Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · 4-year

Portland State University has a 90.9% acceptance rate. Portland State University is a public 4-year institution in Portland, OR, with a median SAT of 1125 and a median ACT of 21. The average net price is $9,552 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

90.9%

8,877 applicants

SAT Median

1125

Combined score

ACT Median

21

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$9,552

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Portland State University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Portland State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)1125
ACT (composite, 1–36)21

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.5%

Retention Rate

76.1%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

13,182

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Portland State University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$7,655
$30,001 – $48,000$7,752
$48,001 – $75,000$8,981
$75,001 – $110,000$12,993
$110,000+$19,112

Top Majors at Portland State University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing591
Social Sciences436
Psychology389
Health Professions255
Visual & Performing Arts208
Computer & Information Sciences191
Engineering183
Liberal Arts & General Studies174
Biological & Biomedical Sciences134
Homeland Security & Criminal Justice123

Financial Aid at Portland State University

About Portland State University

Official website: https://www.pdx.edu/

Admissions: https://www.pdx.edu/admissions

Frequently Asked Questions About Portland State University

What is the acceptance rate at Portland State University?

Portland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. it received about 8,877 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1125; the average net price is $9,552 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Portland State University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Portland State University?

Getting into Portland State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 91% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1125. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Portland State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Portland State University?

Admitted students at Portland State University typically have a median SAT around 1125 and a median ACT around 21. With a 91% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Portland State University is located in Portland, OR. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Portland State University?

The average net price at Portland State University is $9,552 per year after grants and scholarships. about 88% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $8,827 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Portland State University?

Portland State University has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 76%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Portland State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Portland State University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Portland State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1125. With a 91% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Portland State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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