Head-to-head · 2026
Columbia Gorge Community College vs Portland State University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Columbia Gorge Community College, 4 for Portland State University — Portland State University has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| 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 | — | — |
| Wins | 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.