In this article, we will compare two prominent schools in the Pacific Northwest: Portland State University (PSU) and Washington State University (WSU). We will examine various factors, such as costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
Portland State University Overview
Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university located in downtown Portland, Oregon. Established in 1946, PSU offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on sustainability, community engagement, and innovation. The university boasts a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 80 countries.
Portland State University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at PSU are $10,032, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $29,430. The estimated cost of attendance, including housing, meals, books, and other expenses, is around $27,000 for in-state students and $46,000 for out-of-state students.
Portland State University Admissions
Admission to PSU is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 89% in fall 2020. The middle 50% of admitted students had a high school GPA between 3.00 and 3.84, an SAT score between 980 and 1210, and an ACT score between 18 and 24. PSU also considers factors such as community involvement, leadership, and personal achievements in the admission process.
Portland State University Degrees Offered
PSU offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, such as business, engineering, education, health sciences, liberal arts, and sciences. Some popular majors include psychology, social work, business administration, and computer science.
Portland State University Academics
PSU is known for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The university features a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and research, with opportunities for students to participate in internships, research projects, and community partnerships. The university also has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, allowing for personalized attention and support.
Portland State University Diversity
PSU is proud of its diverse student body, with over 45% of students identifying as ethnic minorities. The university also enrolls students from all 50 states and over 80 countries, creating a rich and diverse learning environment. PSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various programs, resources, and initiatives.
Portland State University Students
PSU has an enrollment of over 25,000 students, with approximately 22,000 undergraduate and 3,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the student experience and foster a sense of community.
Portland State University Campus
Located in downtown Portland, PSU’s urban campus covers 50 acres and features a mix of modern and historic buildings. The campus offers easy access to public transportation, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The university is also committed to sustainability, with numerous green buildings, bike-friendly infrastructure, and extensive recycling and composting programs.
Portland State University Alumni
PSU has a network of over 180,000 alumni, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in their fields. Notable alumni include former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, author Cheryl Strayed, and Nike co-founder Phil Knight.
Portland State University Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, PSU is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities and #170 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. It is also recognized for its programs in sustainability, public affairs, and social work.
Portland State University Outcomes
PSU reports a six-year graduation rate of 52%, with 73% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for PSU graduates is around $45,000.
Washington State University Overview
Washington State University (WSU) is a public research university located in Pullman, Washington. Founded in 1890, WSU offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and hands-on learning. The university has a total enrollment of over 31,000 students across its campuses and online programs.
Washington State University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at WSU are $11,550, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $26,830. The estimated cost of attendance, including housing, meals, books, and other expenses, is around $27,000 for in-state students and $42,000 for out-of-state students.
Washington State University Admissions
Admission to WSU is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 76% in fall 2020. The middle 50% of admitted students had a high school GPA between 3.11 and 3.77, an SAT score between 1020 and 1210, and an ACT score between 20 and 26. WSU also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership, and personal achievements in the admission process.
Washington State University Degrees Offered
WSU offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including agriculture, business, engineering, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Popular majors at WSU include business, engineering, and social sciences.
Washington State University Academics
WSU is known for its commitment to research, innovation, and hands-on learning. The university features numerous research centers and institutes, as well as opportunities for students to participate in research projects and internships. WSU also has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, allowing for personalized attention and support.
Washington State University Diversity
WSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, with over 30% of students identifying as ethnic minorities. The university also enrolls students from all 50 states and over 80 countries, adding to the diverse learning environment. WSU offers various programs, resources, and initiatives to support diversity and inclusion on campus.
Washington State University Students
WSU has an enrollment of over 31,000 students, with approximately 27,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the student experience and foster a sense of community.
Washington State University Campus
WSU’s main campus in Pullman covers 640 acres and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, with beautiful landscaping and views of the surrounding Palouse region. The campus offers a range of amenities, including dining, housing, and recreational facilities. WSU also has several satellite campuses and online programs to accommodate students’ needs.
Washington State University Alumni
WSU has a network of over 215,000 alumni, with many notable figures in various fields. Some prominent alumni include astronaut John M. Lounge, journalist Edward R. Murrow, and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work.
Washington State University Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, WSU is ranked #176 in National Universities and #90 in Top Public Schools. The university is also recognized for its programs in engineering, business, and veterinary medicine.
Washington State University Outcomes
WSU reports a six-year graduation rate of 59%, with 79% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for WSU graduates is around $48,000.
Portland State University vs Washington State University Cost Comparison
Both PSU and WSU have comparable costs for in-state and out-of-state students. While PSU has a slightly lower in-state tuition ($10,032 vs $11,550), WSU offers a more affordable out-of-state tuition ($26,830 vs $29,430). Estimated costs of attendance, including housing, meals, books, and other expenses, are also similar, with PSU at $27,000 for in-state and $46,000 for out-of-state students, and WSU at $27,000 for in-state and $42,000 for out-of-state students.
Portland State University vs Washington State University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both PSU and WSU are moderately selective, with recent acceptance rates of 89% and 76% respectively. While PSU’s middle 50% of admitted students had slightly lower high school GPAs, SAT scores, and ACT scores, both schools consider various factors, such as extracurricular activities, leadership, and personal achievements, in their admissions processes. Overall, both schools offer a good balance of selectivity and accessibility for prospective students.
Portland State University vs Washington State University Academic Difficulty
Both PSU and WSU offer rigorous academic programs across various fields, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and hands-on learning. Each university boasts low student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for personalized attention and support. While individual experiences may vary, students at both schools can expect a challenging and enriching academic environment.
Portland State University vs Washington State University Outcome Comparison
PSU and WSU have comparable six-year graduation rates, at 52% and 59% respectively. However, WSU reports a higher percentage of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation (79% vs 73%). WSU graduates also have a higher median starting salary ($48,000 vs $45,000). While outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances and chosen fields, these statistics suggest that WSU may offer slightly better overall outcomes for its graduates.
