Portland State University

Statistics

Students Say - Academics
"A lively, urban university that is "very connected to the city and region," Portland State is an "ideal school to complete an educational program while pursuing a career and a life." Emphasizing a practical education in addition to traditional academics, the school draws an array of "very talented and passionate instructors with a lot of real-world experience." On the whole, PSU professors are "concerned, engaged, and easy to meet with." However, a seasoned senior warns, "If you are motivated, you can get what you need out of PSU. But if you expect it to be handed to you on a silver platter, you may find yourself a bit undernourished." Students love the school's downtown campus and top-rate facilities, which include "amazing computer labs and wireless Internet all over the campus." Unfortunately, "there is a cynical tone in the student population's discussion of the administration." A student shares this typical complaint: "I feel like a number, not a person, when dealing with academic advisors, degree requirements, [or] applying for graduation.""

Students Say - Campus Life
"Located "smack dab in the middle of one of the hippest cities in the U.S.," PSU students enjoy Portland's "active restaurant, music, and film scene, as well as sports such as hiking, biking and skiing." Cultural buffs will be happy to hear that "the arts are very much supported here. There is a movie theater on campus that is free for students, the art/theater department regularly has performances, and there are many art exhibits and theaters in the surrounding city." For many, biking to school is de rigueur, and "activism and social consciousness are important to many people." When its time to relax, "microbrews and coffee are other strong cultures in Portland, and, consequently, on campus." A majority of students commute; however, "dorms house more than a few thousand students…there are events and gatherings which can make dorm life extremely fun." Still, students agree, "It would be nice to see PSU taking steps to encourage students who live off-campus to stick around for more than just their classes.""

Students Say - Student Body
"The student population at Portland State mirrors the quirkiness and diversity of its namesake city. At this large school, "you could be in a class with a senior citizen and a fresh-out-of-high-school freshman. Hipsters and scenesters, nerds and jocks. They're all here." The school spices up the local crowd through "a strong representation of Asian exchange students, as well as students from the Middle East and parts of Europe." A freshman adds, "The school does a very good job accommodating different ethnicities and different language barriers. There are many different gender identities here as well, and being in Portland (one of the most liberal cities in the United States), they are welcomed." Some come straight out of high school; however, most PSU undergraduates "are returning to school after a break in studies and are in their mid to late 20s.""

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