Portland University vs Portland State: Academics, Campus Life, and Post-graduation Prospects

Hey guys! I'm torn between Portland University and Portland State. Can any of you current students or alumni weigh in on your experiences? How's the academic rigor? Is one considered more prestigious than the other? What's the atmosphere like on each campus? And very importantly, where are graduates from each school ending up?

It's great that you're taking the time to weigh the qualitative aspects of each institution. Let's break it down based on academics, campus life, and post-graduation prospects.

Academically, both schools have strong programs in fields such as social sciences, business, and environmental science. However, the University of Portland (UP) often receives higher recognition for its nursing, engineering, business, and environmental science programs. UP is known for its small class sizes and student-centered teaching, with more emphasis on the liberal arts and personalized education.

Portland State University (PSU), on the other hand, is a larger public research university with a broad array of programs, including well-regarded graduate programs in urban planning, social work, and public affairs. Both institutions are respected in their own right, but UP might hold a slight edge in terms of prestige due to its private status and small size.

In terms of campus life, UP, being a small-sized private university, is known for its close-knit community, smaller class sizes, and Catholic influence. It offers a more traditional residential campus experience, which some students may prefer. PSU is located downtown and often attracts many commuter students, thereby offering more of an urban campus feel.

For post-graduation prospects, surveys from both the schools show that a large percentage of graduates of both UP and PSU are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. In the Portland area, alumni of both schools seem to be highly regarded by employers. Certain discipline-specific prospects may vary based on the strength of the program in respective schools. For instance, UP's nursing grads have an excellent licensure pass rate and job placement rate, while PSU's urban planning grads are highly sought after in the region.

Remember that the right fit for you will also depend on factors such as your chosen major, whether you prefer a large urban university or a smaller private institution, financial considerations, among others. Good luck with your decision!