Portland State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) awards
- Competitive and departmental scholarships worth exploring
- Honors College benefits and renewable scholarship options
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~96%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 980–1220
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.2–3.8
Source: Portland State University Common Data Set 2024–25 and College Scorecard. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Portland State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 18, 2025
Portland State University offers a strong mix of affordability, location, and opportunity—especially for students from the western U.S. through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). High-achieving students can also compete for the Presidential Scholarship, which covers full in-state tuition.
With automatic GPA-based merit awards, generous need-based aid, and a downtown Portland campus focused on community engagement, PSU makes it possible to earn a respected degree without breaking the bank.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Portland State is test-optional through 2026 and uses GPA and coursework for admissions and merit review.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 18–25; SAT: 980–1220 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $15,758/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — PSU participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), reducing tuition for residents of partner western states by about 40%.
University COA page: https://www.pdx.edu/student-finance/cost-attendance
Scholarships page: https://www.pdx.edu/student-finance/scholarships
Admissions page: https://www.pdx.edu/admissions/
WUE listing: https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
Common Data Set 2024–25: https://www.pdx.edu/institutional-research/common-data-set
College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?209807-Portland-State-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Portland State University
| Expense | Oregon Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (15 credits/term) | $12,819 | $34,323 |
| Housing & Meals (average) | $15,924 | $15,924 |
| Total (before aid) | $28,743 | $50,247 |
*Other estimated costs such as books, transportation, and personal expenses (roughly $3,900–$4,200/year) are not included in this table since they are not paid directly to the university.
Regional Waivers & Discounts:
- WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange): Nonresidents from WUE states pay 150% of Oregon resident base tuition. For 2025–26, that’s about $19,229 instead of $34,323—saving families roughly $15,000. See our WUE guide for details on how it works across the West.
- Washington Border Discount (WBD): Washington residents pay 110% of resident tuition, about $14,101 for the year—saving over $20,000 compared to standard nonresident rates.
FAQ about Reciprocity & Waivers
Who qualifies? WUE covers students from participating western states; the Washington Border Discount is only for Washington residents.
How much do they save? WUE cuts nonresident tuition by about 40% (around $15k), while WBD saves Washington families over $20k a year.
Do I have to apply? At PSU, WUE and WBD are automatic when you’re admitted and meet the criteria, but funding is limited—apply early for best chances.
University COA page: https://www.pdx.edu/student-finance/cost-attendance
WUE listing: https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
Washington Border Discount page: https://www.pdx.edu/student-finance/washington-border-discount
College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?209807-Portland-State-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Portland State offers a few admission-based scholarships that are automatically awarded if your student meets the criteria. These don’t require an extra application—just make sure you apply to PSU and submit required financial aid forms by the deadlines.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Opportunity Scholarship | Up to $14,000/yr | Nonresident admits; academic merit; cannot stack with WUE/WBD | No | Yes (satisfactory progress and terms in award letter) | High-GPA nonresident admits (exact cutoffs not published) | Apply by March 1 (priority) |
| Park Blocks Scholarship | $5,100/yr | Oregon residents; GPA 3.20+, AGI $60k–$100k, FAFSA by Feb 1 | No | Yes (12+ credits/term, 36+/yr, GPA ≥2.0, FAFSA each year) | Middle-income OR students with 3.2+ GPA, solid FAFSA filing | Feb 1 (FAFSA), apply by March 1 (priority) |
Note: GPA and test score ranges for the Out-of-State Opportunity Scholarship are not publicly posted. Families should treat PSU’s award as competitive and check their admission letter for the actual amount.
FAQ about Automatic Merit
Do I need to apply separately? No—automatic merit is considered when you apply to PSU by the admission deadline (plus FAFSA for certain awards).
Does PSU superscore ACT/SAT? PSU is test-optional. If your student submits scores, PSU will consider them; if not, GPA and rigor carry more weight.
Can automatic scholarships stack with WUE or the Washington Border Discount? No. WUE, WBD, and the Out-of-State Opportunity Scholarship are mutually exclusive—you can only take one.
pdx.edu/student-finance/psu-scholarships/
pdx.edu/admissions/apply/
pdx.edu/housing/cost/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These scholarships at Portland State require more than just being admitted—they involve extra applications, essays, or special eligibility. Awards are limited and selective, so meeting the minimum GPA doesn’t guarantee funding.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Equal Access Scholarship (PEAS) | Varies ($1,000–$3,000/yr typical) | New/continuing students; strong financial need (FAFSA); leadership/service | Yes—apply via Scholarship Universe | Yes (annual FAFSA, SAP) | Students with demonstrated need and service record; selective, limited slots | Feb 1 |
| Diversity Achievement Scholarship | Up to $3,500/yr | Incoming freshmen who add to PSU’s diversity goals; leadership and merit | Yes—extra application + essay | Yes (maintain GPA/enrollment) | First-years with high merit, leadership, diversity/service | Feb 1 |
FAQ about Competitive Scholarships
What makes these scholarships competitive? They have limited slots and selection committees look beyond grades—essays, service, and leadership play a big role.
Do I need to submit a separate application? Yes—most competitive awards require a separate application through PSU’s Scholarship Universe portal, with essays or references.
Can I stack these with automatic awards? Usually yes, but check your award letter. Some competitive funds are designed to supplement, not replace, automatic merit or waivers.
What are the deadlines? Most competitive scholarships require applications by February 1, in line with PSU’s priority financial aid deadline.
pdx.edu/student-finance/psu-scholarships/
pdx.edu/diversity/cma-scholarships/
pdx.edu/admissions/apply/
pdx.scholarshipuniverse.com/
🎖️ Honors College
PSU’s University Honors College offers a small-college experience inside a large public university. Students join a tight-knit cohort, take seminar-style classes, and complete a thesis project guided by faculty mentors. Admission is by separate application, and the priority deadline is January 1 for fall entry.
A motivated high schooler with a rigorous academic background, strong essays, and leadership or service experience. GPA is usually well above a 3.5*, and test scores (if submitted) are strong but not required. *Exact GPA/test ranges are not published; estimate based on past profiles.
- Small, discussion-based classes integrated with Portland’s urban setting
- Priority registration and access to Honors housing
- Faculty-mentored research culminating in a senior thesis
- Exclusive funding opportunities and internship placements
Honors-Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Laurels Scholarship | Up to $3,000/yr (tuition remission) | Admitted to PSU Honors College; must apply to PSU + Honors by Jan 1 | No—automatic with Honors application | Yes (up to 4 years) | Strong essay writers; high-achieving Honors admits | Jan 1 (priority for fall entry) |
| Rosenbaum Service Leadership Scholars | $2,000/yr + internship credits | Honors students dedicated to service/community involvement | Yes—program application | No (one-year award) | Service-oriented Honors students with leadership | May 1 (priority) |
| Honors Editorial Fellowship (Pacific Historical Review) | $5,000 remuneration + hourly wage | Honors from any major; work as editorial fellow | Yes—application required | No (year only) | Strong writing/research skills, publishing interest | April 1 |
| Honors STEM Scholarship | $5,000/yr | STEM major in Honors; merit + need | Yes—application required | Yes (renewable by GPA/program standards) | High-achieving, need-based STEM Honors | Feb 1 |
| James Hart Endowed Scholarship | Varies ($1,000–$3,000 typical) | LAS major, min 3.5 PSU GPA, Honors | Yes—application required | Yes (if GPA kept up) | Top-performing Honors LAS students | Feb 1 |
| Wessinger Foundation Honors Scholarship | Varies (need-based) | OR resident, Honors, full-time, GPA ≥3.5, need | Yes—application required | Yes (if meet criteria/FAFSA) | High-achieving, need-based OR Honors | Feb 1 |
| Wim & Alice Wiewel Diversity in Urban Sustainability Scholarship | Varies ($2,000–$3,000 typical) | Honors students advancing diversity/sustainability | Yes—program application | Yes (funding/progress dependent) | Honors students, diversity or climate-related project | Feb 1 |
Note: Some of these scholarships have limited slots and may vary in amount/availability each year. Confirm with the Honors College/Scholarship Universe before applying.
FAQ about Honors College
Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply separately to the Honors College in addition to their PSU application.
Does Honors add time to a degree? No. Honors coursework replaces general ed requirements, so it does not add extra years.
When should I apply? By January 1 for priority scholarship consideration. Later apps may be accepted until space is filled.
Can Honors students get extra funding? Yes—PSU offers Honors-specific scholarships, from general tuition remission to specialized awards in STEM, service, sustainability, and editorial fellowships.
pdx.edu/honors/
pdx.edu/finaid/
pdx.scholarshipuniverse.com/
pdx.edu/honors/current-students/
⭐ College Specialty
Portland State is Oregon’s leading public urban research university, classified as an R2 research institution. What makes PSU stand out is its deep connection to Portland itself—students learn by working on real-world projects tied to the city’s economy, culture, and social needs. It’s especially strong in planning, public service, and community-centered fields.
Urban & Regional Planning (Toulan School) — Ranked #16 nationally by Planetizen (2023). PSU’s planning program is nationally recognized for its hands-on studios, city partnerships, and focus on sustainable design and equity.
- Transportation Research (TREC): Nationally respected hub for active transportation and mobility research, home to PORTAL and BikePed data systems, and part of the U.S. DOT’s PacTrans center.
- Social Work: PSU’s graduate social work program ranked #36 nationally by U.S. News (2022), with deep community placement networks.
- Public Health (joint with OHSU): Ranked #32 nationally in 2020 by U.S. News, providing strong pipelines into statewide health organizations.
- Service Learning & Social Mobility: Ranked #17 in the U.S. for service learning and #1 in Oregon for social mobility (U.S. News 2024), highlighting PSU’s mission-driven focus on access and impact.