History
The Vanport Extension Center opened its doors the summer of 1946 to 220 students, offering the first two years of college study.The institution survived a devastating flood in 1948 and was moved three times, ultimately residing at its current location in downtown Portland, Oregon, on the iconic South Park Blocks in 1952.
Education
PSU’s 10 schools and colleges are the urban laboratory where you challenge what is with what could be. You’ll develop your expertise and connect with leaders in your field in our groundbreaking institutes, centers and research labs. And you can go all the way through a doctorate in our top national graduate programs.
Research
Nearly two decades ago, Portland State University embraced a new approach to education — one that made the community an active partner in the classroom. Students and faculty put theory to practice and work with businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, and government agencies to solve real problems facing our region.Today, we are harnessing the strengths of community engagement to establish PSU as a leading urban research university. Through strong alliances with industry, government agencies, and other universities, we serve as a catalyst for innovation and prosperity for the region.
Career
Career Center
A good education is more than a degree. Start a career that builds on your experience at Portland State. Do you need to work part-time while attending Portland State? Find student employment opportunities both on and off campus to help finance your education.University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
1201
2024
1201
2023
1201
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
-
2024
801 200
2023
1001
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
-
2023
-
2022
901
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
1153 -104
2023
1049
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services is proud to have our students refer to us as their home away from home. We provide immigration advising, life advising, programming and support for more than 2000 international students from nearly 100 different countries.
Housing services
We provide housing options for Portland State students while providing a unique living experience in Portland's urban environment through actively engaged residential communities that promote student success.
Portland State University and the University Housing Office are committed to reasonably accommodating people with disabilities in compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Requests for accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. PSU policies that apply to accommodations in housing.
Library services
Portland State University Library seeks to align its mission and values with those of the University while also articulating a unique vision for the Library’s future. Our mission is to advance the intellectual vitality, knowledge, and creativity of the Portland State University community. We are committed to the University motto, Let Knowledge Serve the City.
ICT services
A range of software can be installed on PSU-owned computers using the Self Service Software tool. You can find a list of available software at Free Software for PSU-Owned Computers. This tool cannot be accessed from lab computers.
Medical services
We are a community-based health care organization that provides high quality, accessible mental health, physical health, dental services, and testing services targeted to the needs of the PSU student population.
Campus life
Portland State's 49-acre downtown campus is located in the heart of one of America's most vibrant centers of culture, business and technology.
Sports facilities
- Providence Park - Home of Portland State Football
- Peter W. Stott Center - Home of Portland State Volleyball, Mens & Women's Basketball
- Gordon Faber Rec Complex - Home of Portland State Softball
- Stott Community Field - Practice facility for Portland State Football, Soccer, and Softball
- Hillsboro Stadium - Home of Portland State Women's Soccer
- Langdon Farms Golf Club - Home of Portland State Women's Golf
- Rooftop Tennis Courts - Practice facility for Portland State Mens & Women's Tennis
- Morrow Academic Center - Computer lab and study area for Portland State student-athletes
- Garrison Strength & Conditioning Center - Weight room and fitness center for Portland State student athletes
Student clubs
- 5th Avenue Cinema
- The 5th Avenue Cinema exists to operate and promote the 5th Avenue Cinema; the only operating college cinema in Oregon and a very beloved part of the PSU community. It is our mission to be a center of film on campus and within the city of Portland.Our ...
- Alpha Chi Omega
- We are a group of women that are not only sisters, but philanthropists, leaders, and scholars. As a national organization, our mission statement is to devote ourselves to enriching the lives of members through lifetime opportunities of friendship, lead...
- Alpha Phi Sigma - Pi Sigma Upsilon Chapter
- Anime Club
- Anthropology Student Associoation
- Portland State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities