
Track and Field (Indoor) | 31 | 27 |
Cross Country | 31 | 25 |
Basketball | 14 | 15 |
Soccer | - | 28 |
Softball | - | 23 |
Volleyball | - | 17 |
Tennis | 7 | 8 |
Golf | - | 6 |
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 103 | - |
Track and Field (Outdoor) | 28 | 29 |
Track and Field (Indoor) | 28 | 26 |
Cross Country | 28 | 26 |
Basketball | 15 | 14 |
Soccer | - | 23 |
Softball | - | 20 |
Volleyball | - | 16 |
Tennis | 7 | 7 |
Golf | - | 5 |
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 105 | - |
Track and Field, Indoor | 30 | 27 |
Track and Field, Outdoor | 30 | 26 |
Track and Field, X-Country | 26 | 18 |
Basketball | 15 | 14 |
Soccer | - | 25 |
Softball | - | 24 |
Tennis | 10 | 8 |
Volleyball | - | 14 |
Golf | - | 8 |
Portland State University (PSU) is a vibrant public research university located in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. Established in 1946, PSU has grown into a major educational institution with a diverse student body of over 25,000 learners. One of the university's defining characteristics is its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, evidenced by its numerous eco-friendly initiatives and programs that encourage students to participate in civic activities. The university's motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” reflects its dedication to applying knowledge and research to serve the broader community and tackle real-world issues.
The university offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, urban planning, and social sciences, among others. PSU is particularly known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, service learning, and research projects for students. Additionally, the faculty at PSU comprises accomplished scholars and industry professionals who are dedicated to student success and mentorship. The campus itself is dynamic, featuring modern facilities, spaces for collaboration, and various amenities for student life. With a thriving arts scene, numerous student organizations, and active sporting events, PSU fosters a rich cultural environment that encourages collaboration and personal growth. As a result, its graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with strong ties to local industries and a robust job placement rate.