About Portland State University
Portland State University is a public state university located in Portland, Oregon. Established in 1946, PSU began as the Vanport Extension Center as a way to meet the needs of higher education for those returning from World War II. Over the years, with its constantly expanding degree programs, PSU became the largest and fastest-growing school in the Oregon University System. Today PSU is helping students pursue excellence while also leading the way to an equitable and sustainable future through “…academic excellence, urban engagement, and expanding opportunity for all.”
PSU offers students several degree levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral. Many of the certificates and degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels are available completely online. Portland State University online degrees are student-focused and taught by exceptional faculty. Complete an online program with high academic standards that is also flexible. Set your own schedule as you earn a respected degree and progress in your life and career.
Accreditation & Licensing
Portland State University is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 19,139 ; Graduate: 5,730Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 18% ; Graduate: 17%Graduation Rate:
53%Transfer Rate:
24%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$57,906Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
54%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$10,442Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Portland State University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Math & Science
Psychology & Human Services
Religion & Philosophy
Filters
Cost is a real draw at Portland State University. Students call out cheap tuition and say they feel good about choosing PSU.
Time to finish can improve when prior credits fit your degree plan. A clear credit plan and steady pace help you finish sooner.
Aid timing and course timing matter for cost and progress. Starting in the right classes on time helps protect scholarships and avoid delays.
At Portland State, many professors and staff respond quickly and try to help students succeed. Small classes make it easier to ask questions and get follow-through.
Support quality can vary in advising and enrollment steps. Some students report schedule requests were missed, including online-only preferences and start timing. That can create deadline and grading stress when plans are not aligned.
The best path is to stay in close contact with advisors and instructors early. When communication is clear, students describe strong academic support and useful resources.
Portland State University offers real online access. Many learners take most classes online. The schedule can fit busy weeks. The pace works for full-time online study too.
Transfer credit can pair well with online classes. Format setup matters at PSU. One online-only request was placed in person. That switch happened after classes had started.
So online fit is best when class format stays exact. When setup is right, PSU gives flexible online structure.
Portland State University offers a challenging learning experience. Classes move fast and expect real effort. The work is serious, practical, and built to help students grow.
Teaching is a strong point. Smaller classes make it easier to get direct support. Professors stay involved and close to the day-to-day work. In math, faculty often spend extra time reviewing tough topics, which helps students keep up.
The main issues are with enrollment logistics, not classroom quality. Overall, PSU delivers strong teaching and committed faculty.
Portland State University is a strong online option. Academics are a clear strength. Classes are challenging and push students to do better work. Professors are involved and active in class.
Smaller class sizes can also mean more direct teaching time. Cost is another big plus. Lower tuition can make PSU a smart choice. Transfer credits and mostly online classes may help students finish sooner.
The format offers real flexibility, and careful planning helps everything stay on track. Overall, PSU offers solid value, strong teaching, and flexible paths to a degree. When course plans are set up well, students can save time and keep steady progress toward graduation.
Portland State University is a strong online option. Academics are a clear strength. Classes are challenging and push students to do better work. Professors are involved and active in class.
Smaller class sizes can also mean more direct teaching time. Cost is another big plus. Lower tuition can make PSU a smart choice. Transfer credits and mostly online classes may help students finish sooner.
The format offers real flexibility, and careful planning helps everything stay on track. Overall, PSU offers solid value, strong teaching, and flexible paths to a degree. When course plans are set up well, students can save time and keep steady progress toward graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portland State University
Is Portland State University accredited?
Yes. Portland State University is institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How many online programs does Portland State University offer?
Portland State University offers 35 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Portland State University offer?
Portland State University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Portland State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Portland State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Portland State University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Portland State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Portland State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Portland State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 2.5 appears most often.
Is Portland State University military friendly?
Portland State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Portland State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Portland State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Statement of Purpose/Intent, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Portland State University accept life experience credit?
Portland State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Portland State University programs fully online or mixed?
Portland State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Portland State University offer?
Portland State University has online program options in areas such as Business, Education, Art & Liberal Arts, and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Portland State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); AACSB International (AACSB).
Are any admission tests required for Portland State University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Portland State University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Portland State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Portland State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Portland State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Portland State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Portland State University is featured in 11 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Portland State University is located in Oregon
Oregon at a Glance:
Top Majors in Oregon:
Top Incentives in Oregon:
- Oregon Opportunity Grant: Up to $3,600 annually
- Oregon Promise: Covers most community college tuition
- OSAC Scholarships: Varies by program
Top Career Pathways in Oregon:
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