When it comes to choosing the right university, there are many factors to consider, such as cost, academics, campus life, and outcomes. In this article, we will be comparing two universities – the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and Portland State University (PSU) – to help you make an informed decision on which institution might be the best fit for you. We will cover each school’s overview, costs & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
UNLV Overview
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, founded in 1957, is a public research university located in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. With a student population of over 31,000, UNLV offers more than 350 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields and disciplines. Known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community engagement, UNLV has a diverse student body and vibrant campus life.
UNLV Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at UNLV for in-state students is $23,890 per year, while out-of-state students pay $38,390 annually. This includes tuition, fees, room, board, and other estimated expenses. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs for eligible students.
UNLV Admissions
Admission to UNLV is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 81%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement. The average GPA for incoming freshmen is 3.25, while the average ACT score is 22 and the average SAT score is 1120.
UNLV Degrees Offered
UNLV offers over 350 undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Hospitality Administration/Management, Health Professions, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The university also has a strong focus on research and innovation, offering students ample opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects and collaborations.
UNLV Academics
The university prides itself on its high-quality academics, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support throughout their academic journey. Additionally, UNLV’s faculty is composed of renowned researchers and industry professionals, providing students with valuable insights and connections in their field of study.
UNLV Diversity
UNLV is considered one of the most diverse universities in the nation, with a student body representing various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The university is committed to promoting inclusivity and equity in all aspects of campus life, offering various resources, programs, and initiatives to support its diverse community.
UNLV Students
With over 31,000 students, UNLV has a vibrant and active student community. The university offers more than 350 student organizations and clubs, covering a wide range of interests and passions. Additionally, UNLV has a strong athletics program, with 17 NCAA Division I sports teams known as the Rebels.
UNLV Campus
UNLV’s campus spans over 332 acres and is located just two miles east of the Las Vegas Strip. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, libraries, and recreational centers. The university also offers on-campus housing options, dining facilities, and various support services to ensure a comfortable living and learning environment for its students.
UNLV Alumni
UNLV has a strong alumni network, with over 120,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook COO), Guy Fieri (celebrity chef), and Jimmy Kimmel (comedian and talk show host). The university’s alumni association offers numerous resources, networking opportunities, and events to help graduates stay connected and engaged with the UNLV community.
UNLV Rankings
UNLV is ranked #258 in National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. The university’s hospitality management program is consistently ranked among the top in the nation, and its engineering and health sciences programs are also highly regarded.
UNLV Outcomes
According to College Factual, UNLV has a six-year graduation rate of 43% and a 10-year salary after attending of $84,200. The university’s strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community engagement, combined with its diverse academic offerings and faculty expertise, contribute to positive outcomes for its graduates.
Portland State University Overview
Portland State University, founded in 1946, is a public research university located in downtown Portland, Oregon. With a student population of over 27,000, PSU offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields and disciplines. Known for its urban research mission and commitment to sustainability, PSU has a diverse student body and vibrant campus life.
Portland State University Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at PSU for in-state students is $25,194 per year, while out-of-state students pay $42,429 annually. This includes tuition, fees, room, board, and other estimated expenses. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs for eligible students.
Portland State University Admissions
Admission to PSU is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 90%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement. The average GPA for incoming freshmen is 3.42, while the average ACT score is 23 and the average SAT score is 1160.
Portland State University Degrees Offered
PSU offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Social Sciences, Engineering, Health Professions, and Psychology. The university also has a strong focus on research and sustainability, offering students ample opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects and collaborations.
Portland State University Academics
The university prides itself on its high-quality academics, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support throughout their academic journey. Additionally, PSU’s faculty is composed of renowned researchers and industry professionals, providing students with valuable insights and connections in their field of study.
Portland State University Diversity
PSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of campus life, with a student body representing various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The university offers various resources, programs, and initiatives to support its diverse community, such as cultural resource centers, inclusive student organizations, and scholarships for underrepresented students.
Portland State University Students
With over 27,000 students, PSU has a vibrant and active student community. The university offers more than 200 student organizations and clubs, covering a wide range of interests and passions. Additionally, PSU has an NCAA Division I athletics program, with 15 sports teams known as the Vikings.
Portland State University Campus
PSU’s urban campus is located in downtown Portland, offering students access to numerous cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities within the city. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, libraries, and recreational centers. The university also offers on-campus housing options, dining facilities, and various support services to ensure a comfortable living and learning environment for its students.
Portland State University Alumni
PSU has an active alumni network, with over 170,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Clint Didier (former NFL player), Kate Brown (Oregon Governor), and Michael Lewellen (Vice President of Communications for the Portland Trail Blazers). The university’s alumni association offers numerous resources, networking opportunities, and events to help graduates stay connected and engaged with the PSU community.
Portland State University Rankings
PSU is ranked #284 in National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. The university’s urban studies and planning program is highly regarded, and its social work, public affairs, and environmental science programs are also well-respected.
Portland State University Outcomes
According to College Factual, PSU has a six-year graduation rate of 48% and a 10-year salary after attending of $82,400. The university’s strong emphasis on research and sustainability, combined with its diverse academic offerings and faculty expertise, contribute to positive outcomes for its graduates.
UNLV vs Portland State University Cost Comparison
Both UNLV and PSU have relatively similar costs for in-state and out-of-state students. UNLV’s cost of attendance for in-state students is $23,890 per year, while PSU’s is $25,194. For out-of-state students, UNLV’s cost is $38,390 per year, while PSU’s is $42,429. However, it is essential to consider financial aid packages when comparing costs, as they may significantly impact the overall expense for each student.
UNLV vs Portland State University Admissions Difficulty
Both universities have moderate selectivity when it comes to admissions. UNLV has an acceptance rate of 81%, while PSU’s acceptance rate is 90%. The average GPA and test scores for incoming freshmen at UNLV are slightly lower than those at PSU, with UNLV’s average GPA being 3.25 and PSU’s being 3.42. The average ACT score at UNLV is 22, compared to PSU’s 23, and the average SAT score at UNLV is 1120, while PSU’s is 1160.
UNLV vs Portland State University Academic Difficulty
While both universities offer rigorous academic programs, the difficulty of coursework may vary depending on the chosen major or program. Both UNLV and PSU have renowned faculty members and research opportunities, contributing to a challenging and engaging academic environment. However, the specific academic difficulty faced by a student will ultimately depend on their chosen field of study and the level of support provided by the university.
UNLV vs Portland State University Outcome Comparison
The outcomes for graduates of both UNLV and PSU are quite similar. UNLV has a six-year graduation rate of 43%, while PSU’s is 48%. The 10-year salary after attending UNLV is $84,200, while PSU’s is $82,400. Both universities offer diverse academic programs, faculty expertise, and research opportunities, which contribute to positive outcomes for their graduates. Ultimately, the decision between UNLV and PSU should be based on factors such as academic interests, campus environment, location, and personal preferences.
