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Portland State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Portland State University accepts 91% of applicants. It is a public university in Portland, Oregon, with about 13,182 undergraduates. The sticker price is $28,098 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $8,337.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for Portland State University?
Most Oregon residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 2.9 admission is likely.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Portland State University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1090, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Oregon resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 62% Target | 32% Target |
| 2.7 | 69% Target | 40% Target |
| 3.0 | 85% Likely | 63% Target |
| 3.3 | 93% Likely | 81% Likely |
| 3.5 | 96% Likely | 89% Likely |
| 3.7 | 97% Likely | 94% Likely |
| 3.9 | 97% Likely | 95% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 95% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Portland State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $28,098 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $7,000 | $23,500 |
| $50k – $100k | $7,500 | $24,700 |
| $100k – $150k | $10,200 | $27,400 |
| $150k – $250k | $19,000 | $36,200 |
| Over $250k | $20,800 | $38,000 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Portland State University
What is the acceptance rate at Portland State University?
Portland State University admits 91% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Portland State University?
Most Oregon residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 2.9 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Portland State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 970–1220 on the SAT and 18–26 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Portland State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $28,098 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $8,337 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $7,000 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Portland State University?
53% of students finish their degree, and 76% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Portland State University
- University of OregonEugene, OR · admits 88%
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis, OR · admits 77%
- University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI · admits 91%
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg, WA · admits 91%
- Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TX · admits 90%
- Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC · admits 90%