Portland State University

Portland State University maintains an open access approach with a 90.9% admission rate, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This places the institution significantly above the peer median admission rate of 78.1%, reflecting its commitment to broad educational access rather than selective enrollment.

The university's admission policy prioritizes opportunity over exclusivity, making it accessible to students with varied academic backgrounds and preparation levels. This high acceptance rate creates favorable conditions for students seeking guaranteed admission to a four-year institution, including those who may not meet more selective admission standards elsewhere.

For prospective students, this means Portland State University serves as both a primary choice for local students and a reliable backup option for those building comprehensive college lists. The institution's accessibility extends beyond admission rates to serve substantial populations of transfer students (59.6%) and non-traditional learners, positioning it as a pathway institution within Oregon's higher education landscape.

Students should view this high admission rate as an indicator of institutional mission rather than academic quality, as outcomes data demonstrates the university's effectiveness in serving diverse populations.

Portland State University maintains strong affordability relative to peer institutions, with a published cost of attendance of $22,449 per year. This includes $11,238 in in-state tuition, $30,138 for out-of-state students, $13,728 for room and board, and $798 for books and supplies.

However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $12,932 compared to the peer median of $15,590, representing savings of $2,658 annually. Financial aid effectiveness is demonstrated through average savings of $9,517 per student, reducing the published cost by more than 40%.

This affordability profile reflects the institution's public mission and commitment to accessible higher education. Net prices vary by family income, ranging from $11,558 for the lowest-income students to $19,412 for highest-income families, creating a progressive cost structure that supports students from diverse economic backgrounds.

The combination of moderate sticker prices and substantial financial aid creates favorable conditions for students seeking quality education without excessive financial burden. For families evaluating college costs, Portland State University offers predictable pricing below typical four-year institution levels, with particularly strong value for Oregon residents through in-state tuition rates.

Portland State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their careers. Median earnings rise from $46,937 six years after enrollment to $52,927 at eight years and $57,906 at ten years, representing 23.4% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts: 6,728 graduates at six years, 7,236 at eight years, and 7,660 at ten years, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $2,637 less than the peer median of $60,543, reflecting the institution's focus on access and diverse programming rather than exclusively high-earning fields.

Low-income graduates earn $47,300, indicating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds despite the overall earnings gap. Earnings span from $33,117 at the 25th percentile to $85,203 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 23.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.

Portland State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Computer Science leads in earnings at $109,690 annually, ranking #57 nationally and #1 in Oregon, with 179 graduates and a value score of 69.4.

Mechanical Engineering produces graduates earning $82,358, ranking #105 nationally and #2 in Oregon. Business programs show strong performance across multiple specializations: Business Administration ranks #89 nationally and #1 in Oregon with 339 graduates earning $64,643, while Digital Marketing ranks #83 nationally and #1 in Oregon with 209 graduates earning $58,587.

Executive/Career Coaching ranks #8 nationally and #1 in Oregon, graduating 134 students with median earnings of $64,967 and an exceptional value score of 87.7. Biological and Physical Sciences ranks #3 nationally and #1 in Oregon, graduating 159 students with median earnings of $49,200 and a value score of 80.0.

Psychology represents the institution's largest program by enrollment with 344 graduates.