Head-to-head · 2026
Columbia Gorge Community College vs Portland State University
Compare average net price ($10,416 at Columbia Gorge Community College; $9,552 at Portland State University), ROI score (10.67 vs 15.16), ten-year median earnings ($44,440 vs $57,906), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Columbia Gorge Community College; 90.9% at Portland State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Portland State University has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Portland State University has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | Columbia Gorge Community College | Portland State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.67 | 15.16 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,416 | $9,552 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,440 | $57,906 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 90.9% |
| Graduation rate | 28.8% | 52.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,397 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 543 | 13,182 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Columbia Gorge Community College costs $864 more per year than Portland State University ($10,416 vs $9,552). Portland State University graduates report $13,466 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,906 vs $44,440). On EduGradify's model that puts Portland State University ahead on projected ROI (15.16 vs 10.67, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Portland State University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Portland State University reports 90.9% acceptance; Columbia Gorge Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Columbia Gorge Community College vs Portland State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Columbia Gorge Community College or Portland State University the better value?
Portland State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.16 vs 10.67), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Portland State University is cheaper — average net price $9,552 per year vs $10,416 at Columbia Gorge Community College. The annual difference of $864 adds up to about $3,456 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Portland State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,906 vs $44,440 at Columbia Gorge Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,466.
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. Columbia Gorge Community College reports a B value grade; Portland State University reports A.