Portland State University, Portland
Oregon, United States of America | Estd in 1952 | Government University
CWUR Rank : 945
About Portland State University
Portland State University was opened in 1946 as Vanport Extension Centre for 220 students in Vanport. However, the university permanently was established in 1952 as a government-owned research institute. PSU is recognised as one of Oregon's most diverse, innovative and affordable research universities. This institution is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
As per “QS World University Rankings 2024” by QS, PSU is ranked within the band score position of 1201 to 1400. Additionally, the university was also ranked by Times Higher Education in “World University Rankings” and placed in the 801 to 1000 range in 2024.
Portland State University application is different for graduate and undergraduate programmes. A non-refundable fee of USD 60 (INR 4,980.59 approx) is charged for undergraduate applications and a non-refundable USD 65 (INR 5,395.64 approx) application fee plus USD 2 (INR 166.02 approx) processing fee is required to complete the Portland State University graduate application.
Portland State University shows an exceptionally good acceptance rate of 98%. This indicates that the admission authority is keen to grant admissions globally with a fair chance for everyone to enter. Almost every application is accepted by the university. Therefore, one can ensure admission by carefully filling up an application form.
Interested candidates can straightly apply themselves through either the “PSU Application” available at the official website of Portland State University or the “Common Application”. A minimum score must be equivalent to a 2.5 GPA to be eligible to apply at the university.
Aspirants must comply with all the stated entry and educational-based prerequisites of Portland State University to get enrollment in the programmes easily. Students from countries other than the USA must prove their English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT, and Duolingo.
As per the records of Fall Enrollment 2023 of Portland State University, there were around 16,423 undergraduate students and 4,617 graduate students with a total student body of 21,040. There were more women students with 11,975 than men students with 8,623.
The latest deadline at Portland State University
All the complete applications must be submitted to the university before the deadlines provided by the admission authority of the institute. Once all documents with the form is submitted to the university, the university requires a time of four to six weeks for an admissions decision.
Application deadlines for PSU:
Term | Application Deadlines | Documents Deadlines |
Winter | January to December of the previous year | December |
Spring | March (previous) to March (current) | March |
Summer | June of previous year to July of current year | July |
Fall | August (previous) to August (current) | August |
Also Read: Admission Intakes In The USA
Portland State University Highlights
- Domestic: 3450
- International: 337
Portland State University Ranking and Stats
As per the rankings conducted by US News in 2024, Portland State University is at 280th position under the title “National Universities”, 151st in “Top Public Schools”, and 167th in “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programmes” amongst other various institutions.
The university was also recognised by QS within the score bandwidth of 1201 to 1400 in “QS World University Rankings 2024”. Portland State University is positioned somewhere between 801 to 1000th rank in the same category of “ World University Rankings 2024” conducted by Times Higher Education.
Furthermore, the university was ranked 401 to 600 position and 401 to 500 place under the title of “Impact Rankings” and “US College Rankings” consecutively in the year 2022 by Times Higher Education.
Parametric Score and Ranking 2024
| Domain | Year | Score | Rank | Rank Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2019 | NA | NA | 26.0–33.4 |
| Overall | 2020 | NA | NA | 28.3–35.2 |
| Overall | 2021 | NA | NA | 25.1–30.1 |
| Overall | 2022 | NA | NA | 27.2–31.9 |
| Overall | 2023 | NA | NA | 24.4–29.7 |
| Overall | 2024 | NA | NA | 32.7-36.9 |
Portland State University Courses
Portland State University provides an opportunity to study different areas of study which include undergraduate programmes, graduate programmes, master's certificates, and doctoral certificates.
The undergraduate courses are nationally recognized with a unique university studies programme and University Honors College. There are more than 200 majors, minors, certificates and concentrations with almost 90 master's courses, 48 graduate certificates and 21 doctoral programmes.
The University also provides online flexible learning with high academic standards in which the students are required to complete the coursework in an online mode. Out of the programmes, some of the most popular ones include the following:
BS Civil Engineering
MS Applied Data Science for Business
BA and MA in Architecture
BS Accounting
Masters and Doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering
BS Computer Engineering
Accreditations
Portland State University Cost Of Living
Portland State aims to provide an excellent education at an affordable cost, along with the opportunities. Tuition and fees change each year. The charges for attending PSU are determined based on the number of credits taken, residency status, and undergraduate/graduate class.
The cost of attendance varies due to the way of learning as well which are either on-campus or off-campus (online) which gives the liberty to students to balance education with their schedule.
The average tuition for international students comes to nearly USD 32,019 for an undergraduate programme without any fee included with it at Portland State University. The graduate courses cost as per individual credit hours. The average cost of attendance for graduate international students is nearly USD 690 per credit hour.
Some graduate programs charge a higher rate per credit than the university’s base tuition. All programmes at the College of the Arts are around USD 741 per credit hour for international students whereas all programmes at the College of Education cost USD 739 per credit hour.
Is it expensive to study at Portland State University
No, Portland State University cannot be considered as one of the expensive universities of the United States. The average fee for either graduate or undergraduate courses is around INR 24,73,000 per year. It is quite affordable in terms of tuition fees when compared to other national universities in the USA.
Portland is quite affordable to live in compared to big metropolitan cities like New York. However, the state is still pricier and more expensive compared with the national average living cost of the United States.
Also Read Cheapest Universities in USA
Cost of living at Portland State University
The cost varies from one individual to another and from undergraduate to graduate. However, the Estimated cost of some of the fixed expenses are as follows:
Undergraduate Estimate of Expense List
Expense List | Estimated Cost per year |
Books and Supplies | USD 798 |
Housing and Meals | USD 10,110 |
Transportation | USD 730-USD 900 |
Personal Expenses | USD 900-USD 1,350 |
Health Insurance | USD 3,768 |
Graduate Estimate of Expense List:
Expense List | Estimated Cost |
Books & Materials | USD 798 |
Student Loan Fees | USD 225 |
Housing & Food | USD 13,728 |
Other Living Expenses | USD 2,697 |
Transportation | USD 738 |
Personal Expenses | USD 1,350 |
Also Read Cost of Living in USA
Portland State University Admission and Application
The acceptance rate of Portland State University is quite good at 98%. This shows that the admission authority of PSU is considerate and fair while accepting candidates from around the world. It is also shown that almost all the applications are getting selected and only 2% of them are getting rejected.
One can secure admission into the University very easily if the aspirant fills up the form either on the official website or the common application with all the correct and original documentation.
The application is completed through the candidate end only after the payment of the application fee of USD 60 which is around INR 4,980.59 for undergraduate applicants and USD 65 which is nearly INR 5,395.64 plus USD 2 (INR 166.02 approx) processing fee for graduate applicants.
How to apply at Portland State University?
One can successfully apply to the selected course offered at Portland State University. The application can be submitted with either the PSU application form available on the website, with the common application or with the help of a coalition application. The coalition application is not available for post-baccalaureate students.
The Graduate students must apply from the official website of PSU. The following steps can be followed for filing up the form:
Visit pdx.edu
Click on “Apply now”
Click on either “International First Years” or “International Graduate Student”
Click on “Apply”
The user is redirected to a page that shows three options to apply from which are PSU application form, Common Application, and Coalition application
Click “Apply” under one of the options
Create an account on the redirected page
Fill up the required information with original documents
Pay the application fee
For updates regarding the application status, one is required to follow the steps as home of the website Apply Now→ International First Years/ International Graduate Students→ Check application status → Check your application status
Also Read: Top 100 Universities in the USA
Documents Required For Admission to Portland State University
Generally, Portland State University needs official academic documents issued by the home institution or testing body which is stamped and sealed by the registrar or records official at the school/university/testing body.
There are several India-specific Documents that are required by PSU. The documents are:
Standard 10th and 12th Exam scores
Official mark sheets
Complete Semester Marksheets from the university
Final Degree Certificates
Financial Support Documents
Also Read: How to Apply to Colleges Abroad
Portland State University Scholarship
There is a wide range of Scholarships which are available to incoming students and to those who are already attending Portland State University. All students who get admitted as international students are automatically considered for merit scholarships of up to USD 10,000 per year.
International Achievement scholarship: This grant is awarded to new incoming international undergraduate students based on their academic performance. The award ranges between USD 3,000 to USD 10,000 per academic year annually. Typically, the students require a GPA of at least 3.25 out of a possible 4.0 grading scale.
University Honors Laurels Scholarship: the grant is up to USD 3,000 per academic year annually and applies to only those students who applied and are admitted to the University Honors College.
There are some other fellowships and assistance available for financial-based grants and merit scholarships at the official website of the university.
Portland State University Eligibility
Interested candidates who want to apply at the university must show their eligibility to Portland State University to secure a better chance at getting admitted. The university has stated some of the basic requirements which are laid out according to the country of the student. Some of the conditions for Indian international students are as follows:
For Undergraduate students from India:
You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or SAT with minimum required official score
Submission of Secondary School Leaving Certificate (AISC, ISCE etc.) marks from the State Board of Education AND Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC, HSSC)
Senior Secondary School Certificate, Pre-University Certificate, Delhi Senior School Certificate marks, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and Council for Indian School Certificate (CISCE) must be provided to the university
Overall Average of 50% or higher in most State board exams
CBSE requires an overall average of B2 (pass with credit)
CISCE requires an overall average of 4 (pass with credit)
For Graduate students:
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or the equivalent
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or SAT with minimum required official score
Copies of official degree certificate/diploma certified translation of transcripts
Financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study
Personal essay or statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation
Standardised test scores, e.g., GRE (not required by all programmes)
Resume
Portfolio
Also Read Study in United States of America for Indian Students
English proficiency
All candidates seeking undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate degrees from Portland State University on non-immigrant visas must submit documentation to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency. The students can show one of the mentioned test results to show proof of English language proficiency:
Portland State University Undergraduate acceptable exams:
Exam Name | Acceptable Scores |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT | Overall: 80 |
Each: 15 or above | |
IELTS (Academic) | Overall band score: 6.0 |
Reading: 6.0 | |
Writing: 6.0 | |
SAT | Overall: 560 or higher |
PTE (Academic) | Overall: 53 |
Duolingo | Overall score: Above 110 |
Portland State University Graduate acceptable exams:
Exam Name | Acceptable Scores |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT | Overall: 80 |
Reading: 18 | |
Writing: 18 | |
IELTS (Academic) | Overall band score: 6.5 |
Reading: 6.5 | |
Writing: 6.5 | |
PTE (Academic) | Overall: 60 |
Duolingo | Overall score: Above 120 |
Portland State University Campus Facilities
Classrooms
Wifi
Library
Laboratories
Alumni Associations
Swimming Pool
Gym
Sports
Parking Facility
Auditorium
Cafeteria
Convenience Store
I.T Infrastructure
Portland State University International Office Details
Portland State University is home to more than 2000 International students representing The world making it a globally recognized urban research university.
Portland State University claims that over 10% of its graduate students are from worldwide and the campus hosts groups of students from India, China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, South Korea, Brazil, and elsewhere.
The Portland State International community provides immigration advising, life advising, programming and support to graduate students from nearly 100 different countries.
One can reach out to the international information team of Portland State University for assistance at the given below details:
Email: intl-services@pdx.edu
Tel: 503-725-4094
Fax: 503-725-2154
Is it hard to get into Portland State University?
No, The University does not have a rigid and hard procedure to enrol its students from all over the world. Instead, the university is easy to get into. The acceptance rate of Portland State University is very considerate at 98% which means almost every application is reviewed positively and admitted.
Furthermore, candidates can very easily secure admission in the preferable programme on successful completion of the application form. Hence, one should fill in the correct and original information with documents to be sure about the admission.
Also Read: Profile Building For US Admissions
Portland State University Gallery
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FAQ's
No, the university has waived off the GRE requirement in the admission process from the start of Spring Enrollment 2025. It was a mandatory Prerequisite in the past.
Portland State University has an impressive employment rate of almost 97%. All of them obtained professional planning, planning-related or other positions within 12 months of graduation.
The students must be graduated from high school and the cumulative unweighted GPA must be 2.5 or higher to be eligible for admission. So, if the GPA is less than 2.5, the application is kept in the “further admission review” category.
Portland State University is recognized as one of the most prestigious public universities in the USA. It marked its name at 280th rank in “National Universities”. The university is also ranked between 201 to 1400 by QS in the World University Ranking 2024.
Portland State University is a publicly owned research institution which is Oregon's most diverse, innovative and affordable research university. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).