Portland State University puts affordability in action, so you can graduate with more money for your future. We keep our tuition as low as possible, award generous grants and scholarships to eligible students, and empower you to make sound financial decisions. Contact our admissions staff or financial coaches to find your path to success at one of the nation’s most affordable universities.
At PSU, our goal is to give you an excellent education at an affordable cost, helping you graduate with as little debt as possible. We offer a full range of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. Nearly two-thirds of PSU students receive financial aid, and the average student receives more than $11,000 per year.
1. Gather Cost Information
Cost of attendance is determined based on the number of credits you take, Oregon resident/nonresident status, and class standing.
- Undergraduate students should estimate the cost of tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and meals, personal expenses, and transportation per year.
- Graduate students should estimate the cost of tuition and fees for their program and factor in books and supplies, housing and meals, personal expenses, and transportation.
Student should also understand whether or not they'll be considered a resident for tuition purposes.
2. Explore Ways to Cover Costs
Portland State University provides tuition programs, financial aid, scholarships, and opportunities for student employment to help you pay for school.
- Undergraduate Tuition Programs: Four Years Free, Transfers Finish Free, Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), and Out of State Opportunity Scholarship
- Graduate Tuition Programs: WICHE and Graduate Assistantships
- Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Student Employment
- Saving for College:
- Oregon IDA match has a search engine that can match folks with education focused Individual Development Accounts (IDA) to help you save for college.
- College Savings Plans (529): A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education and are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions.
3. Apply to PSU
We highly encourage students to apply to PSU and for Financial Aid and Scholarships simultaneously. Portland State only reviews financial aid and scholarship applications for admitted students. The cost to apply to PSU is $52 for undergraduates and $67 for graduates.
4. Apply for Financial Aid
Portland State University students should use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid.
Graduate Funding Opportunities: In addition to submitting the FAFSA and applying for scholarships graduate students can also apply for Graduate Assistantships through the Graduate School.
Undocumented (DACA/DREAMERs): Portland State University and the State of Oregon provide options for undocumented students to gain access to financial aid and other tuition resources.
5. Apply for Scholarships
Portland State University awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to undergraduate students each year through the online Scholarship Application. Scholarships are awarded once each year. We highly encourage students to search for and apply for other scholarship opportunities.
6. Admission to PSU
Admitted students will be notified of their residency status for tuition purposes in their admission letter. Undergraduate students will be informed via email if they meet the qualifications for Four Years Free, Transfers Finish Free, Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), and Out of State Opportunity Scholarship. Graduate students interested in WICHE must submit the application for the program.
7. Financial Aid Awarding
In order to receive a financial aid award from Portland State University you must be an admitted student who has submitted the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. Students should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after the application opens each year on October 1. Submit the FAFSA by February 1 for priority consideration for our aid programs for the following academic year. We start awarding in the spring before the next academic year begins.
8. Complete Admitted Student Checklist
Review and complete the appropriate admitted student checklist items:
9. Review the Current Student Finance Timeline
This timeline will help you plan out your year financially and prepare for upcoming deadlines and important dates related to payments and financial aid. The Academic Calendar has more information about financial deadlines and detailed information about add/drop deadlines, grading deadlines, health insurance waiver deadlines, holidays and closures, registration dates and deadlines, religious observances, and term dates.