Embracing Our Majority-BIPOC Future
Portland State University is evolving alongside the communities we serve. Today, Black, Indigenous, and students of color make up nearly half of PSU’s student body — reflecting both the changing demographics of our region and our long-standing mission to expand access to higher education.
As PSU continues to grow as a diverse, urban public research university, we are embracing our future as a majority-BIPOC institution and deepening our commitment to equity, access, and student success.
PSU is a Minority-Serving Institution
PSU is federally designated as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). These designations recognize universities that serve high proportions of historically underrepresented students and are committed to improving outcomes for those populations.
Being an AANAPISI and emerging HSI calls us to:
- Expand pathways to college access and completion
- Strengthen culturally responsive programs and student support
- Invest in faculty, staff, and curriculum that reflect our communities
- Build partnerships with Portland’s diverse communities
While federal funding opportunities tied to these designations may shift over time, PSU’s commitment to serving our students and communities remains constant.