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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $21,590 |
| Tuition and Fees | $31,074 |
| Room and Board | $13,728 |
| Books and Supplies | $732 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,038 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $9,552 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,655 |
| $30–48k | $7,752 |
| $48–75k | $8,981 |
| $75–110k | $12,993 |
| $110k+ | $19,112 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at Portland State University remain manageable despite serving a high-need population. Median debt reaches $20,500, comparable to the peer median of $20,000, indicating typical borrowing patterns for public institutions.
Debt distribution ranges from $6,998 at the 25th percentile to $27,221 at the 75th percentile, reflecting variation in family resources and borrowing decisions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 falls within reasonable bounds, meaning typical graduates can expect annual loan payments representing about one-third of their first-year earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,755 with monthly payments of approximately $234, representing additional family investment in education. The combination of moderate student debt and manageable parent borrowing creates sustainable financing conditions for most families.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Portland State University provides solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and meaningful earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $57,906 ten years after enrollment while carrying median debt of $20,500, creating favorable debt-to-earnings ratios.
Though graduates earn $8,542 below expectations based on demographics, this reflects the institution's diverse programming and access mission rather than poor outcomes. Low-income graduates earn $47,300, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for underrepresented populations.
The university's affordability ranking at the 78.4th percentile reflects successful cost control and aid targeting relative to peer institutions. With net prices $2,658 below peer medians and comparable debt levels, Portland State University offers accessible pricing for quality education.
Portland State University demonstrates effective financial aid targeting, with 39.6% of students qualifying for Pell grants, well above typical rates for four-year institutions. This Pell share indicates that a substantial portion of the student body comes from families with significant financial need, requiring comprehensive aid strategies to ensure accessibility.
The average financial aid package reduces costs by $9,517 per student, representing more than 40% of the published cost of attendance. Aid concentration favors lower-income students, as evidenced by the progressive net price structure that provides the greatest percentage savings for families earning under $48,000 annually.
The institution's public status enables it to offer predictable in-state tuition rates while leveraging federal and state aid programs to support diverse populations. This aid profile aligns with Portland State University's role as a Mobility Engine institution, using financial aid as a tool to convert access into opportunity for students who might otherwise lack resources for higher education.
