Portland State University (PSU) is a public urban research university in Portland, Oregon, founded in 1946. PSU ranks #59 among USA universities in the THE World University Rankings 2026, its strongest global recognition.
PSU delivers 200+ programs across 50+ graduate departments, with all instruction in English. Indian students most often enrol in MS Computer Science, MS Electrical and Computer Engineering, MS Mechanical Engineering, and the MBA. Fall is the primary intake for Indian applicants, with Winter, Spring, and Summer starts also open for selected programs.
- THE World Rank (USA): #59 (2026 edition)
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Intakes: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
- PG Tuition: USD 23,010 to 36,727 per year (INR 20.1 to 32.1 lakh)
- Student Body: 20,000+ enrolled across UG and PG programs
- Living Cost: USD 55,089 per year (INR 48.2 lakh) as per PSU official estimate
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
PSU charges tuition per credit hour, with non-resident international rates applied to Indian students. Merit scholarships up to USD 10,000 (INR 8.75 lakh) offset fees, and the F-1 visa route supports 24-month STEM OPT extensions after graduation for eligible STEM programs in USA. Portland’s living cost sits below peers like Seattle or San Francisco, which improves total investment ROI for Indian STEM graduates.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 87.5 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Portland State University accepts applications on a rolling basis for Fall 2027 entry, with priority review for scholarship consideration. Indian applicants should target submission by Expected 15 January 2027 (based on prior cycle priority date) to secure funding. Winter and Spring 2027 intakes are also open for selected graduate programs, with earlier deadlines listed on each program page.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Portland State University 2027
- Portland State University Admission 2027
- Portland State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Portland State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- PSU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Portland State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Portland State University Scholarships 2027
- Portland State University Rankings 2027
- Portland State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Portland State University vs Peer Universities
- Portland State University FAQs
Popular PSU Courses and Fees at Portland State University 2027
Portland State University charges tuition per credit hour under a non-resident international fee schedule. Graduate STEM programs typically span 2 years across 30 to 45 credit hours, while undergraduate programs run 4 years across 180 quarter credits. Annual figures below reflect the standard full-time international rate published for 2026-27.
Top 10 PG Courses at PSU 2027
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | 73,454 (2 years) | 64.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 3.0/4.0 (recommended) |
| MS Electrical and Computer Engineering | 73,454 (2 years) | 64.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 3.0/4.0 (recommended) |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | 73,454 (2 years) | 64.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 3.0/4.0 (recommended) |
| MS Civil and Environmental Engineering | 73,454 (2 years) | 64.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 3.0/4.0 (recommended) |
| MBA | 46,020 (2 years) | 40.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 2.75/4.0 (recommended) |
| MS Engineering and Technology Management | 73,454 (2 years) | 64.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 3.0/4.0 (recommended) |
| MS Systems Engineering | 73,454 (2 years) | 64.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 3.0/4.0 (recommended) |
| MS Data Science | 73,454 (2 years) | 64.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 3.0/4.0 (recommended) |
| Master of Public Health | 50,000 (2 years) | 43.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 2.75/4.0 (recommended) |
| Master of Social Work | 50,000 (2 years) | 43.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 2.75/4.0 (recommended) |
Top 5 UG Courses at PSU 2027
Undergraduate programs at PSU run 4 years and charge non-resident international tuition annually. Indian applicants apply with Class 12 results and English-test scores.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | 138,396 (4 years) | 121.1 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Business Administration | 132,048 (4 years) | 115.5 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
| BS Mechanical Engineering | 138,396 (4 years) | 121.1 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BA Psychology | 132,048 (4 years) | 115.5 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
| BS Civil Engineering | 138,396 (4 years) | 121.1 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian students at PSU cluster heavily in MS Computer Science, MS Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the STEM-designated Engineering and Technology Management program for the 24-month STEM OPT eligibility.
Read More: Portland State University Fees and Programs Guide
Portland State University Admission 2027
PSU admits internationally into Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms. Fall is the primary intake for Indian applicants due to funding availability and full course rotation.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 application (priority) | Expected 15 January 2027 (based on prior cycle) | Priority review for scholarship funding |
| Fall 2027 application (final) | Expected 1 May 2027 (based on prior cycle) | Rolling review after priority date |
| WES credential evaluation | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Mandatory for Indian transcripts |
| I-20 issuance | Within 4 weeks of admission | Required for F-1 visa slot booking |
| Fall 2027 program start | Late September 2027 | Mandatory international orientation precedes |
Planning note: Indian applicants who miss the January priority deadline should apply by early March 2027 to leave time for I-20 processing and Chennai or Mumbai F-1 visa interview slots.
Read More: Portland State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
PSU Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Portland State University sets clear academic and English-test thresholds for Indian graduate applicants.
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA 3.0/4.0 (approx. 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 on Indian scale)
- English: TOEFL iBT 71 (0-120 legacy scale) or IELTS 6.0; verify at official page for updated 1-6 band scale equivalent
- Credentials: WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation of Indian transcripts
- Program-specific: GRE waived for most MS Engineering intakes; MBA typically waives GMAT for 3+ years of work experience
Key insight: Indian applicants with Duolingo English Test 100 or PTE Academic 53 are accepted by PSU as of the current cycle; verify the exact minimum on the official admissions page before booking a slot.
Portland State University Acceptance Rate 2027
Portland State University reports an overall acceptance rate of 91%, making it one of the most accessible public research universities in the USA for Indian applicants. This rate is officially published by PSU institutional research.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 91% | Stable |
| 2025 | 91% | Stable |
| 2024 | 90% | Slight increase |
High acceptance does not mean automatic entry for Indian applicants at MS level. Graduate departments apply higher GPA and test bars beyond the university-wide threshold.
Reality check: A 91% overall rate reflects broad UG admission. MS Computer Science and MS Electrical Engineering admit selectively based on GPA, statement of purpose, and research fit for Indian applicants.
Read More: Portland State University Acceptance Rate
PSU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian PG student at Portland State University sits between USD 78,099 and USD 91,816 (INR 68.3 to 80.3 lakh), covering tuition plus living expenses.
Portland State University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition at PSU varies by level and program. Undergraduate international rates run higher than PG on an annual basis due to credit-hour differences.
| Level | Fee Range (USD/year) | Fee Range (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| UG | 33,012 to 34,599 | 28.9 to 30.3 lakh |
| PG | 23,010 to 36,727 | 20.1 to 32.1 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in Portland for Indian Students
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1,800 | INR 1.57 lakh |
| Food | 500 | INR 43,750 |
| Transportation | 120 | INR 10,500 |
| Books and Supplies | 140 | INR 12,250 |
| Personal | 1,030 | INR 90,125 |
| Total monthly | 3,590 | INR 3.14 lakh |
| Annual total | 55,089 | INR 48.2 lakh |
[Source: Portland State University official cost estimate]
Insider note: Indian students who share off-campus housing in the South Waterfront or Northwest Portland neighbourhoods cut monthly rent to USD 900 to 1,100 (INR 78,750 to 96,250) per person.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Portland State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Portland State University sits on a 50-acre urban campus in downtown Portland, integrated with the city’s light rail and streetcar network.
- Location and transport: Downtown Portland campus with MAX Light Rail and Portland Streetcar stops on campus grounds
- Housing: On-campus rooms cost USD 700 to 1,200 (INR 61,250 to 1.05 lakh) monthly; international housing is not guaranteed but priority is offered to first-year students
- Facilities: Millar Library, Viking Pavilion arena, Academic and Student Recreation Center, and 60+ research labs across engineering and sciences
- Indian community: Indian Students Association hosts Diwali, Holi, and Republic Day events with 300+ active members
What Indian students say: Portland’s rain is real but the tech job pipeline into Intel Hillsboro and Nike offsets it. On-campus jobs pay USD 15 to 20 per hour and are easy to secure with an F-1 visa.
Portland State University Scholarships 2027
Portland State University offers merit-based awards for international graduate students ranging from USD 3,000 to USD 10,000 (INR 2.6 to 8.75 lakh) annually.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSU International Merit Award | Merit | USD 3,000 to 10,000 (INR 2.6 to 8.75 lakh) | Auto-considered on admission for strong GPA | Application deadline |
| Maseeh College Graduate Scholarship | Merit | USD 5,000 to 10,000 (INR 4.4 to 8.75 lakh) | MS Engineering applicants only | Verify at official page |
| Graduate Assistantship (GA/TA/RA) | Need + Merit | Tuition waiver + stipend | Selected PG students, department-specific | Rolling |
Planning note: Graduate assistantships offer the highest funding value at PSU. Indian applicants should email prospective faculty directly with a research statement 4 to 6 weeks before the priority deadline.
Read More: Portland State University Scholarships Guide
Portland State University Rankings 2027
Portland State University’s strongest global recognition comes from the THE World University Rankings, where it holds a stable US national position at #59 in 2026.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: #1201-1400 band | 2026: #1201-1400 band | 2025: #1201-1400 band |
| THE World | 2026: #801-1000 band | 2025: #801-1000 band | 2024: #801-1000 band |
| US News Global | 2025-2026: #1171 | 2024-2025: #1153 | 2023: #1049 |
| ARWU Shanghai | 2022: #901-1000 band | NA | NA |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #550 (global), #268 (USA) | NA | NA |
[Source: QS, THE, US News, ARWU, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
PSU’s subject strength is clearest in education studies (THE #251-300) and psychology (THE #301-400). US News graduate rankings 2025-26 place Urban Policy at #16 and Service Learning at #17 nationally.
Key insight: PSU’s US News national rank of #222 and THE USA rank of #59 place it firmly among recognised American universities for Indian F-1 visa purposes and post-study STEM OPT eligibility.
Read More: Portland State University Rankings Analysis
PSU Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Portland State University graduates enter Portland’s tech, engineering, and public policy job markets with strong regional recruiter access.
- Median starting salary (MS Computer Science): USD 85,000 to 105,000 (INR 74.3 to 91.8 lakh) as market median for Portland-area PSU graduates
- MBA median post-graduation salary: USD 70,000 to 90,000 (INR 61.2 to 78.7 lakh) as market median
- Top employer sectors: Technology (Intel, Nike, Tektronix operate Portland-area campuses), public sector, healthcare systems, and semiconductor engineering
- Career support: Advising Career Services team offers CPT, OPT filing help, employer meetups, and Handshake portal access
- Post-study work: 12-month F-1 OPT for all graduates, 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible MS in USA STEM-designated programs
Insider note: Intel’s Hillsboro campus is a 25-minute MAX ride from PSU and recruits actively from MS Electrical Engineering and MS Computer Science cohorts each spring semester.
Portland State University vs Peer Universities
Compared against Pacific Northwest and mid-tier US public research universities, PSU offers lower tuition and higher acceptance while maintaining THE-verified academic recognition.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 | Avg PG Fee (USD/year) | PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State University | #1201-1400 | #550 | 29,868 | 26.1 lakh | Lowest fees in Pacific Northwest |
| Oregon State University | #411 | NA | 32,000 (estimated) | 28.0 lakh (estimated) | Stronger research rank |
| University of Oregon | #446 | NA | 37,000 (estimated) | 32.4 lakh (estimated) | Larger campus, higher tuition |
| Washington State University | #601-610 | NA | 29,000 (estimated) | 25.4 lakh (estimated) | Comparable fees, larger scale |
| Boise State University | #1001-1200 | NA | 26,000 (estimated) | 22.8 lakh (estimated) | Lower tuition, smaller research base |
PSU stands out for its urban Portland location and direct feeder pipeline into Intel, Nike, and Kaiser Permanente. It undercuts most Oregon and Washington peers on total cost while retaining a full THE and US News-ranked profile.
Portland State University suits Indian STEM applicants who want US degree recognition and STEM OPT eligibility without the fee load of top-100 US public flagships. The USD 78,000 to 92,000 (INR 68 to 80 lakh) total investment recovers within 18 to 24 months against Portland-area MS salaries, and Intel’s proximity makes CPT-to-full-time conversion faster than most inland US universities under the study in USA F-1 visa pathway.
It is not the fit for Indian applicants targeting Ivy-brand employer recognition or Silicon Valley research roles. Applicants with 90%+ Class 12 and IELTS 7.5+ should compare against Oregon State University or University of Washington Seattle for stronger research signals.
Portland State University FAQs
Ques. Does Portland State University waive GRE for MS Computer Science applicants?
Ans. PSU has waived the GRE requirement for most MS Computer Science and MS Engineering intakes since 2021. Indian applicants can apply without GRE scores, though a strong GRE result (315+) can still strengthen scholarship consideration and departmental funding decisions. Confirm the current waiver status on the specific program page before finalising your application timeline.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time on an F-1 visa at PSU?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term time and 40 hours during breaks. PSU offers roles as teaching assistants, library staff, and research assistants paying USD 15 to 20 (INR 1,300 to 1,750) per hour. Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorisation, typically available after the first academic year.
Ques. What are the interview requirements for the PSU MBA program?
Ans. The PSU MBA admissions committee conducts optional interviews via Zoom for shortlisted Indian applicants. Interviews focus on career goals, quantitative background, and program fit. GMAT waivers are available for candidates with 3+ years of full-time work experience or a 3.5+ undergraduate GPA. Prepare a clear post-MBA career narrative for the interview conversation.
Ques. Which education loan providers recognise Portland State University for Indian students?
Ans. Major Indian lenders including HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, and Prodigy Finance offer education loans for PSU admissions. Loans range from INR 20 lakh to INR 80 lakh, covering full tuition and living costs. HDFC Credila and Prodigy Finance typically process PSU admits fastest given the university’s US News-ranked and THE-ranked recognition.
Ques. How does PSU handle transcript verification for Indian applicants?
Ans. Portland State University requires WES or ECE course-by-course credential evaluation for all Indian transcripts. Applicants must request official transcripts from their Indian university, send them directly to WES, and have WES report the evaluated GPA to PSU electronically. This process takes 4 to 8 weeks and should start 2 months before the application deadline.
Ques. What is the application fee at Portland State University and are waivers available?
Ans. PSU charges USD 65 (INR 5,700) for international graduate applications and USD 60 (INR 5,250) for undergraduate applications. Application fee waivers are available for participants in specific outreach programs, McNair Scholars, and select international recruitment fairs. Standard Indian applicants pay the full fee; waivers are not typically extended to open-market international applicants.
Ques. Can dependents of PSU students obtain F-2 visas from India?
Ans. Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 of PSU F-1 visa holders qualify for F-2 dependent visas. Indian applicants must show additional financial proof of USD 8,000 (INR 7 lakh) per dependent per year on the I-20 form. F-2 dependents cannot work but can enrol in part-time study; only F-1 holders can pursue full-time degrees.
Ques. Are online or hybrid graduate programs available at PSU for Indian students?
Ans. PSU offers select online graduate programs including MS Engineering and Technology Management, Master of Social Work, and MBA specialisations in fully online or hybrid format. However, Indian students on F-1 visas cannot fulfil their status through primarily online enrolment. On-campus attendance in Portland remains mandatory for F-1 visa purposes.
Portland State University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Computer Science 1 year | Application Deadline For January 2027 Intake (15th Sep 2026) | USD 35,955 /Yr | 65 | TOEFL- 80 | IELTS- 6.5 | Duolingo- 110 | |
Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (1st Sep 2026) | USD 35,977 /Yr | - | TOEFL- 80 | IELTS- 6.5 | Duolingo- 120 | PTE-60 | ||
Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 35,977 /Yr | 65 | TOEFL- 80 | IELTS- 6.5 | Duolingo- 120 | PTE-60 | - |
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Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Computer Science Application Deadline For January 2027 Intake | Closing in 17 days |
| Electrical and Computer Engineering Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake | Closing in 3 days |
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Portland State University comparison
| University Name | Portland State University | Oregon State University | University of Montana |
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| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 4.7 Out of 10 | 4.4 Out of 10 |
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| Acceptance Rate | 90.9 % | 78.8 % | 85.0 % |
| Exam Score | - | ||
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| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 550 out of 824 in Global Ranking
Overall 1201 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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Portland State University Reviews
Most Popular Tags
4 Reviews Found
Likes
- The broad range of curriculum and subjects offered is one of the main reasons why I chose this college.
- The computer Science department in Portland State University offers a rich set of subjects students can choose from.
- subject that offered in are CS Data Engineering, Computer Sound & Music, Computational Photography and many more.
Dislikes
- The college, although having a very rich collection of subjects(talking about just the Computer Science department).
- It has a mathematical approach of teaching those subjects.
- Having a mathematical approach towards the subject makes it a little tricky to pick up new concepts and their applications.
Overview
The broad range of curriculum and subjects offered is one of the main reasons why I chose this college. The computer Science department in Portland State University offers a rich set of subjects students can choose from, including Data Engineering, Computer Sound & Music, Computational Photography and many more.
Campus Life
There are many student associations one can join. All around the year, all these student associations hold events, Cultural, festivals etc. There are also many options for students to take part in extracurricular activities like sports, art, nature outings etc. Almost every week, PSU hosts meet and greet activities with art and coffee, which is a very good way of making new friends and getting a good exposure.
Overview
Beautiful campus with a very diverse population of people, this school offered the courses I wanted to take as a college student. The faculty was incredible in their teachings and the rec was stunning. The community was very accepting of those who are different because it is a liberal city.
Fees
Tuition fees and Greek life fees, there are fees for club sports and then you must pay for your own groceries and living expenses. Living in the dorms is actually very expensive and you can find cheaper housing elsewhere.
Overview
The main reason was that I really wanted to be in Portland, Oregon and Portland State University is the only public university in Portland. I really liked their biology program and their sustainability program too. The school also had a relationship with Oregon Health & Science University where I wanted to attend graduate school.
Fees
We paid for courses based on the number of credits we were enrolled in. We didn't have to pay for tuition in full at the beginning of the semester in order to stay in the class but we did have to enroll in the schools' payment plan. The payment plan was very reasonable and was helpful to me when paying for classes. We would have a student health fee, facility fees, course-specific fees, etc. The student health insurance plan was around $800 per trimester but students could opt out by signing a waiver showing insurance coverage at the beginning of the term.
Overview
Less fees and great career opportunities, lot of Indians and I can do internship after 9 months of stay in USA which not many universities allow
Campus Life
Easy going and friendly, we have rec centre here with swimming pool, gym and bouldering amenities. Also a separate space for dancing and yoga plus meditation
Portland State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
View All 21 Scholarships
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FAQs
Ques. Is it worth going to University of Massachusetts Amherst by paying double instead of Portland State University in areas of Embedded Systems for Masters of Science in ECE?
Ques. I have admits from Portland state university and san jose state university, which should I choose for MS in electrical engineering?
Ques. Should I attend San Jose State University or Portland State University for Computer Science if I'll receive cheap tuition at both? Why?
Ques. Is it difficult to get into Portland State University?
Portland State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.pdx.edu/admissions/apply-to-psu
Portland State University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Portland State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24494 | 12820 | 11674 | 726 |
Comments
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Which score is needed?
Depending on the field and program specifics, different graduate programs at PSU might have their score requirements, like GRE or GMAT scores. However, you can explore the PSU courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.