When deciding on which college to attend, comparing multiple institutions can be overwhelming. In this article, we will compare two schools in Oregon, Portland State University, and Oregon State University. We will examine the costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, rankings, and outcomes of these two schools to help prospective students make an informed decision.
Portland State University Overview
Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university located in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Established in 1946, PSU has grown to serve over 25,000 students with 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Known for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, PSU offers students a unique urban education experience.
Portland State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Portland State University varies depending on residency and degree level. For undergraduate in-state students, tuition and fees for the 2020-2021 academic year were approximately $9,223, while out-of-state students paid $28,410. Graduate tuition also varies, with in-state students paying around $16,329 and out-of-state students paying $24,852.
Portland State University Admissions
Admission to Portland State University is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 90% in 2020. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement.
Portland State University Degrees Offered
PSU offers 120 degree programs across various fields, including popular majors such as business, social sciences, engineering, and health professions. Students can choose from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs.
Portland State University Academics
Academic programs at PSU are designed to promote experiential learning, community engagement, and sustainable practices. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, students can expect personalized attention from professors. Additionally, PSU offers numerous research opportunities, internships, and study abroad options.
Portland State University Diversity
PSU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus, with minority students making up 36% of the student population in 2020. The university offers numerous resources to support underrepresented students, such as the Multicultural Student Center and the Diversity and Multicultural Student Services office.
Portland State University Students
With over 25,000 students, PSU has a diverse student body with a mix of traditional and non-traditional students. The university offers over 200 student clubs and organizations, ranging from cultural groups to academic clubs, providing students with ample opportunities for engagement and personal growth.
Portland State University Campus
PSU’s urban campus is situated in downtown Portland, offering students access to the city’s vibrant cultural scene, employment opportunities, and outdoor activities. The campus features a blend of modern buildings and historic architecture, with numerous green spaces and sustainability features.
Portland State University Alumni
Notable alumni from Portland State University include current Oregon Governor Kate Brown, Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding, and former NASA astronaut Michael Barratt.
Portland State University Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, PSU was ranked #284 in National Universities and #141 in Top Public Schools. The university was also recognized for its commitment to social mobility, ranking #59 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Portland State University Outcomes
Graduates of PSU can expect a positive return on their investment, with the average starting salary for recent alumni being $47,500. Additionally, the university has strong connections with local and regional employers, providing students with ample opportunities for networking and career development.
Oregon State University Overview
Oregon State University (OSU) is a public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon. Founded in 1868, OSU is the state’s largest university, serving over 31,000 students. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, with a strong focus on research and innovation.
Oregon State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Oregon State University varies depending on residency and degree level. For undergraduate in-state students, tuition and fees for the 2020-2021 academic year were approximately $11,166, while out-of-state students paid $31,467. Graduate tuition also varies, with in-state students paying around $14,322 and out-of-state students paying $24,852.
Oregon State University Admissions
Admission to Oregon State University is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 82% in 2020. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement.
Oregon State University Degrees Offered
OSU offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, including popular majors such as engineering, business, agriculture, and natural resources. Students can choose from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs.
Oregon State University Academics
Academic programs at OSU are designed to provide hands-on learning experiences, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, students can expect personalized attention from their professors. Additionally, OSU offers numerous research opportunities, internships, and study abroad options.
Oregon State University Diversity
OSU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus, with minority students making up 24% of the student population in 2020. The university offers numerous resources to support underrepresented students, such as the Office of Institutional Diversity and the Diversity & Cultural Engagement office.
Oregon State University Students
With over 31,000 students, OSU has a diverse student body with a mix of traditional and non-traditional students. The university offers over 400 student clubs and organizations, ranging from cultural groups to academic clubs, providing students with ample opportunities for engagement and personal growth.
Oregon State University Campus
OSU’s picturesque campus is located in Corvallis, a small college town nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The campus features a mix of modern and historic architecture, with numerous green spaces and sustainability features.
Oregon State University Alumni
Notable alumni from Oregon State University include Nobel laureate Linus Pauling, author Beverly Cleary, and NFL player Brandin Cooks.
Oregon State University Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, OSU was ranked #153 in National Universities and #77 in Top Public Schools. The university was also recognized for its strong engineering and business programs, ranking #61 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs and #95 in Best Undergraduate Business Programs.
Oregon State University Outcomes
Graduates of OSU can expect a positive return on their investment, with the average starting salary for recent alumni being $52,100. Additionally, the university has strong connections with local and regional employers, providing students with ample opportunities for networking and career development.
Portland State University vs Oregon State University Cost Comparison
When comparing costs between Portland State University and Oregon State University, there are some differences in tuition and fees. For in-state undergraduate students, PSU is more affordable with a tuition of $9,223 compared to OSU’s $11,166. Out-of-state students will also find PSU to be more affordable, with a tuition of $28,410 compared to OSU’s $31,467. This difference in cost may be an important factor for students deciding between the two universities.
Portland State University vs Oregon State University Admissions Difficulty
Both Portland State University and Oregon State University have moderately selective admissions processes. PSU had an acceptance rate of 90% in 2020, while OSU had an acceptance rate of 82%. Although there is a slight difference in acceptance rates, the overall admissions difficulty for both institutions is relatively similar.
Portland State University vs Oregon State University Academic Difficulty
Academic difficulty at both Portland State University and Oregon State University can vary depending on the major and individual student experience. Both universities offer a wide range of degree programs and have a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, providing personalized attention from professors. However, OSU is recognized for its strong engineering and business programs, which may be more competitive and challenging compared to similar programs at PSU.
Portland State University vs Oregon State University Outcome Comparison
When comparing outcomes for graduates of Portland State University and Oregon State University, there are some differences in average starting salaries. OSU graduates have a higher average starting salary of $52,100 compared to PSU graduates, who have an average starting salary of $47,500. This difference in starting salary may be an important factor for students to consider when choosing between the two universities.
Overall, the decision between attending Portland State University or Oregon State University will depend on the individual needs and priorities of each student. Factors such as cost, program offerings, campus location, and outcomes should all be considered when making this important decision.
