University of Oregon vs Portland State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Oregon and Portland State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Oregon vs Portland State University at a glance
University of Oregon admits 88.3% of applicants and Portland State University 90.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $22,547 at University of Oregon and $8,337 at Portland State University. Six-year graduation rates are 70.8% and 52.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Oregon admits 88.3% of applicants and Portland State University 90.9%, so University of Oregon is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $22,547 a year at University of Oregon and $8,337 at Portland State University; Portland State University costs $14,210 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,917 at University of Oregon and $6,255 at Portland State University.
- 70.8% of students graduate within six years at University of Oregon, against 52.9% at Portland State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $66,990 for University of Oregon and $62,447 for Portland State University; University of Oregon is $4,543 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,897 at University of Oregon and $19,489 at Portland State University.
- University of Oregon enrolls 20,497 students (midsize city) and Portland State University 13,182 (large city).
Side by side
University of Oregon 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 | University of Oregon | Portland State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 88.3% | 90.9% |
| Applicants | 31,558 | 6,859 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1130–1360 | 1000–1250 |
| ACT middle 50% | 23–30 | 17–24 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $22,547 | $8,337 |
| Tuition, in state | $16,755 | $12,315 |
| Tuition, out of state | $46,077 | $32,565 |
| Cost of attendance | $35,556 | $20,561 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,917 | $6,255 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $16,118 | $5,757 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $18,358 | $7,522 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,089 | $10,215 |
| Over $110,000 | $31,631 | $17,621 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 70.8% | 52.9% |
| First-year retention | 86.4% | 76.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $66,990 | $62,447 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,897 | $19,489 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $215 | $221 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 20,497 | 13,182 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Eugene, 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
University of Oregon reports 59 bachelor's programs and Portland State University 74; 38 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Oregon vs Portland State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Oregon or Portland State University?
University of Oregon is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Oregon admits 88.3% of applicants and Portland State University admits 90.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Oregon 1130–1360; Portland State University 1000–1250.
Which is cheaper, University of Oregon or Portland State University?
Portland State University has the lower average net price after grants: $22,547 a year at University of Oregon against $8,337 at Portland State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,917 and $6,255. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Oregon or Portland State University graduates earn more?
University of Oregon graduates earn more at the median: $66,990 ten years after entry for University of Oregon and $62,447 for Portland State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,897 and $19,489.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Oregon or Portland State University?
University of Oregon does: 70.8% of University of Oregon students graduate within six years, against 52.9% at Portland State University.
How big are University of Oregon and Portland State University?
University of Oregon has 20,497 students in Eugene, OR and Portland State University has 13,182 students in Portland, OR.