Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Portland State University

Portland, OR

Total Enrollment

20,519

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

342

342 programs

Full-Time Students

10,418

5,542 part-time

Total FTE

15,905

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

16:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

718
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
6783
Total Recent Graduates

With 20,519 students, Portland State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 342 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 10,418 (65.3%)
65.3%
Part-Time Students 5,542 (34.7%)
34.7%
Total Students 15,960

Balanced mix of full-time (65.3%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (50.8%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
58.1%
11,921 students
Men
41.9%
8,598 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
48.7%
9,984 students
White
48.7% (9,984)
Hispanic/Latino
19.1% (3,910)
Asian
9.1% (1,868)
Two or More Races
7.4% (1,526)
International Students
5.6% (1,158)
Black/African American
4.4% (904)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.6% (119)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.5% (112)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 20,519 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 49% of the student body (9,984 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

15,960 students

43% Men, 57% Women
10,418 Full-time 5,542 Part-time
Diversity Index: 72% • Minority Students: 37%

Graduate students

4,559 students

38% Men, 62% Women
2,326 Full-time 2,233 Part-time
Diversity Index: 64% • Minority Students: 22%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

12,744
All full-time students
5,343 men, 7,401 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Undergraduate

10,418
Full-time undergraduate
4,446 men, 5,972 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Degree-Seeking

10,254
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
4,376 men, 5,878 women
Diversity: 71%

FT First-Time

1,444
Full-time first-time students
609 men, 835 women
Diversity: 74%

FT Continuing

8,810
Full-time continuing students
3,767 men, 5,043 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Transfer

1,530
Full-time transfer students
648 men, 882 women
Diversity: 64%

FT Continuing

7,280
Full-time other continuing
3,119 men, 4,161 women
Diversity: 71%

FT Non-Degree

164
Full-time non-degree seeking
70 men, 94 women
Diversity: 57%

FT Graduate

2,326
Full-time graduate students
897 men, 1,429 women
Diversity: 68%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

7,775
All part-time students
3,255 men, 4,520 women
Diversity: 68%

PT Undergraduate

5,542
Part-time undergraduate
2,441 men, 3,101 women
Diversity: 71%

PT Degree-Seeking

3,365
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,553 men, 1,812 women
Diversity: 65%

PT First-Time

136
Part-time first-time students
64 men, 72 women
Diversity: 74%

PT Continuing

3,229
Part-time continuing students
1,489 men, 1,740 women
Diversity: 65%

PT Transfer

467
Part-time transfer students
207 men, 260 women
Diversity: 63%

PT Continuing

2,762
Part-time other continuing
1,282 men, 1,480 women
Diversity: 65%

PT Non-Degree

2,177
Part-time non-degree seeking
888 men, 1,289 women
Diversity: 75%

PT Graduate

2,233
Part-time graduate students
814 men, 1,419 women
Diversity: 58%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

7,449
White
773
Black/African American
3,340
Hispanic/Latino
1,596
Asian
456
International
Diversity Index: 72% Minority Students: 37%

Graduate students

2,535
White
131
Black/African American
570
Hispanic/Latino
272
Asian
702
International
Diversity Index: 64% Minority Students: 22%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Portland State University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 20,519 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (50.8%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 15,905 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 54% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (16:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

724 SW Harrison St.

Portland, OR 97201

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
0 of 3
+ Add school+ Add school+ Add school
Compare Now