Quick Summary
Portland State University, in Portland, United States, is a public research university that has shaped higher education since 1946. Ranked #1201-1400 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 21645 students including 6.8% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Urban Planning, Social Work, Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 93%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Strategic urban location, commitment to sustainability, and strong community-based learning initiatives.
Subject Strengths
Urban PlanningSocial WorkEngineeringBusiness AdministrationEnvironmental Science
Founded1946
TypePublic Research University
Total Students21645
Intl Students6.8%
Faculty Ratio18
CampusUrban
Campus Size50 acres
Affiliated HospitalsOregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1201-1400
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001-1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine schools and colleges
Programs
20+ doctoral programs including Urban Studies, Engineering, and Earth, Environment & Society
PhD Programs
Wide selection of fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees
Online Programs
Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies, Center for Lakes and Reservoirs, Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science Research
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate93%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional for most programs; department specific
GMATOptional for most MBA programs; department specific
SATOptional
ACTOptional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Submit transcripts early and highlight community engagement or professional experience for graduate applications.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$30,500/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$16,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$22,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$60
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$47,060/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableUniversity Honors, International Student Scholarship, WUE, and Out-of-State Opportunity Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$5,000
Financial AidFederal and state aid available for eligible students
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine schools and colleges programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Social Work | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$54,000
Average Salary After Graduation
85%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Portland-based companies like Intel, Nike, and Columbia Sportswear
Industry Connections
IntelNikeOHSUKaiser PermanenteCity of Portland
Notable Alumni
Esperanza Spalding, Sho Dozono, Barbara Roberts, Carolyn Davidson
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus housing available for approximately 3,000 students
Sports Facilities
Viking Pavilion, Peter W. Stott Center
Student Clubs
200+ student organizations and professional chapters
Library Resources
Branford Price Millar Library
Exchange Programs
Education Abroad programs in over 40 countries
Summer Programs
Summer Session offering accelerated courses and research opportunities