Portland State University vs University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Ready to start your journey?

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

In this article, we will compare and contrast two universities: Portland State University (PSU) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). We will analyze various aspects of the institutions, including costs and tuition, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of the similarities and differences between these two renowned universities.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Portland State University Overview

Portland State University, located in Portland, Oregon, is a public research university founded in 1946. With more than 27,000 students enrolled, PSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines. The university is well-known for its commitment to sustainability, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement.

Portland State University Costs & Tuition

Tuition fees at PSU depend on the student’s residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition for Oregon residents is $9,105 per year, while out-of-state residents pay $28,410. Graduate tuition for Oregon residents is $16,329, and out-of-state residents pay $26,685. Additional expenses such as books, housing, and food should also be considered.

Portland State University Admissions

Admission to PSU is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 90%. Applicants need to submit high school transcripts, a personal essay, and ACT or SAT scores. The university considers various factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and leadership potential.

Portland State University Degrees Offered

PSU offers more than 120 undergraduate programs and over 100 graduate programs. Some popular majors include Business Administration, Health Studies, Computer Science, Engineering, and Psychology. The university also offers online and continuing education programs for working professionals.

Portland State University Academics

PSU is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and innovation. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are encouraged to collaborate with faculty members on research projects. The university also has a strong commitment to community engagement, allowing students to gain real-world experience through internships and volunteer opportunities.

Portland State University Diversity

PSU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has various programs and services designed to support students from different backgrounds, including the Diversity and Multicultural Student Services, Women’s Resource Center, and Cultural Resource Centers.

Portland State University Students

With a diverse and inclusive student body of over 27,000 students, PSU provides various opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and student organizations. There are more than 200 student clubs and organizations, including cultural, academic, and special interest groups.

Portland State University Campus

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, PSU’s urban campus is spread across 50 acres and features modern facilities, green spaces, and easy access to public transportation. The campus provides students with a vibrant and engaging environment, with various events and activities throughout the year.

Portland State University Alumni

PSU has a strong alumni network with more than 170,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include politicians, business leaders, scientists, and artists, such as former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts, Nike co-founder Phil Knight, and actress Jane Powell.

Portland State University Rankings

Portland State University consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation. According to the U.S. News & World Report, PSU ranks #284 in National Universities and #141 in Top Public Schools.

Portland State University Outcomes

PSU has a 49% six-year graduation rate for full-time students. The average salary for PSU graduates is $49,100, with 92% of graduates being employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Overview

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded in 1957, UNLV has a diverse student population of over 31,000 students and offers more than 350 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community engagement.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Costs & Tuition

Tuition fees at UNLV depend on the student’s residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition for Nevada residents is $8,291 per year, while out-of-state residents pay $23,342. Graduate tuition for Nevada residents is $6,876, and out-of-state residents pay $21,052. Additional expenses such as books, housing, and food should also be considered.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Admissions

Admission to UNLV is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 81%. Applicants need to submit high school transcripts, a personal essay, and ACT or SAT scores. The university considers various factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and leadership potential.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Degrees Offered

UNLV offers more than 350 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines. Some popular majors include Hospitality and Tourism Management, Business Administration, Engineering, and Health Sciences.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Academics

UNLV is committed to fostering a vibrant intellectual community, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The university has various interdisciplinary research centers and institutes, including the Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, the International Gaming Institute, and the Brookings Mountain West.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Diversity

UNLV is one of the most diverse universities in the United States, with students from more than 80 countries. The university is committed to promoting and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion through various initiatives and resources, such as the Office of Diversity Initiatives and the Multicultural Center.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Students

With more than 31,000 students, UNLV provides a vibrant and engaging campus environment. Students can participate in various clubs and organizations, ranging from cultural and academic to special interest groups.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Campus

UNLV’s campus is spread across 332 acres and features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and athletic facilities. The campus is located just a few miles from the famous Las Vegas Strip, providing students with access to internship and job opportunities in various industries.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Alumni

UNLV has a strong alumni network, with more than 120,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include politicians, business leaders, scientists, and artists, such as former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, and actress Rutina Wesley.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rankings

According to the U.S. News & World Report, UNLV ranks #249 in National Universities and #121 in Top Public Schools.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Outcome

UNLV has a six-year graduation rate of 45% for full-time students. The average salary for UNLV graduates is $48,600, with 90% of graduates being employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.

Portland State University vs University of Nevada, Las Vegas Cost Comparison

In terms of costs and tuition, Portland State University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas have very similar tuition fees for in-state residents, with PSU being slightly more expensive. However, for out-of-state residents, PSU’s undergraduate tuition is significantly higher than UNLV’s.

Portland State University vs University of Nevada, Las Vegas Admissions Difficulty

Both universities have moderately selective admissions, with PSU having a slightly higher acceptance rate (90%) compared to UNLV (81%). Both institutions consider various factors, such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, and leadership potential when evaluating applicants.

Portland State University vs University of Nevada, Las Vegas Academic Difficulty

Both PSU and UNLV are committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a vibrant intellectual community. Both universities have a strong emphasis on research and collaboration, with numerous research centers and institutes available for students to engage in interdisciplinary studies.

Portland State University vs University of Nevada, Las Vegas Outcome Comparison

When comparing the outcomes of graduates from both institutions, PSU and UNLV have similar six-year graduation rates (49% and 45%, respectively) and average salaries for graduates ($49,100 and $48,600, respectively). The employment rate within six months of graduation is slightly higher for PSU graduates (92%) compared to UNLV graduates (90%).