UNLV vs Portland State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Nevada-Las Vegas and Portland State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UNLV vs Portland State University at a glance
UNLV admits 96.2% of applicants and Portland State University 90.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $11,062 at UNLV and $8,337 at Portland State University. Six-year graduation rates are 51.7% and 52.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UNLV admits 96.2% of applicants and Portland State University 90.9%, so Portland State University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $11,062 a year at UNLV and $8,337 at Portland State University; Portland State University costs $2,725 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $9,250 at UNLV and $6,255 at Portland State University.
- 51.7% of students graduate within six years at UNLV, against 52.9% at Portland State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $62,536 for UNLV and $62,447 for Portland State University; UNLV is $89 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,450 at UNLV and $19,489 at Portland State University.
- UNLV enrolls 24,622 students (midsize city) and Portland State University 13,182 (large city).
Side by side
UNLV 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 | UNLV | Portland State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 96.2% | 90.9% |
| Applicants | 13,025 | 6,859 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1010–1240 | 1000–1250 |
| ACT middle 50% | 18–25 | 17–24 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $11,062 | $8,337 |
| Tuition, in state | $10,279 | $12,315 |
| Tuition, out of state | $28,192 | $32,565 |
| Cost of attendance | $19,471 | $20,561 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $9,250 | $6,255 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $9,051 | $5,757 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $10,067 | $7,522 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $13,684 | $10,215 |
| Over $110,000 | $16,498 | $17,621 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 51.7% | 52.9% |
| First-year retention | 79.2% | 76.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $62,536 | $62,447 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,450 | $19,489 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $210 | $221 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 24,622 | 13,182 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Las Vegas, NV | 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
UNLV reports 77 bachelor's programs and Portland State University 74; 52 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UNLV vs Portland State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UNLV or Portland State University?
Portland State University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UNLV admits 96.2% of applicants and Portland State University admits 90.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UNLV 1010–1240; Portland State University 1000–1250.
Which is cheaper, UNLV or Portland State University?
Portland State University has the lower average net price after grants: $11,062 a year at UNLV against $8,337 at Portland State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $9,250 and $6,255. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UNLV or Portland State University graduates earn more?
UNLV graduates earn more at the median: $62,536 ten years after entry for UNLV and $62,447 for Portland State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,450 and $19,489.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UNLV or Portland State University?
Portland State University does: 51.7% of UNLV students graduate within six years, against 52.9% at Portland State University.
How big are UNLV and Portland State University?
UNLV has 24,622 students in Las Vegas, NV and Portland State University has 13,182 students in Portland, OR.