Portland State University is more than Portland’s public research university. It’s a place to test ideas and projects that show the world how different is done. Our innovative approach combines education with creative problem-solving and collaboration across campus for maximum impact. With more than 200 degree programs to choose from, PSU is Oregon’s most diverse, innovative and affordable research university.

Rankings: 

Academic Programs

  • Art & Design
  • Business
  • Communication
  • Design
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Liberal Arts
  • Music
  • Nursing
  • Performing Arts
  • Research
  • Science
  • Social Science
  • Technology
  • Visual Arts

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • Distance/online learning
  • Greek Life
  • Honors College
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • Military/Veteran Services
  • Night Class Offerings
  • On-Campus Housing
  • ROTC Program
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

Portland State University accepts applications for each term on a rolling admissions basis. August 1 is the application deadline for fall term admission for first year students. PSU is a test-optional institution.

First Year Admission Requirements:

  • Graduate from high school with 2.5 GPA or higher cumulative unweighted grade point average (GPA). (Students with 2.49 or lower GPA will still be considered for admissions, but will undergo further admission review.)
  • Complete 15 units* of college preparatory coursework with grades of C- or better.
International Applicants: Must also meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement or they will be placed an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway.

Transfer

Portland State University accepts applications for each term on a rolling admissions basis. September 1 is the application deadline for fall term admission for transfer students. Postbaccalaureate applicants should apply for admission via the University application here

PSU is a test-optional institution.

Transfer Admission Requirements:
Students with 30 or more transferable college quarter credits (20 semester credits) will be reviewed for admission as transfer applicants.

  • Completion of 30 or more transferable college quarter credits (20 semester credits)
  • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.25, or 2.00 if you present a transferable associate degree or an Oregon Transfer Module (OTM)
  • Completion of WR121 or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.
  • Meet Second Language Admissions Requirement (Oregon High School graduates only)
Students who do not meet the minimum GPA will be reviewed for admission through a holistic process.

Additional Information

At Portland State University, change isn’t a maybe. It’s a must. We are proud to be Oregon’s most diverse, affordable, and innovative public urban research university. On our campus in the heart of downtown Portland, we embolden you to chart your own path to a better tomorrow. And we give you all the support, connections, and experiences you need to get there. Because we believe every time your success inspires others, you change the world.

Our graduates go on to invent for Intel, save lives at Oregon Health & Science University, design for Nike, and launch their own innovative companies. More than 205,000 PSU alumni live all over the world, turning ideas into action.
  • 22,014 students
  • 50% from diverse backgrounds
  • 19:1 student to faculty ratio
  • 47% first generation college students
  • 61% of students receive financial aid

Visit us

Visit Portland State University! We are looking forward to seeing you on campus. While you’re here, you can check out our bustling Urban Plaza, tree-lined Park Blocks, modern in student rec center, and state-of-the art science labs. You’ll see restored historic buildings and brand new ones. Streetcars and bike paths give you easy access to the best of Portland, from food carts to forested hiking trails. You’ll discover an urban learning environment unlike any other in Oregon. And you’ll find out why Niche ranks PSU as one of the best college locations in America.

PSU was the first school that believed in me before I believed in myself.

Citlaly Arroyo-Juarez, Criminology & Criminal Justice, 2022
School seal

Admissions office

Visit us

Address

1800 SW 6th Ave
Portland, OR 97201, United States of America

Phone number

503-725-5555

Region

West

West