Here are four ways PSU has created an environment where anyone can thrive.
1. Empowering students with diverse backgrounds and needs
PSU has expanded its programs to support a diverse mix of students and meet you where you are — academically and financially.
We’ve increased the number of Oregon students eligible for free tuition and fees with our Four Years Free and Transfers Finish Free programs, and we’ve created more scholarship opportunities. Our financial wellness coaches can help you make a plan to pay for college.
If you need more flexibility to finish your degree, PSU offers online programs and remote courses that allow you to work around your own schedule. Attend Anywhere is a new class format with both in-person meetings and remote options.
One-on-one tutoring, academic coaching and research and writing help are always free at the The Learning Center, Writing Center and PSU Library.
2. Helping you connect with a community
Japhety is a first-generation college student who grew up in a Tanzanian refugee camp and moved to Portland when he was eight years old.
When he entered PSU in 2019, he received tuition help, peer mentors, and assistance with scholarships in PSU’s EMPOWER program, designed for first-generation, Asian and Pacific Islander students entering college for the first time. Now he is studying business with support from a full-tuition academic scholarship.
Other ways to connect on campus include: Cultural and Resource Centers, Health & Wellness centers, Student Activities and Leadership Programs and Diversity and Multicultural Student Services.
“When I first started as a freshman I was really scared in terms of navigating the school and everything, but the staff and programs offered have made it feel like a second home, so it’s been a good experience for me,” he said. “The program helped me build a family and community before school even started.”
3. Welcoming more transfer students than any college in Oregon
Transferring from one college to another can be daunting. Yet at PSU, it doesn’t have to be. PSU makes the transfer experience easy and affordable.
The Transfers Finish Free program eases the financial burden for eligible Oregon transfer students by covering standard tuition and mandatory fees. And the Transfer & Returning Student Resource Center provides advising, workshops and events to help students transition smoothly to PSU.
Kara transferred to Portland State from Portland Community College (PCC) during the pandemic. She’s earning her bachelor’s degree in public health with a focus on community health promotions.
Her remote public health classes were affirming and empowering, she said. Now that she’s on campus this fall, she has visited the Transfer Center and looks forward to “being around other students and actually feeling a connection to the university.”
4. Connecting you to career opportunities
For many students, it doesn’t get more exciting than having the chance to roll up your sleeves and apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to a work environment.
PSU works with Greater Portland, Inc to identify which industries are experiencing growth in the region and aligns its academic programs with those sectors. Workforce Development opportunities include applied learning, internship and co-op programs that give you real-world experience in fields like clean technology, health science and the media.
Japhety interned with software company Ride Report. When he graduates, he plans to use his work and educational experience at PSU to continue growing his bproud brand, which he launched to inspire people to be proud of their race, gender, sexuality and beliefs.
He is making a new future with his business, and we couldn’t be prouder.