Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Portland State University

Portland, OR

Total Enrollment

19,951

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

349

349 programs

Full-Time Students

10,418

5,275 part-time

Total FTE

15,129

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

16:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

660
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
6130
Total Recent Graduates

With 19,951 students, Portland State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 349 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 10,418 (66.4%)
66.4%
Part-Time Students 5,275 (33.6%)
33.6%
Total Students 15,693

Balanced mix of full-time (66.4%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (52.2%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
57.7%
11,502 students
Men
42.3%
8,449 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
47.6%
9,488 students
White
47.6% (9,488)
Hispanic/Latino
19.7% (3,933)
Asian
9.3% (1,856)
Two or More Races
7.5% (1,491)
International Students
5.4% (1,081)
Black/African American
5.2% (1,042)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.6% (117)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.3% (66)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 19,951 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 48% of the student body (9,488 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

15,414 students

44% Men, 56% Women
10,139 Full-time 5,275 Part-time
Diversity Index: 72% • Minority Students: 39%

Graduate students

4,559 students

38% Men, 62% Women
2,245 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%

All Full-Time

12,384
All full-time students
5,239 men, 7,145 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Undergraduate

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

FT Undergraduate

10,139
Full-time undergraduate
4,376 men, 5,763 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Degree-Seeking

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

FT Degree-Seeking

10,009
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
4,338 men, 5,671 women
Diversity: 72%

FT First-Time

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

FT First-Time

1,376
Full-time first-time students
598 men, 778 women
Diversity: 75%

FT Continuing

8,633
Full-time continuing students
3,740 men, 4,893 women
Diversity: 71%

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 Transfer

1,549
Full-time transfer students
659 men, 890 women
Diversity: 68%

FT Continuing

7,084
Full-time other continuing
3,081 men, 4,003 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Continuing

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

FT Non-Degree

130
Full-time non-degree seeking
38 men, 92 women
Diversity: 64%

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%

FT Graduate

2,245
Full-time graduate students
863 men, 1,382 women
Diversity: 69%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

7,567
All part-time students
3,210 men, 4,357 women
Diversity: 69%

All Part-Time

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

PT Undergraduate

5,275
Part-time undergraduate
2,331 men, 2,944 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Undergraduate

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

PT Degree-Seeking

3,173
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,440 men, 1,733 women
Diversity: 67%

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 First-Time

126
Part-time first-time students
57 men, 69 women
Diversity: 77%

PT Continuing

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

PT Continuing

3,047
Part-time continuing students
1,383 men, 1,664 women
Diversity: 66%

PT Transfer

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

PT Transfer

482
Part-time transfer students
180 men, 302 women
Diversity: 65%

PT Continuing

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

PT Continuing

2,565
Part-time other continuing
1,203 men, 1,362 women
Diversity: 66%

PT Non-Degree

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

PT Non-Degree

2,102
Part-time non-degree seeking
891 men, 1,211 women
Diversity: 76%

PT Graduate

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

PT Graduate

2,292
Part-time graduate students
879 men, 1,413 women
Diversity: 59%

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

6,982
White
897
Black/African American
3,328
Hispanic/Latino
1,567
Asian
431
International
Diversity Index: 72% Minority Students: 39%

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 19,951 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (52.2%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 15,129 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 51% 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
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