University of Nevada, Reno vs Portland State University

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.

When considering which college to attend, it is essential to compare various aspects of each institution to make an informed decision. In this article, we will discuss and compare the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and Portland State University (PSU) in terms of their costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.

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.

University of Nevada, Reno Overview

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is a public research university established in 1874. Located in Reno, Nevada, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With a strong focus on research and innovation, UNR is a member of the prestigious Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

University of Nevada, Reno Costs & Tuition

The cost of attending UNR is relatively affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students. In-state undergraduate students can expect to pay around $8,366 in tuition and fees per year, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $23,235. Financial aid is available to eligible students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

University of Nevada, Reno Admissions

UNR has a moderately competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 88%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.4, and the average SAT score is 1160. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early, as the university operates on a rolling admissions basis.

University of Nevada, Reno Degrees Offered

UNR offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including arts and humanities, business, education, engineering, health sciences, and natural sciences. Some of the most popular majors at UNR include biology, business administration, criminal justice, education, and mechanical engineering.

University of Nevada, Reno Academics

The academic environment at UNR is characterized by a commitment to research and innovation, with many opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research projects. The university has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized instruction and a collaborative learning environment.

University of Nevada, Reno Diversity

UNR is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus environment, with students from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The university offers numerous resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion, including the Center for Cultural Diversity and the Office of Diversity Initiatives.

University of Nevada, Reno Students

The student body at UNR consists of approximately 21,000 students, with about 16,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students. The university offers a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities to promote student engagement and foster a sense of community on campus.

University of Nevada, Reno Campus

UNR’s campus is situated on 290 acres in the heart of Reno, Nevada. The university boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and research labs, as well as on-campus housing options, dining facilities, and recreational spaces.

University of Nevada, Reno Alumni

UNR has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates in various fields, including business, politics, sports, and entertainment. Some famous alumni include Colin Kaepernick, former NFL quarterback; Adam Laxalt, former Nevada Attorney General; and Susan Desmond-Hellmann, CEO of the Gates Foundation.

University of Nevada, Reno Rankings

UNR is consistently ranked among the top national universities by various publications, including U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. Some of its programs, such as engineering and business, are particularly well-regarded in national rankings.

University of Nevada, Reno Outcomes

Graduates of UNR enjoy strong employment prospects, with a six-year graduation rate of 61% and an average starting salary of $48,000. The university also offers career services and resources to help students succeed in their chosen fields.

Portland State University Overview

Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university founded in 1946. Located in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon, PSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, as well as its strong emphasis on research and innovation.

Portland State University Costs & Tuition

The cost of attending PSU is relatively affordable, with in-state undergraduate students paying around $9,578 in tuition and fees per year, and out-of-state students paying approximately $28,410. Financial aid is available to eligible students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Portland State University Admissions

PSU has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 90%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.5, and the average SAT score is 1110. The university operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning students can apply at any time throughout the year.

Portland State University Degrees Offered

PSU offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including arts and humanities, business, education, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences. Some of the most popular majors at PSU include psychology, business administration, social work, environmental science, and urban and public affairs.

Portland State University Academics

PSU emphasizes research and innovation in its academic programs, with many opportunities for students to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty. The university has a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support in their academic pursuits.

Portland State University Diversity

PSU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment, with students from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The university offers numerous resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion, including the Multicultural Center and the Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion.

Portland State University Students

PSU’s student body consists of approximately 26,000 students, with around 22,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide variety of clubs, organizations, and activities for students to participate in, promoting engagement and a sense of community on campus.

Portland State University Campus

PSU’s urban campus is located in downtown Portland, Oregon, covering 50 acres. The university features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and research labs, as well as on-campus housing options, dining facilities, and recreational spaces.

Portland State University Alumni

PSU has a network of more than 180,000 alumni worldwide, with notable graduates in various fields, including business, politics, arts, and entertainment. Some famous alumni include Earl Blumenauer, U.S. Congressman; Beverly Cleary, best-selling author; and Rick Story, retired UFC fighter.

Portland State University Rankings

PSU is consistently ranked among the top national universities by various publications, including U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. The university is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, with strong rankings in those areas.

Portland State University Outcomes

Graduates of PSU enjoy solid employment prospects, with a six-year graduation rate of 49% and an average starting salary of $44,000. The university offers career services and resources to help students succeed in their chosen fields.

University of Nevada, Reno vs Portland State University Cost Comparison

When comparing the costs of attending UNR and PSU, both institutions offer relatively affordable tuition rates for in-state students. UNR has a lower in-state tuition rate at $8,366 per year, while PSU’s in-state tuition is $9,578 per year. Out-of-state students will pay significantly more at both institutions, with UNR’s out-of-state tuition at $23,235 per year and PSU’s out-of-state tuition at $28,410 per year. Both universities offer financial aid options to help offset the cost of attendance.

University of Nevada, Reno vs Portland State University Admissions Difficulty

In terms of admissions difficulty, both UNR and PSU have moderate acceptance rates, with UNR having an 88% acceptance rate and PSU having a 90% acceptance rate. The average high school GPA for admitted students at UNR is 3.4, while PSU’s average admitted student GPA is 3.5. Additionally, the average SAT score for UNR is 1160, while PSU’s average SAT score is 1110. Overall, both institutions have moderately competitive admissions processes.

University of Nevada, Reno vs Portland State University Academic Difficulty

Both UNR and PSU offer rigorous academic programs with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The student-to-faculty ratios at both institutions are similar, with UNR having a 19:1 ratio and PSU having a 21:1 ratio. This ensures that students receive personalized attention and support in their academic pursuits. While both institutions offer challenging academic programs, the specific difficulty of individual programs may vary depending on the major and coursework.

University of Nevada, Reno vs Portland State University Outcome Comparison

In terms of outcomes, both UNR and PSU offer solid employment prospects for graduates. UNR has a higher six-year graduation rate at 61%, compared to PSU’s 49% graduation rate. Additionally, UNR graduates earn a higher average starting salary of $48,000 compared to PSU graduates’ average starting salary of $44,000. Both institutions offer career services and resources to help students succeed in their chosen fields.