Oregon State University vs Portland State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Oregon State University and Portland State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Oregon State University vs Portland State University at a glance
Oregon State University admits 77.3% of applicants and Portland State University 90.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $21,504 at Oregon State University and $8,337 at Portland State University. Six-year graduation rates are 67.6% and 52.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Oregon State University admits 77.3% of applicants and Portland State University 90.9%, so Oregon State University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $21,504 a year at Oregon State University and $8,337 at Portland State University; Portland State University costs $13,167 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $16,485 at Oregon State University and $6,255 at Portland State University.
- 67.6% of students graduate within six years at Oregon State University, against 52.9% at Portland State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $67,894 for Oregon State University and $62,447 for Portland State University; Oregon State University is $5,447 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at Oregon State University and $19,489 at Portland State University.
- Oregon State University enrolls 30,743 students (small city) and Portland State University 13,182 (large city).
Side by side
Oregon State University and Portland State University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Oregon State University | Portland State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 77.3% | 90.9% |
| Applicants | 23,188 | 6,859 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1140–1400 | 1000–1250 |
| ACT middle 50% | 24–31 | 17–24 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $21,504 | $8,337 |
| Tuition, in state | $15,117 | $12,315 |
| Tuition, out of state | $40,077 | $32,565 |
| Cost of attendance | $34,878 | $20,561 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $16,485 | $6,255 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,853 | $5,757 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,651 | $7,522 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $21,090 | $10,215 |
| Over $110,000 | $29,717 | $17,621 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 67.6% | 52.9% |
| First-year retention | 87.8% | 76.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $67,894 | $62,447 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $19,489 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $221 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 30,743 | 13,182 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Corvallis, OR | Portland, OR |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Oregon State University reports 91 bachelor's programs and Portland State University 74; 45 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Oregon State University vs Portland State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Oregon State University or Portland State University?
Oregon State University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Oregon State University admits 77.3% of applicants and Portland State University admits 90.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Oregon State University 1140–1400; Portland State University 1000–1250.
Which is cheaper, Oregon State University or Portland State University?
Portland State University has the lower average net price after grants: $21,504 a year at Oregon State University against $8,337 at Portland State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $16,485 and $6,255. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Oregon State University or Portland State University graduates earn more?
Oregon State University graduates earn more at the median: $67,894 ten years after entry for Oregon State University and $62,447 for Portland State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $19,489.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Oregon State University or Portland State University?
Oregon State University does: 67.6% of Oregon State University students graduate within six years, against 52.9% at Portland State University.
How big are Oregon State University and Portland State University?
Oregon State University has 30,743 students in Corvallis, OR and Portland State University has 13,182 students in Portland, OR.