Head-to-head · 2026
Portland State University vs Southwestern Oregon Community College
Compare average net price ($9,552 at Portland State University; $8,527 at Southwestern Oregon Community College), ROI score (15.16 vs 11.24), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($57,906 vs $38,349), and admissions context (90.9% at Portland State University; Open / not reported at Southwestern Oregon Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Portland State University | Southwestern Oregon Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 15.16 ✓ | 11.24 |
| Avg net price | $9,552 | $8,527 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $38,208 | $34,108 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $11,679 | $7,192 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $31,074 | $7,192 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $57,906 ✓ | $38,349 |
| Acceptance rate | 90.9% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 52.7% ✓ | 39.7% |
| Retention rate | 76.1% ✓ | 57% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 13,182 | 1,270 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Portland State University | Southwestern Oregon Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $7,655 | $6,414 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $7,752 | $7,062 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $8,981 | $8,238 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,993 | $12,342 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $19,112 | $13,702 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Portland State University | Southwestern Oregon Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 3.3% | 36.7% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 5.8% | 1.8% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5% | 2.6% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 3.2% | 3.2% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 2.6% | 1% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 2.3% | 0.6% |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations | 0.6% | 1.6% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | 1.3% | 0.2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Southwestern Oregon Community College reports the lower average net price by $1,025 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $4,100 difference over four years ($34,108 vs $38,208).
Portland State University reports $19,557 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($57,906 vs $38,349). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 76.1% at Portland State University and 57% at Southwestern Oregon Community College. Median federal debt among completers is $20,500 vs $12,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Portland State University vs Southwestern Oregon Community College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southwestern Oregon Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,527 per year vs $9,552 at Portland State University. The annual difference of $1,025 adds up to about $4,100 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Portland State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $57,906 vs $38,349 at Southwestern Oregon Community College. The gap in the federal data is $19,557. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.