Portland State University
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Portland State University: Overview, Rankings, Fees & Courses

  • B++ Shiksha Grade
  • Institute Icon50 acre campus
  • Estd. 1946
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Portland State University
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For PSU admissions, students are advised to apply within the application deadlines listed below:

  • Summer Intake (UG): Early-Jul, 2024
  • Fall Intake (PG): Early-Mar, 2025

About Portland State University

Accordion Icon V3
Year of establishment
1946
Also known as
PSU
University website
Go to Website Link Arrow Icon
Student website
Go to Website Link Arrow Icon
Campus size
50 acres
No. of campus
1
Endowment value
USD 73 million
Scholarships granted
10669
Scholarship amount granted
USD 94 million
Application fees
USD 60
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Optional
Total faculty
809
Faculty/Student ratio
17
Male/Female ratio
1.23
UG/PG course ratio
1.29
Total criminal offences
158
Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

63%

Hispanic

20%

Asian

10%

Black

4%

American

1%

UG Student residence

In state

77%

Out of state

20%

Foreign

1%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

67%

25 and over

32%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

7926
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.53
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

16862
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

4747
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   Is Portland State University hard to get into?

A: 

Portland State University acceptance rate is 93% according to U.S. News & World Report. The acceptance rate justifies that the university is less selective when it comes to admissions. So, as long as the applicants meet the entry and application requirements and apply on time, there are high chances of getting admission to Portland State University. Some of the factors to consider while applying to PSU are:

  • Carefully check the entry requirements
  • Fill out the online application
  • Submit the PSU application fee and required documents

Q:   What are the Portland State University rankings?

A: 

Portland State University is a part of the top universities in the world and its global rankings are listed below:

  • #1201-1400 in World University Rankings 2024 - QS World University Rankings
  • #280 in Best National Universities in United States 2024 - US News and World Report Rankings 
  • #151 in Top Public Schools in United States 2024 - US News and World Report Rankings 
  • #801-1000 in World University Rankings 2024 - Times Higher Education (THE)
  • #401-500 in US College Rankings 2022 – Times Higher Education (THE)

Q:   What GPA do you need to get into Portland State University?

A: 

Portland State University admission requirements for international students are given below:

  • Undergraduate Courses: For admission to undergraduate courses at Portland State University, the applicants must have completed secondary school or high school. When it comes to GPA requirements, the applicants are required to have an overall GPA of at least 2.5
  • Graduate Courses: To be considered for regular admission to graduate courses, the applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree. When it comes to GPA needed for admission to graduate courses, then the applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or equivalent from the degree granting institute (s). For conditional admission, the applicants who have a cumulative undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 2.74 or the equivalent from the degree granting institute (s) will be eligible

Q:   What are the requirements to get into Portland State University?

A: 

Portland State University admission requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses are given below:

Undergraduate Courses

Indian applicants who want to take admission to Portland State University must meet the below-given entry requirements:

  • Secondary School Leaving Certificate (ISCE, AISC, etc.) marks from the State Board of Education and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC, HSSC), Senior Secondary School Certificate, Pre-University Certificate, All India Senior School Certificate, Delhi Senior School Certificate marks, CBSE, CISCE
  • Most State Board exams overall average of 50% or higher CBSE requires overall average of B2 (pass with credit), CISCE requires overall average of 4 (pass credit)
  • At least, overall 2.5 GPA is needed

Graduate Courses

  • The applicants are required to have a baccalaureate degree equivalent to the US four-year’s bachelor’s degrees from a college or university recognised as an institution of higher education by the Ministry of Education in the relevant country or be regionally accredited within the US prior to matriculating into a graduate program
  • For regular admission, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or equivalent from the degree-granting institute is required. In the case of conditional admission, a GPA between 2.5 and 2.74 or the equivalent is required

Apart from the above-given requirements, the applicants are also required to submit proof of English language proficiency.

Also Read: Requirements to Study in USA for International Students 

Q:   Is Portland State University expensive?

A: 

Portland State University has mentioned that it gives students a valuable education at an affordable cost. It follows this by keeping the tuition fees as low as possible. Check Portland State University fees for popular courses from the table given below:

Courses

1st-Year Tuition Fees

MS

INR 15.8 L - INR 18.3 L

BE / BTech

INR 13.9 L - INR 15.6 L

MBA / PGDM

INR 23.4 L

MIM

INR 27.9 L

Estimated Living Expenses for International Students for 2023-24

Particulars

Expenses

Housing and meals

USD 15,525

Transportation

USD 738

Misc. / Personal

USD 1,350

Books

USD 798

Also Read: Cost of Living in USA for International Students 

Portland State University Scholarships 2024

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   What are the eligibility criteria for Portland State University scholarships for international students?

A: 

International students are eligible for Portland State University scholarships on the basis of merit, both on the undergraduate and graduate level. Students must note that no separate scholarship application is required as all the applicants are automatically considered.

Listed below are some of the most popular Portland State University scholarships for international students, along with their eligibility criteria:

Scholarship NameAnnual Disbursement AmountEligibility Criteria
International Achievement ScholarshipUSD 3,000 - USD 10,000

GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale

International Elite Scholar & Diversity AwardUp to USD 8,000Academic performance

Q:   Does Portland State University give scholarships to international students?

A: 

Yes, Portland State University offers scholarships to international students. All admitted undergraduate international students are automatically considered for merit scholarships of up to USD 10,000 per year. Check the details of the scholarships given below:

Scholarship

Award Amount

Additional Application Required

International Achievement Scholarship

Up to USD 10,000 per academic year annually

No

International Elite Scholar & Diversity Award

Up to USD 8,000 per academic year annually

No

University Honors Laurels Scholarship

Up to USD 3,000 per academic year annually

Only students who apply to and are admitted to the University Honors College

Also Read: Scholarships to Study in USA for International Students 

Portland State University Admission Dates 2024

  • Application fees :No Fees
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNot required
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNeeded for few courses
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
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Sign-up to view details
Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall1ˢᵗ Mar - 1ˢᵗ Aug 2024
Spring1ˢᵗ Nov 2024
Winter15ᵗʰ Sep 2024
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   What are the Portland State University application deadlines for international students?

A: 

Portland State University accepts international applications in the following semesters: Winter  (Jan Start),  Spring (Apr Start), Summer  (Jun Start), and Fall (Sep Start). Listed below are the Portland State University application deadlines for international students:

1) Undergraduate Courses:

Intake Season

Application Deadline

Winter

Early-Dec, 2024

Summer

Early-Jul, 2024

Fall

Early-Aug, 2024

Spring

Early-Mar, 2025

2) Graduate Courses:

Semester

Application Deadline

Fall

Early-Mar, 2025

Q:   What is the Portland State University acceptance rate?

A: 

Based on the ratio of admissions to applications, the Portland State University acceptance rate stands at 93%. Since, the stats are on the higher end, we can conclude that PSU is a not a very competitive university to get in. Once an applicant fulfills the Portland State University admission requirements, i.e.; competitive grades, standarized test scores, English language requirements as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission in the university. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to PSU within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.

Note: The data has been derived from unofficial sources and is subjected to changes.

Q:   How long does it take for Portland State University to send acceptance letters?

A: 

Prospective students can apply for Portland State University admissions through the Common Application - Bachelor's courses or Official Application Portal - Master's courses. Once the candidate submits their application along with the all the relevant documents, it takes the university about four to six weeks to take an admission decision and inform the students. Portland State University advises students to apply as early as possible if applying for financial aid.

Q:   What are the application requirements for Portland State University MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering?

A: 

The MSc in Electrical & Computer Engineering application requirements are given below:

  • Unofficial copies of transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
  • English language proficiency test score
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Financial documents

Q:   How to apply to Portland State University?

A: 

International students can apply to Portland State University online application system or Common App for undergraduate admissions. Whereas, for graduate courses, the applicants can apply online only at PSU. Check the application process for undergraduate and graduate courses given below:

Undergraduate Courses

Step 1: First of all, submit the application and application fee

Step 2: Then, submit the complete academic records such as high school transcripts, grades and other relevant academic records along with graduation certificate, Diploma or exam results or certificates, etc.

Step 3: Also, submit evidence of English language proficiency

Step 4: Next, check the application status. This can be done by logging into PSU’s application portal

Graduate Courses

Step 1: First of all, complete the graduate application

Step 2: Then, send the official academic transcripts to Graduate School’s Admissions Office

Step 3: Then, submit evidence of English language proficiency

Step 4: Next, provide financial documents showing sufficient financial support for at least the first-year of study

Step 5: Also, submit the additional documents required for application

Also Read: College / Application Process for USA

Portland State University Fees, Duration & Entry Requirements 2024

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(2 courses)
INR 16 L - 19 L
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS, TOEFL, PTE: 60 & Above
B.E. / B.Tech(2 courses)
INR 26 L - 29 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above
MBA/PGDM(1 course)
INR 24 L
Duration21 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS, TOEFL, PTE: 67 & Above
Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   Is studying in Portland State University expensive?

A: 

Portland State University offers more than 120 undergraduate and over 110 graduate degree programs for their international students in a number of leading disciplines. Annual tuition fee required to pursue a degree course at PSU is around 20L on an average, which can be considered a little expensive as a study abroad option. Students can refer to the table listed below for course specific fees requirements:

Courses1st Year Tuition Fees
MIM (1 course)
INR 28 L
MS (2 courses)
INR 16 L - 18 L
B.E. / B.Tech (2 courses)
INR 14 L - 16 L
MBA/PGDM (1 course)
INR 23 L

Q:   What are the Portland State University admission requirements for Indian students?

A: 

Portland State University accepts country-specific qualifications from Indian undergraduate students and they must be fulfilled by the applicants in order to secure an enrollment in PSU. Listed below are the Portland State University admission requirements for Indian students:

  • Secondary School Leaving Certificate (AISC, ISCE etc.) marks from State Board of Education; AND
  • Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC, HSSC), Senior Secondary School Certificate, Pre-University Certificate, All India Senior School Certificate, Delhi Senior School Certificate marks, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Council for Indian
  • School Certificate (CISCE); AND
  • State Board Exams Overall average of 50% or higher CBSE.

Q:   How can international students get into Portland State University?

A: 

In order to secure an enrolment, all international students are required to fulfill the Portland State University admission requirements listed below:

1) Undergraduate Requirements:

2) Graduate Requirements:

  • Official academic transcripts (English translation);
  • Four year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (in relevant field);
  • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
  • Letter of recommendations (LOR);
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP);
  • Resume
  • Proof of English language proficiency;
  • Work experience (if applicable); and
  • Other course-specific requirements.

Q:   What are the Portland State University English language requirements?

A: 

Meeting the English language requirements is one of the major Portland State University admission requirements for international students. PSU accepts major English exam scores as proof of English language proficiency. Students can refer to the table below for minimum score requirements:

Tests

UG Minimum Score Requirements

PG Minimum Score Requirements

TOEFL

Overall score of 71

(with minimum 15 in Reading & Writing)

Overall score of 80

(with minimum 18 in Reading & Writing)

Duolingo style="width: 33.4017%; height: 92.8px;" valign="top" width="208">

Overall score of 6.0

(with minimum 6.0 in Reading & Writing)

Overall score of 6.5

(with minimum 6.5 in Reading & Writing)

PTE

Overall score of 53

Overall score of 60

Duolingo English Test

Overall score of 110

Overall score of 120

Q:   Can I study in Portland State University without ELP scores?

A: 

Portland State University admission requirements for international students comprise of proof of proficiency in the English language as a major entry requirement. However, international students can get enrolled in PSU without English proficiency exam scores if they meet one of the criteria listed below:

  • Transferable associate degree from a US institution with a minimum GPA of 2.50; OR
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma with final combined score of 30 or more points; OR
  • Completion of Portland State's Intensive English Language Program (IELP) with a 3.5 GPA in all courses and recommendation from the IELP.

If the students do not fulfill any of the lisitings above, they need to submit an official English language exam score.

Portland State University
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.7/5
Verified Icon1 Verified ReviewInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Multi-dimensional
  • Stressful
  • Academically oriented
Student Views
  • 100% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships5
Part time work5
Post study jobs5
Quality of faculty5
Student Life4
Value for money5
Public transportation5
Safety5
Indian Food4
Permanent Immigration4
M
Madhuri Beluguppa Verified Icon
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Batch of 2016
4.7
PSU - A worthwhile experience
Tips: Tution fee is slightly on the expensive side, however, the coursework does pave the way for good job opportunities as it has Intel, AMD and other good companies close by. The place is more welcoming with good options to explore for people with different food preferences. The beautiful and picturesque nature is the cherry on top. The things to keep in mind are to focus on the coursework, projects/assignments and exams as the coursework, in general, is tough. Networking is highly important in order to get internships and further full-time opportunities.
Likes (Value for money): The coursework at PSU is crafted carefully to give the student industry-level knowledge at the school level alongside real-time projects which improves the skills. There are many good companies like Intel, AMD, NVidia that actively hire interns and full-time candidates from the university.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Considering the competition, the permanent settlement is tougher than earlier, however, not impossible. Networking with the right people might help in getting job opportunities and funding for a work visa. The process and time taken for permanent settlement is lengthy.
Reviewed on 14 Aug 2023Read more
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Portland State University Placements

Top Recruiters

HP
Nike
LG Electronics
Intel
Adidas
Bank of America
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Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   Are Portland State University MBA placements good?

A: 

Portland State University MBA is one of the most popular courses offered by the university and students across the globe desire to pursue this course. Listed below are some highlight of the Portland State University MBA placement details:

Particulars

Details

Total Placement Rate 

76.5% 

MBA FT Employed in 6 months 

53% 

Average Salary (MBA FT) 

USD 56,000 

Median Starting Salary (MBA FT) 

USD 69,300 

Average Salary (MBA PT) 

USD 78,775 

Average Salary Increase (MBA PT) 

USD 14,337 

MBA PT Employed within 4 months 

100% 

Q:   Can I work while studying in Portland State University?

A: 

Yes, Portland State University permits international students to work while studying in the university if they hold an F-1 or J-1 student visa. Candidates are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Also, students must be mindful of the fact that they cannot work during times when they are scheduled to be in class.

Also read: Part-time jobs for Indian students in USA







Portland State University Rankings 2024

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   How is Portland State University MBA ranked?

A: 

Portland State University MBA is one of the most popular courses offered by the university and students across the globe desire to pursue this course. Listed below are the PSU MBA rankings:

Ranked By202120222023

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

#501-600#501-600#601-800

US News & World Report - Graduate Business School

NA#102-149#102-149

US News & World Report - UG Business

#201#212#190

Q:   What is the ranking of Portland State University Engineering?

A: 

Portland State University offers a wide variety of top-notch courses for their international students and Engineering is one of the top enrolled PSU majors. Listed below is the course ranking of Portland State University Engineering:

Ranked By202120222023

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

#801-1000#801-1000#801-1000

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

#601-800#601-800#801-1000

US News & World Report - Civil Engineering PG

#110#107#121

US News & World Report - Computer Engineering PG

#106#105#121

US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG

#147#146#151

US News & World Report - Mechanical Engineering PG

#149#159#166

Portland State University
College comparison

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Compare Portland State University with other similar colleges

MS
B.E. / B.Tech
MBA/PGDM
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

Portland State University

INR 16.14 L - 18.62 LB++#1201 QS, 2025
INR 16.36 L - 26.5 LB++#641 QS, 2025
INR 5.96 L - 18.63 LB++#1001 QS, 2025
INR 18.31 L - 24.47 LA#466 QS, 2025
INR 13.24 L - 18.16 LB++#701 QS, 2025
INR 14.97 L - 18.83 LA#741 QS, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisonsRight Arrow Icon

Portland State University
Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
school Key Fact Icon
963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
4.66L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
mapPin Key Fact Icon
Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
334.23M (2023)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
October
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston817
New York1018
Chicago1017
Los Angeles1626
Explore popular study abroad destinations
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Study in Country

Q:   Which are some of the top-ranked universities in USA?

A: 

USA is one of the most popular countries for study abroad options for international students and is a hub of globally renowned universities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, some top universities in USA are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Stanford University, and many more. 

Given below is the list of top Universities in USA as mentioned in the prominent rankings.

University

QS Global Rankings 2025

Massachusetts Institute of Technology University (MIT)

#1

Harvard University

#4

Stanford University

#6

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

#10

University of Pennsylvania

#11

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

#12

Cornell University

#16

Princeton University

#22

Yale University

#23

John Hopkins University

#32

Q:   Do universities in USA offer scholarships to international students?

A: 

Opting to study abroad is a major step that students take for their career and managing the expenses (including the tuition fee and living costs) play a deciding factor in this decision. Here is where scholarships dive in and help students study in their dream college by cutting down a portion of their expenses. Here are some scholarships offered by the top universities in USA that are available for international students:

Portland State University 
FAQs

Q:   What are the benefits of studying in Portland State University?

A: 

Portland State University is one of the best universities in USA and students across the world desire to study here. Listed below are some benefits of studying in PSU:

  • Strong academic reputation;
  • Affordable tuition fees;
  • Inclusive and diverse community of students;
  • Variety of generous scholarships and grants offered;
  • Safe surroundings;
  • Exceptional sports/recreation facilities; and
  • Strong economy and job market in USA.

Q:   What are some useful tips for students starting their first semester in Portland State University?

A: 

Portland State University is one of the best universities in USA and students across the world desire to study here. Listed below are some helpful tips for students starting their first semester in PSU:

  • Academic Routine: Build a practical routine for studies and make use of the academic resources offered by PSU.
  • Connect with Faculty: Students must build a healthy relationship with professors and is helpful with studies as well as job opportunities.
  • Co-curricular Activities: Participate in events, clubs, trips, community organisation, volunteering and more.
  • Gym & Fitness: Fitness freaks can make use of the equipments at PSU in order to build a healthy routine for themselves.
  • Planning Finances: Since studying abroad is expensive, students must plan their budget and invest/spend their money mindfully while studying in PSU.
qna

Portland State University

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 5 months ago

Portland State University and Oklahoma State University are among the popular univerities to study in the USA for international students. They both offers affordable programs for international students. We have compared them below in terms of thier tuition fees and acceptance rate below:

UniversitiesAcceptance RateTuition Fees for First Year
Portland State University93%INR 16 L to INR 29 L
Oklahoma State University73%INR 13 L to INR 28 L

43308123
Chandra Shekhar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 months ago

Yes, Portland State University requires freshman to reside in one of the university's residence halls during their first academic year if they fall in the criteria listed below:

  • Live more than 25 miles away from campus at the time of application;
  • Are under 20 years of age on the first day of the term;

...more

56255227
Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 months ago

Portland State University is a public research university located in the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon, United States. Listed below are some of the best things to do on weekends as a student at PSU:

  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of Multnomah Falls, Hood River, Bonneville Dam;
  • Go out for Karaoke nights,

...more

56255227
Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 months ago

Portland State University cost of living for international students in inclusive of housing, meals, books, travel, personal expenses, and more. For Indian students, the total amount sums upto be around INR 15L.

ParticularsCost of Living (Annual)Cost in INR
Books & SuppliesUSD 798INR 66K
Loan Origination FeesUSD 135INR 11K
Housing & FoodUSD 13,443INR 11.2
Other Living ExpensesUSD 1,770INR 1.4L
TransportationUSD 870INR 72K
Personal ExpensesUSD 900INR 75K
TOTALUSD 17,916INR 15L

Conversion Used: 1 USD = INR 83.88

56255227
Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 7 months ago

Here is a comparison of both the universities:

Fairfield University MBA Program:
Program Flexibility: Offers online or hybrid MBA programs allowing students to customize their curriculum.
Ranking: Ranked among the top 25 MBA specializations in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Support: Offers ongo

...more

A

Anushree mundra

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Anushree Sinha

Study Abroad Expert

Anushree is a Graduate in Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and takes keen interest in content creation. She has affinity for writing and travelling around the world takes the top spot on her bucket list. Bringing out the creativ...Read Full Bio

Portland State University

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Portland State University
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CityPortland, Oregon, USA
Size of cityMedium
Population of City6,47,805

Portland State University
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
Portland State University CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201, USA

Visit official site External Link Icon

Portland State University
Contact Information

Address

1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201, United States
Portland ( Oregon)

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