Portland State University
Portland, Oregon · Public · 90.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 69/100 · Fair Value
Portland State University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $11,679/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $31,074/yr |
| Average net price | $9,552/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $38,208 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,906 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $217 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 52.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 13,182 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,655 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,752 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,981 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,993 |
| $110,001+ | $19,112 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Portland State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $49,063 | D |
| Social Sciences, General | $52,562 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $71,621 | C+ |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $50,949 | F |
| Marketing | $61,499 | C+ |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $59,961 | C+ |
| Biology | $54,934 | D |
| Computer Science | $113,889 | B |
| Accounting | $77,226 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $58,109 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Portland State University is $11,679/year ($31,074/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $9,552/year, or roughly $38,208 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $7,655/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $19,112/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $217 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $57,906 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.53 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 55.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 63.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 63.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 68.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 90.9% |
| Enrollment | 13,182 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 41.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,893 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State University (this school) | 69 | $9,552 | $57,906 |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | 83 | $15,706 | $72,273 |
| Western Washington University | 72 | $21,193 | $62,569 |
| California State University-Dominguez Hills | 71 | $8,615 | $57,162 |
| Oakland University | 71 | $9,120 | $58,612 |
| Eastern Oregon University | 43 | $17,148 | $50,112 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Portland State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $9,552 per year leads to $38,208 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $57,906 a decade out. The payback period of 7.8 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows a 52.7% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $20,500 against $57,906 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.