Portland State University (PSU) is an urban public research university located in Portland, Oregon. PSU, or "Portland State," offers 99 bachelors degree programs, 89 master's degree programs, and 38 doctoral degree programs. Extended learning, distance learning and lifelong learning programs are also offered.
The 2012 edition of The Princeton Review's "Best Colleges" issue noted that Portland State offers one of the best undergraduate educations in the nation. Many of Portland State's graduate degree programs also earn high marks in college reviews, with the most noteworthy programs being Environmental Policy and Management, City Management and Urban Policy, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, and Public Affairs.
History
Portland State University was founded in 1946, just after the end of World War 11. The many war veterans returning to the area with the GI Bill at their disposal led to a high demand for higher education in Portland. The founding institution in Portland was called "Vanport Extension Center." It changed its name to "Portland State University" and moved to the South Park Blocks campus in the early 1950s. The first bachelor's degrees were awarded in 1956. The first master's degrees were awarded in 1964, and the first doctoral degrees were awarded in 1972.
Academics
The academic calendar for Portland State University follows the quarter format, with fall, winter, spring and summer terms.
Colleges and Schools
- School of Business Administration
- Graduate School of Education
- Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science
- School of Extended Studies
- School of Fine and Performing Arts
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- School of Social Work
- College of Urban and Public Affairs
Student Life
Many student services are available at Portland State, including a Career Center, Child Development services, Campus Recreation, Health & Counseling, Legal Services, an Ombudsman Office, Student Affairs, a Native American Student and Community Center, and more.
Both on-campus and off-campus housing is available at Portland State, and students can contact the Housing Office for information. Many dining options are available on and around campus.
There are many student groups and organizations available as opportunities for involvement on campus, and students may also organize their own group. Additionally, many community groups wish to collaborate with student organizations through the Student Activities and Leadership office, and these collaborations offer more opportunities for service and leadership.
Traditions
Portland State's official mascot is the Viking, nicknamed "Victor E. Viking."
The school colors are green and white.
The Portland State motto is "Let knowledge serve the city."
Athletics
The Portland State "Vikings" compete in 15 intercollegiate sports in the Big Sky conference, including:
Men's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Tennis
- Track and Field
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Community Life
Portland is a cosmopolitan city, surrounded by all the beauty of nature - mountains, rivers, oceans and woods. The perfect setting of city near mountains and water is a big draw for both students and visitors to Portland.
Students of Portland State who choose to live off campus can easily commute to school via carpool, streetcar, bus or bicycle.
Get more details here: https://www.pdx.edu/about-portland-state-university
Admission Requirements & Details
The information regarding admissions below may give an overview of the applicants Portland State University accepts. The details may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP or college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Total enrollment at Portland State University is around 27,000 students. The student body is made up of 80% undergraduate students and 7% graduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $13,500. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $50 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- In-State: $6,800-$8,100
- Out-of-State: $23,000-$27,270
- Charges per unit:
- State Residents: $150-$180 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $510-$610 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The financial aid table below details the types of financial aid, along with the percent of students receiving aid, and on average the amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 82% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 74% | $7,004 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 50% | $6,323 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, Portland State University may provide services to students like:- Online course work available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Counseling assistance
- Work study style employment
- Employment search assistance
- Day care
Graduation Rates
The overall graduation rate of Portland State University is around 42%.
| Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
|---|---|
| Students Graduating in 4 Years | 18% |
| Graduating in 5 Years | 15% |
| Graduating in 6 Years | 9% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Health Services Administration Program
- Music Program
- Graduate Level Public Health (Outside School of Public Health) Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
- Theatre Program
Intercollegiate Athletics
Portland State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I-AA classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Basketball (Big Sky Conference)
- Track and Field (Big Sky Conference)
- Football (Big Sky Conference)
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Portland State University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Architecture
- Architecture (B, M)
- Urban Planning (M)
- Environmental Design, Architecture (C)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, D, M)
- Biochemistry (B)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Accounting (B, C)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Finance (B, M)
- Business Administration (B, M)
- Human Resources (B)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (B, M)
- International Business (C, M)
- Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services (B)
- Sales Manager (C)
- Project Management (C)
- Real Estate (B, C, M)
- Transportation and Transportation Management (C)
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (C)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (B)
- Information Systems (B)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (B, M)
- Communication and Journalism
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Science (B, D, M)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (C)
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
- Teacher Education and Professional Development (C)
- Education (C, M)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (D, M)
- Curriculum and Instruction (D, M)
- Special Education (M)
- Guidance Counselor (M)
- ESL (C, M)
- Higher Education Administration (C, D)
- Adult and Continuing Education Administration (C)
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services (C)
- Educational and Instructional Media Design (M)
- Education, Teaching of Individuals with Mental Retardation (C)
- Middle School Teacher (C)
- English and Language Arts Teacher Education (C)
- Mathematics Teacher Education (D)
- Foreign Language Teacher Education
- Physical Education
Engineering
- Electrical Engineering (B, C, D, M)
- Mechanical Engineering (B, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, D, M)
- Computer Engineering (B, C)
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering (B)
- Systems Engineering (M)
- Materials Engineering (M)
- Software Engineering
Engineering Technology
- Engineering Management (C, D, M)
- Engineering Technology (C)
English Language and Literature
- English (B, M)
- Creative Writing (M)
- Writing, General (M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Women's Studies (B, C)
- Latin American Studies (C)
- Asian Studies (C)
- Near and Middle Eastern Studies (C)
- African-American Black Studies (B, C)
- European Civilization Studies (C)
- Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Human Development, Family Studies (B)
- Foodservice Administration and Management (C)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Linguistics (B)
- Spanish Language and Literature (B, M)
- Japanese Language and Literature (B, M)
- French Language and Literature (B, M)
- Russian Language and Literature (B, C)
- German Language and Literature (B, M)
- Arabic Language and Literature (B)
- Foreign Languages and Literatures (M)
- Chinese Language and Literature (B)
- Turkish Language and Literature (C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Community Health and Preventive Medicine (B)
- Public Health (B, D)
- Audiology, Hearing Sciences (B, M)
- Healthcare Administration (B, M)
- Public Health Education and Promotion (M)
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences (M)
- Marriage and Family Therapy (C)
History
- History (B, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (B, M)
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (M)
- Gerontology (C)
- Systems Science and Theory (D, M)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (B)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, M)
- Statistics (C, M)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental Studies (B, D)
- Environmental Science (B, D, M)
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (M)
- Natural Resource Economics (C)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B)
Physical Sciences
- Geology (B, M)
- Chemistry (B, D, M)
- Physics (B, D, M)
- Hydrology and Water Resources Science (C)
- Geological and Earth Sciences, Geosciences (C)
Psychology
- Psychology (B, M)
- Community Psychology (D)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (B, D, M)
- Public Administration (C, M)
- Community Organization and Advocacy (B)
- Public Policy (D)
Security and Protective Services
- Criminal Justice (B, C, M)
Social Sciences
- Social Science (B)
- Sociology (B, D, M)
- Economics (B, M)
- Political Science (B, M)
- Anthropology (B, M)
- International Relations (B)
- Cartography and GIS (C)
- Geography (B, M)
- Urban Studies (D, M)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (B, M)
- Graphic Design (B)
- Film Studies (B)
- Art History (B)
- Music (B, M)
- Music Performance (B, M)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Art Studies (B)
- Music Theory and Composition (B)
- Conducting (M)
- Voice and Opera (B)
- Musicology and Ethnomusicology (B)
- Sculpture
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Portland State University.
- Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR (53 miles away)
- Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR (72 miles away)
- University of Oregon in Eugene, OR (99 miles away)
- The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA (107 miles away)
- University of Washington - Tacoma Campus in Tacoma, WA (120 miles away)
Also, check out our college lists below, which can help students compare schools to one another:
- Get a list of all the colleges in Oregon
- Browse our list of public colleges in Oregon