Washington State University (WSU) vs. Portland State University (PSU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to Washington State University (WSU) or Portland State University (PSU)?“
Washington State University (WSU)
Portland State University (PSU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Washington State University (WSU) and Portland State University (PSU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Washington State University (WSU) and Portland State University (PSU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Washington State University (WSU) and Portland State University (PSU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Washington State University (WSU) | Portland State University (PSU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $11,967 | $8,034 |
| Net Price | $17,878 | $14,323 |
| Average Financial Aid | $5,150 | $4,123 |
| Total Undergraduates | 24100 | 19648 |
| Average SAT Scores | 910 - 1150 | 930 - 1160 |
| Acceptance Rate | 80 | 86 |
| Location | French Administration Building | 724 SW Harrison |
| City Name | Pullman | Portland |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Portland State University (PSU) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Pullman and Portland. Washington State University (WSU) is in a Mountain and Portland State University (PSU) is in a Mountain - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Washington State University (WSU) or Portland State University (PSU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Washington State University (WSU) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Washington State University (WSU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Portland State University (PSU) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do Washington State University (WSU) Dorms Compare to housing Options at Portland State University (PSU)?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. Washington State University (WSU) charges for on-campus living, while Portland State University (PSU) charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
Washington State University (WSU) and Portland State University (PSU) student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Washington State University (WSU), % | Portland State University (PSU),% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 62.660000000000004 | 58.85 |
| Hispanic | 13.23 | 11.93 |
| Black | 3.44 | 3.5000000000000004 |
| Foreign | 4.73 | 5.42 |
| Others | 15.9 | 20.3 |
How different is the Washington State University (WSU) campus compared to Portland State University (PSU) campus?
The Washington State University (WSU) campus is located in Pullman, WA and is characterized as Town: Distant (in urban cluster more than 10 miles and up to 35 miles from an urbanized area). The Portland State University (PSU) campus is located in Portland, OR and is characterized as City: Large (population of 250,000 or more).
Which school gives more financial aid?
Washington State University (WSU) provides $5,150 whereas Portland State University (PSU) provides an average of $4,123.
How does Washington State University (WSU) academics compare to Portland State University (PSU)?
When analyzing academics between Washington State University (WSU) and Portland State University (PSU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | Washington State University (WSU) | Portland State University (PSU) |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | 148 | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | 12 | 61 |
| Architecture and related services | 36 | 46 |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 20 | 19 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 445 | 141 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 110 | 116 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 636 | 263 |
| Education | 165 | 1 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | N/A | N/A |
Which is better: Washington State University (WSU) or Portland State University (PSU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between Washington State University (WSU) and Portland State University (PSU). But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does Washington State University (WSU) social life compare to Portland State University (PSU)?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how Washington State University (WSU) social life differs from Portland State University (PSU).
Check here.
Check here.