Head-to-head · 2026
Portland Community College vs Portland State University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Portland 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 | Portland Community College | Portland State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.71 | 15.16 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,405 | $9,552 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,592 | $57,906 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 90.9% |
| Graduation rate | 18.4% | 52.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,999 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 19,531 | 13,182 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Portland Community College costs $853 more per year than Portland State University ($10,405 vs $9,552). Portland State University graduates report $13,314 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,906 vs $44,592). On EduGradify's model that puts Portland State University ahead on projected ROI (15.16 vs 10.71, 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; Portland Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Portland Community College vs Portland State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Portland Community College or Portland State University the better value?
Portland State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.16 vs 10.71), 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 $10,405 at Portland Community College. The annual difference of $853 adds up to about $3,412 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Portland State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,906 vs $44,592 at Portland Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,314.
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. Portland Community College reports a A value grade; Portland State University reports A.