About

About Portland State University

high research activityopen access admissionshealth sciences focus

Portland State University is a public research university in Portland, OR, known for its high research activity, open access admissions, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 93%, PSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,634 students each year. PSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1090–1330, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. PSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $4,758 per year; the sticker price of $45,357 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Portland State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

93%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
1210
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1090 – 1330 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Portland State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Portland State has a 93% acceptance rate, so your GPA and transcripts do most of the heavy lifting here. Make sure your grades are accurately reported and that any upward trends in your record are visible.
Test Score Strategy
Portland State is test optional and essays carry very little weight in their process, so if your score is below their 75th percentile, skip submitting it and let your grades speak for you instead.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Portland State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$45k/yr$7.7k
30k-48k~$45k/yr$7.8k
48k-75k~$45k/yr$9.0k
75k-110k~$45k/yr$13.0k
110k+~$45k/yr$19.1k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

53%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$47k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
13,305
Undergrad Enrollment
Portland State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch