Portland State University
Portland, Oregon (Only UG)
https://www.pdx.edu/
- Overview
- Ranking
- Intakes
- Courses
- Cost to Study
- Scholarships
- Admissions
- Placements
- Gallery
- FAQs
Overview
Founded in 1946 as the Vanport Extension Center to serve returning World War II veterans, Portland State University was granted full university status in 1969. Today, Portland State University is recognized as a leading University to study in the USA. It is positioned as the only comprehensive Public Research Institution in Portland’s vibrant urban center.
The main campus spans 50 acres in the University District of downtown Portland, Oregon, anchored by Lincoln Hall, Smith Memorial Student Union, Fariborz Maseeh Hall and more, many interconnected via tunnels and skybridges that unify the urban academic precinct. The University also includes specialized learning and research sites across the broader metropolitan area.
Portland State University, USA, enrols approximately 20,470 students, including over 15,885 Undergraduates and 4,585 Graduate students, making it the largest public university in Oregon by enrollment. The University collectively offers more than 200 accredited Degree programs across its Colleges.
The University’s vision, “Let Knowledge Serve the City”, underpins its service learning, community engagement, and civic impact initiatives. Its research mission emphasises real world, applied scholarship in partnership with local institutions such as Oregon Health & Science University, K 12 schools, and community organisations. Programs such as the Undergraduate Research & Mentoring Program (URMP) offer early research opportunities for students across STEM disciplines.
Notable alumni include public leaders such as former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts, business pioneers like Norm Winningstad, entrepreneurs like UPS CEO D. Scott Davis, and creative innovators, including Nike swoosh designer Carolyn Davidson.
91%
Acceptance Rate
1,023
Total International Students
16:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
92%
Placement Rate
Rankings
Portland State University has distinguished recognition both nationally and internationally, positioning it as a transformative University for students and communities alike. Nationally, it is among the Top Public Universities in the USA. The University is also eminent in Oregon for Social Mobility and Service Learning, reflecting its dedication to elevating economically disadvantaged students and embedding civic engagement into its curriculum.
In international arenas, PSU is placed in the popular World University Rankings. Further in the Portland State University rankings, it is ranked among the Top 50 Green Colleges nationally, and is routinely named one of the most inclusive, LGBTQ friendly, and bicycle-friendly campuses in the United States.
#152
Webometrics US National Ranking
#801-#1000
QSWR
#259
U.S. News & World Report
*Note: University rankings are subject to change based on periodic evaluations and updates.
Intakes
Portland State University offers a flexible and inclusive intake structure, providing exclusive annual intakes for applicants. Students may apply for three major sessions: Fall (September), Winter (January) and Spring (April). This tri-term Portland State University intake system allows aspiring students from around the globe to align entry terms with personal scheduling and visa timelines.
Portland State also practices rolling admission, which means that while firm deadlines exist for scholarships and housing, applications are accepted year-round, and earlier submission increases access to preferred courses, housing, and PSU-specific scholarships. Important application deadlines for international and domestic first-year undergraduate admissions vary.
Note*: KC Overseas Education assists aspirants with Undergraduate courses at this University.
Students may apply for all Undergraduate courses in this intake.
Students can apply for any Undergraduate course in this intake as well.
Even the Spring Intake is open for all undergraduate courses.
Top Courses
Portland State University offers an expansive array of Undergraduate courses in the USA that blend rigorous academics with real-world applicability. Students may choose from over 200 Majors, Minors, Certificates and Concentrations across seven colleges and diverse departments. These courses to study at Portland State University are designed to meet evolving industry needs while fostering civic and scholarly excellence.
The Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science confers ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science degrees, assuring peer-reviewed quality and professional readiness. The School of Business offers AACSB-accredited undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Accounting, recognised among the top courses in the USA for their experiential learning, entrepreneurship centres, and sustainable business emphasis.
Note: The listed courses are among the popular choices; however, universities may offer a wider range of programs. It is recommended to check the university’s official website for the complete list of available courses.
Cost to Study
The cost to study at Portland State University for international Undergraduates is structured transparently by credit. As a non-resident, students typically pay tuition fees based on credits for every academic year.
PSU requires the tuition deposit to be paid by the first payment due date each term. If not paid in full, students are automatically enrolled in the PSU Payment Plan, which splits the balance into three equal monthly instalments and may involve a late fee if deadlines are missed. International students can conveniently pay through online payment methods via myPSU using e-check (ACH), international wire transfer (via TransferMate), or credit/debit cards through CashNet/Transact, all supported with live customer support 24/7.
| Types of Expenses | Annual Expenses in INR |
|---|---|
| Annual UG Tuition Fee | ₹24,76,305 |
| Living Expenses for Bachelors | ₹14,59,875 |
| Books, Transportation, and Miscellaneous for Bachelors | ₹4,84,500 |
| Insurance | ₹2,13,520 |
Note: The tuition fees mentioned are approximate and may vary. It is recommended to check the university’s official website for the most up-to-date fee structure.
Scholarships Available
Portland State University begins with an impressive commitment to supporting international students’ success by offering a range of robust awards designed to reward academic excellence, cultural engagement, and financial need. International Undergraduate students are automatically reviewed for PSU’s most prestigious merit-based offer, which is distributed across all enrolled terms with no separate application required. This scholarship at Portland State University can span up to twelve terms for first-year students or six terms for transfers.
In addition to this flagship scholarship program, international undergraduates may apply for program-specific scholarships. Beyond these, PSU’s Scholarship Universe portal connects students to departmental, college-specific, and external scholarships with awards ranging widely based on eligibility and field of study.
Admission Requirement
Portland State University employs a holistic evaluation process for international undergraduate applicants, ensuring that prospective students meet both academic and linguistic benchmarks while aligning with the University’s mission of civic engagement and academic excellence. This standard serves as a baseline to assess academic readiness and intellectual potential for admission in the USA context. Portland State University's admission requirements for Indian students can be checked here.
✅Applicants must have completed Standard XII (Higher Secondary School Certificate) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent.
✅ Submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional.
✅ TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 71 is accepted.
✅ IELTS Academic: A minimum overall band score of 6.0 is accepted.
✅ PTE Academic: A minimum score of 53 is accepted.
✅ Duolingo English Test (DET): A minimum score of 110 is accepted.
Note: Admission requirements may vary, it is advisable to check the official university website for the most up-to-date and specific eligibility criteria.
Placement Overview
Portland State University provides an exceptionally robust framework of placement support for Undergraduate students, delivered through its University Career Center and school-specific Career Services. It offers comprehensive resources, including one on one career counselling, résumé and interview preparation, job search strategy workshops, and internship planning support for all Undergraduates and alumni. Students can schedule career coaching appointments, typically within 48 hours, and engage in more than 1,600 coaching sessions annually, ensuring personalized guidance from early coursework through graduation.
Additionally, PSU hosts over 60 career and employer engagement events each year, and through strategic partnerships with top regional employers. Through its formal Partnerships and Career Classes, the Career Center ensures that Undergraduate students develop practical skills and industry connections for some of the best job opportunities in the USA.
Top Recruiters
Jobs after Graduating from Portland State University
Note: - These figures are indicative and may vary as per the industry norms.
Student Essential Services
Nestled in the heart of downtown Portland, PSU’s 50-acre urban campus sits in a vibrant University district bordered by city landmarks, public transit, restaurants, the arts, and greenery, creating a dynamic living and learning environment unmatched by many campuses. Its central location fosters seamless access to Portland’s cultural scene, internships, community projects, and professional networks.
PSU boasts over 200 groups for student engagement and activities. It includes department-based clubs, cultural and identity centers, and leadership organisations under the Student Activities & Leadership Programs (SALP). These groups offer community-building opportunities, events, civic engagement, and leadership development. PSU students also run 30 club sports teams, ranging from rugby to ice hockey and dozens of rec clubs, intramurals, and inclusive recreation activities through the Campus Rec program.
The modern Academic & Student Recreation Center (ASRC), located in PSU’s Urban Plaza, includes a six-story rec centre with fitness areas, an indoor climbing wall, an aquatics centre, and outdoor trip planning facilities. Students enjoy intramural leagues, sports drop-in, rec clubs, and organised outdoor excursions at subsidized rates. Athletic fans can attend NCAA Division I sports at the Viking Pavilion, a 3,094-seat arena for basketball, volleyball, and athletic events.
Portland State University provides eight distinct on-campus residence facilities, including traditional halls and apartment-style buildings like University Pointe and Ondine, housing around 3,000 students, with convenient proximity to classrooms and campus services. Those preferring off-campus options may use PSU’s roommate matching and housing assistance networks that connect students to partner residences and other student accommodations in the USA.
The Center for Student Health & Counseling (SHAC) supports physical well-being while studying abroad through accessible health services, counseling, dental, wellness education, and peer-led initiatives like the Mind Spa. Students can use drop-in counseling or schedule individualized sessions, and SHAC also administers the mandatory student insurance plan for those enrolled in five or more credits.
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