by our College Data Analytics TeamFinancial aid in the form of loans, grants, work-study, and scholarships is one way colleges reduce the cost of attendance so most students can actually afford to attend.
Discover the financial aid possibilities at Portland State University and learn what assistance you might qualify for by continuing to read.
$8,328.00 is the typical Portland State University’s first year financial aid package. About 84% of first year students receive financial aid, most of which is in the form of grants and scholarships.
A financial aid package includes loans, grants, and scholarships. However, student loans have to be paid back, so they aren’t a true discount.
Student debt should be thought of as an “outcome” rather than “aid”. Read more about student loan debt at Portland State University.
Institutional scholarships and grants are financial aid awards given by colleges and universities to help students manage tuition costs and other education-related expenses. These awards, which do not need to be repaid, can be classified as merit-based or need-based. Students who excel academically, possess unique talents, or have specific skills can be eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships. Factors such as high school performance, standardized test scores, or participation in extracurricular activities often contribute to eligibility for these scholarships. Need-based institutional grants, on the other hand, are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. The amount given is generally based on the student’s family’s financial situation, aiming to cover the gap between the cost of attendance and the family’s capacity to pay. To assess a student’s eligibility for need-based grants, colleges and universities may rely on information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other financial aid forms. Institutional scholarships and grants are essential for students, as they can substantially lower college expenses and make higher education more affordable.
The stats below refer to aid that is provided by Portland State University.
56% of first-year students (890 total) were offered scholarships at Portland State University, averaging $4,187.00 per person. This puts it in the top 50th percentile among colleges and universities nationwide.
In addition to scholarships, 60% of first years (952 total) were awarded federal grant aid, averaging $4,772.00 each.
Amount of Financial Assistance Per Income Level
Amount of Financial Assistance Per Income Level
| Income Level | Percent of Freshman | Average Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Income 0-30k | 22.40% | $9,855.00 |
| Income 30k-48k | 13.96% | $9,512.00 |
| Income 48k-75k | 11.55% | $7,607.00 |
| Income 75k-110k | 4.25% | $4,469.00 |
| Income 110k + | 1.65% | $1,048.00 |
The table above displays undergrads who are getting Title IV aid, federal aid from the government including loans, grants or work-study. Learn more here.
84% of the 1576 undergraduates at Portland State University receive some sort of grant aid. This is a total of about 1133 students getting an average of $8,328.00 per person.
Check out the Tuition and Fees page or the Cost Per Credit Hour page to find out more.
References
More about our data sources and methodologies.