About

Public

University Type

1201-1400

QS Global Rank

$38,064

Average Living Expenses

Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university in Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 1946 as a post-secondary educational institution for World War II veterans. It evolved into a four-year college over the following two decades and was granted university status in 1969. 

Portland State University is one of two public universities in Oregon that are located in a large city. It is governed by a board of trustees. Portland State University is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

Portland State University is known for its innovative and experiential learning opportunities, its commitment to social justice, and its urban campus. Portland State University offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and its alumni network includes over 200,000 people.

Portland State University is ranked #285 in the U.S. News & World Report Best National Universities rankings and is also known for its business programs, which are consistently ranked among the best in the state of Oregon.

Top Reasons to Study in the Portland State University

  • Strong academic reputation: Portland State University is a highly-ranked university with a strong focus on undergraduate education. 
  • Vibrant campus life: Portland State University has a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, intramural sports, and cultural events. Portland State University is also home to the Keller Auditorium, which is a state-of-the-art performing arts venue.
  • Commitment to social justice: Portland State University is committed to social justice and sustainability. Portland State University offers a variety of programs and initiatives that promote these values, and its students are encouraged to be active citizens and leaders.
  • Urban campus: Portland State University's campus is located in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. This gives students of Portland State University the opportunity to live and learn in a vibrant and diverse city.
  • Strong alumni network: Portland State University has a strong alumni network that can provide students with support and guidance after graduation. Alumni are active in the Portland State University community and are always willing to help students succeed.

Cost of Studying at Portland State University

Average tuition fee

Reasonable

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5000+ Students

Availed education loan

3000+ Cr

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$43,449

Average living expenses (Masters)

$38,064

Average on-campus living expenses

$18,195

Admissions at The Portland State University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

98%

Application Fee

$65 - $85


How to Apply at Portland State University

  1. Visit the Portland State University Admissions website [link] and create an account.
  2. Complete the online application.
  3. Submit your high school transcript(s) or college transcripts.
  4. Submit your test scores applicable to your course (if required).
  5. Submit two letters of recommendation.
  6. Submit a personal statement.
  7. Pay the application fee.

Documents Required to Apply to Portland State University

Undergraduate Admissions

  • An application form
  • Official high school transcripts
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Application fee ($65) + $2 processing fee

Graduate Admissions

  • An application form
  • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
  • GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Application fee ($65) + $2 processing fee

International Students

In addition to the above documents, international students must also submit proof of English proficiency and financial documentation.

Here are some additional tips for applying to Portland State University:

  • Start your application early. 
  • Make sure your application is complete and error-free.
  • Have your letters of recommendation submitted by the deadline.
  • Write a strong personal statement that highlights your academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
  • Proofread your application carefully before submitting it.

Exams Accepted By Portland State University

  • English Proficiency Exams:
  • TOEFL iBT: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 60
  • Duolingo: 110
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced
  • GRE:
  • Verbal Reasoning: 300
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 300
  • Analytical Writing: 3.0
  • GMAT:
  • Verbal: 550
  • Quantitative: 550
  • Analytical Writing: 4.0
  • SAT:
  • Reading and Writing: 1050
  • Math: 600
  • ACT:
  • Composite: 22

Please note that these are just the minimum scores required for admission at Portland State University. The actual scores required may vary depending on the Portland State University program you are applying to. For more information, please visit the official website of Portland State University.


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Rankings for The Portland State University

US News Ranking

#285

US World and News Report

The World University Rankings

#1001-1200

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#1201-1400

QS World University Rankings


More rankings for this university

  • U.S. News & World Report Best National Universities: #285 (2023)
  • ARWU Global Ranking of World Universities: #1,501-2,000 (2023)
  • QS World University Rankings: #1,001-1,200 (2023)

Students Portland State University

676

Yocketers applied

500

Yocketers admitted

1,141

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International Students

% of international students in the university

5.6

Total International Students in the university

1232


Alumni at Portland State University

  • Steve Prefontaine: American long-distance runner
  • Kurt Cobain: American singer-songwriter and guitarist
  • Kim Gordon: American musician and artist
  • Carrie Brownstein: American actress, comedian, and musician
  • Gus Van Sant: American film director

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Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
Oregon

View on Google Earth


Transportation in the city

  • Bus: Portland State University (PSU) operates a bus system called the Portland Streetcar. The streetcar system has 6 lines that serve the campus and surrounding areas. Streetcar fares are $2.50 for a single ride or $5 for a day pass.
  • Bike: Portland is a very bike-friendly city, and there are many bike lanes and trails throughout the city. Portland State University also has a bike share program called BIKEtown. BIKEtown has over 1,000 bikes that students can rent for a fee.
  • Walk: The Portland State University campus is relatively compact, so it is easy to walk from one class to another. There are also many sidewalks and crosswalks in the area, so it is safe to walk.
  • Light Rail: The MAX Light Rail is a regional light rail system that serves Portland and the surrounding area. The MAX has 4 lines that run through downtown Portland, and it is a convenient way to get to and from campus. MAX fares are $2.50 for a single ride or $5 for a day pass.
  • Car: If you need to drive, there is a parking garage on campus at Portland State University Parking permits are required, and they can be purchased online or at the Portland State University Transportation Services office.

Services offered by the university

  • Academic Advising: The Portland State University Office of Academic Advising provides students with individual advising, group advising, and workshops on academic planning.
  • Career Services: The Portland State University Career Services office helps students with resume writing, job search skills, and interviewing techniques. They also have a job board and career fairs.
  • Financial Aid: The Portland State University Financial Aid office helps students with applying for financial aid, understanding financial aid packages, and managing their finances.
  • Student Health Services: The Portland State University Student Health Services office provides medical, dental, and mental health services to students. They also have a pharmacy and a counselling centre.
  • The Library: The Portland State University library is a great resource for students, with a collection of over 2 million books, journals, and other materials. The Portland State University library also offers a variety of services, such as research assistance, computer access, and group study rooms.
  • The Writing Center: The Portland State University Writing Center offers free help to students with their writing skills. The Portland State University Writing Center staff can help students with everything from brainstorming to editing.
  • The Tutoring Center: The Portland State University Tutoring Center offers free help to students with their coursework. The Portland State University Tutoring Center staff can help students with a variety of subjects, including math, science, English, and foreign languages.
  • The Career Center: The Portland State University Career Center offers a variety of services to help students with their careers, such as resume writing, job search skills, and interviewing techniques. The Portland State University Career Center also hosts a variety of events, such as career fairs and networking events.

Student life at Portland State University

  • Volunteering

Portland State University students have many opportunities to volunteer their time. The university offers several service-learning opportunities, and students can also volunteer with local organizations. Some popular volunteer opportunities include working with homeless shelters, tutoring children, and cleaning up the environment.

  • Percentage of international students

About 12% of Portland State University students are international students. This means that students from all over the world come to Portland State University to study. This diversity enriches the campus experience and provides students with the opportunity to learn about different cultures.

  • Number of student organizations

Portland State University has over 400 student organizations. These organizations represent a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, social, and political. Some popular student organizations of Portland State University include the Black Student Union, the Asian Pacific American Student Union, the Queer Student Union, and the Outdoor Adventure Club.

  • Intramural sports

Portland State University offers over 60 intramural sports. These sports are a great way to stay active and meet new people. Intramural sports are open to all students, regardless of skill level.

  • Greek life

Portland State University has 22 fraternities and sororities. Greek life is a great way to get involved on campus and make lifelong friends. Greek organizations offer a variety of activities, including social events, philanthropy, and leadership development.

  • Student government

Portland State University has a student government that is made up of students from all over campus. The student government at Portland State University is responsible for representing student interests to the university administration.


On campus accomodation at Portland State University

Portland State University offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and suite-style apartments.

  • Traditional residence halls are the most common type of on-campus housing at Portland State University. They offer shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and they are typically located on campus.
  • Apartments offer more privacy than traditional residence halls, and they typically have bedrooms and bathrooms. Apartments are located on or near the campus of Portland State University.
  • Suite-style apartments offer a combination of traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. They typically have shared bedrooms and bathrooms, but they also have a common living area and kitchen. Suite-style apartments are located on or near the campus of Portland State University.

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