Head-to-head · 2026
Clackamas Community College vs Portland State University
Compare average net price ($7,855 at Clackamas Community College; $9,552 at Portland State University), ROI score (13.65 vs 15.16), ten-year median earnings ($42,886 vs $57,906), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Clackamas Community College; 90.9% at Portland State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Portland State University has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Portland State University leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Clackamas Community College | Portland State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.65 | 15.16 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $7,855 ✓ | $9,552 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $42,886 | $57,906 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 90.9% |
| Graduation rate | 23% | 52.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,992 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 4,963 | 13,182 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Portland State University costs $1,697 more per year than Clackamas Community College ($9,552 vs $7,855). Portland State University graduates report $15,020 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,906 vs $42,886). On EduGradify's model that puts Portland State University ahead on projected ROI (15.16 vs 13.65, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Portland State University) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Portland State University reports 90.9% acceptance; Clackamas Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Clackamas Community College vs Portland State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Clackamas Community College or Portland State University the better value?
Portland State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.16 vs 13.65), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Clackamas Community College is cheaper — average net price $7,855 per year vs $9,552 at Portland State University. The annual difference of $1,697 adds up to about $6,788 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Portland State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,906 vs $42,886 at Clackamas Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $15,020.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Clackamas Community College reports a A value grade; Portland State University reports A.