Head-to-head · 2026
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus vs Portland State University
Compare average net price ($18,048 at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus; $9,552 at Portland State University), ROI score (8.87 vs 15.16), ten-year median earnings ($64,010 vs $57,906), and admissions selectivity (63.1% acceptance at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus; 90.9% at Portland State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. 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 | Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | Portland State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.87 | 15.16 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $18,048 | $9,552 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $64,010 ✓ | $57,906 |
| Acceptance rate | 63.1% ✓ | 90.9% |
| Graduation rate | 55.6% ✓ | 52.7% |
| Median debt | $21,221 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,044 | 13,182 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1255 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus costs $8,496 more per year than Portland State University ($18,048 vs $9,552). Oregon State University-Cascades Campus graduates report $6,104 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,010 vs $57,906). On EduGradify's model that puts Portland State University ahead on projected ROI (15.16 vs 8.87, 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, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus is accessible at 63.1% acceptance versus 90.9% (accessible) at Portland State University.
Frequently asked
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus vs Portland State University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Oregon State University-Cascades Campus or Portland State University the better value?
Portland State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.16 vs 8.87), 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 $18,048 at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus. The annual difference of $8,496 adds up to about $33,984 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,010 vs $57,906 at Portland State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $6,104.
Which school is harder to get into?
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus is more selective at 63.1% acceptance vs 90.9% at Portland State University.
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. Oregon State University-Cascades Campus reports a B value grade; Portland State University reports A.