Head-to-head · 2026
Portland State University vs Southwestern Oregon Community College
Compare average net price ($9,552 at Portland State University; $8,527 at Southwestern Oregon Community College), ROI score (15.16 vs 11.24), ten-year median earnings ($57,906 vs $38,349), and admissions context (90.9% at Portland State University; Open / not reported at Southwestern Oregon Community College) 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 | Portland State University | Southwestern Oregon Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.16 ✓ | 11.24 |
| Avg net price | $9,552 | $8,527 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $57,906 ✓ | $38,349 |
| Acceptance rate | 90.9% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 52.7% ✓ | 39.7% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 13,182 | 1,270 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Portland State University costs $1,025 more per year than Southwestern Oregon Community College ($9,552 vs $8,527). Portland State University graduates report $19,557 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,906 vs $38,349). On EduGradify's model that puts Portland State University ahead on projected ROI (15.16 vs 11.24, 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; Southwestern Oregon Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Portland State University vs Southwestern Oregon Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Portland State University or Southwestern Oregon Community College the better value?
Portland State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.16 vs 11.24), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southwestern Oregon Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,527 per year vs $9,552 at Portland State University. The annual difference of $1,025 adds up to about $4,100 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Portland State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,906 vs $38,349 at Southwestern Oregon Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $19,557.
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 State University reports a A value grade; Southwestern Oregon Community College reports A.