Admissions Requirements

U.S. Citizens and Immigrants (Domestic Undergraduate Applicants)

Application

Domestic students must submit the following information to the Office of Admissions.

1. Application submission and nonrefundable fee.  Students should apply at www.pdx.edu/admissions/apply-psu via the PSU Application, Common Application, or Coalition Application. To ensure consideration for admission, students should submit their application by the established deadline for their intended start term and submit the nonrefundable $60 application fee (fees subject to change without notice) when applicable. The application and nonrefundable $60 fee are valid for three terms from the first admission term.

2. Admission validation.  To validate admission, the student must register for classes and enroll during their intended term of admission as selected on their application. If the student does not register and enroll for their first term, the application may be updated to one of the next three consecutive terms without repaying the application fee; applicants will not be updated automatically. After this update period, applicants must submit a new application along with another $60 application fee.

3. Official transcripts.  Transcripts must be submitted directly by each high school or college attended. Transfer students who have earned fewer than 30 quarter credits of transferable college coursework are also required to submit official high school transcripts. In addition, all applicants who graduated from an Oregon high school in 1997 or after will be required to submit a high school transcript to validate their Second Language graduation requirement if it was met in high school. 

To be considered “official,” transcripts must be received by PSU in the sealed (unopened) original envelope or through approved electronic means from the issuing school. Since all official transcripts submitted become the property of PSU and cannot be copied, returned to the student, or shared with other institutions, students are encouraged to obtain unofficial copies of their transcripts from prior institutions for advising or personal purposes.

4. SAT or ACT scores (Optional). Applicants who satisfy Portland State’s minimum curriculum and GPA requirements are not required to submit test scores. ACT and SAT scores submitted by students who are admissible based on GPA and high school curriculum will only be considered as “value added” in the admission process. 

NOTE: Applicants who were homeschooled, or attended non-accredited, non-standard high schools are required to submit SAT, ACT, or GED scores to qualify for admission. For a list of acceptable test options and minimum required scores applicants should review the admissions criteria for students with non-standard high school backgrounds: https://www.pdx.edu/admissions/first-year#nonstandard.

In order for scores to be considered official reports must be sent directly from the respective testing agencies to Portland State University.

SAT School Code is 4610

ACT School Code is 3492

Important: Altered transcripts and falsified applications.  

Students who knowingly submit altered transcripts or falsified applications jeopardize their admission status and may have their admission rescinded and/or their registration canceled; in some cases, future application opportunities may also be denied. These penalties may also apply in cases in which transcripts are knowingly unreported to or withheld from Portland State University.

Admissions Professional Conduct Policy
Meeting Portland State University’s minimum admissions requirements alone does not guarantee admission to the University. PSU may evaluate an applicant’s behavior and background throughout the application process to determine their ability to adhere to the University’s academic and professional conduct standards. This evaluation may take into consideration current behavior and performance as well as past experiences and actions in the context of an application for admission.

All records submitted, filed, and accumulated in the Office of Admissions become the property of the University. The number of students admitted for any term is subject to the availability of space. When space is limited, selection may be based on grade point average, date of application, intended major, test scores, etc.

Admission Requirements—Entering First Year

To be admitted as a first year, applicants need to fulfill each of the requirements (or alternatives) as specified in all of items 1-4 below.

1. High school graduation requirement.  Applicants must have graduated from a standard or regionally accredited high school. Students who have not graduated from a standard or regionally accredited high school may meet entry requirements through alternative testing. Alternative testing includes successful completion of one of the following:

• Test of General Education Development (GED):

• Applicants with an overall average GED score of 151 or above on the latest form of the GED exam will be considered holistically for admission to PSU. Takers of prior forms of the exam will need to achieve scores listed below.

• If you took the GED between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2013: earn a minimum overall average score of 580 and a minimum score of 410 on each subject test

• If you took the GED prior to January 1, 2002: earn an overall average score of 46 and a minimum score of 40 on each subject test

• HiSET®

• Minimum score of 15 on each subject test area and a 4/6 on the essay component of the Language Arts-Writing subject test

• TASC®

• Minimum score of 580 on Language Arts-Reading, 560 on Mathematics, 560 on Language Arts-Writing, and at least 6/8 on the Language Arts-Writing essay. 

Non-accredited or non-standard high school graduates:

Students from non-accredited or non-standard high schools, or home-school students, may meet the high school graduation requirement with a minimum score of 1120 or higher on the combined Writing & Language and math portions of the SAT, or with a composite score of 22 on the ACT®.

2. High School Subject requirements.  Resident applicants must satisfactorily (grade of C- or above) complete at least 15 units (one year equal to one unit) of college preparatory work in the following areas, while non-resident applicants must satisfactorily (grade of C- or above) complete at least 13 units (one year equal to one unit):

• a. Language Arts (4 units). Students must have the equivalent of 4 years of courses that focus on writing, rhetoric, literary analysis, and critical reading with emphasis on and frequent practice in writing a variety of genres during all four years. PSU accepts language arts courses for coursework taught in languages other than English. Such courses will count toward our language arts course requirement so long as they focus on the criteria above. Note that most coursework at PSU is taught in English. Applicants who earn the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy certification will satisfy PSU’s Language Arts course requirement.

• b. Mathematics. Students interested in attending a State of Oregon Public Higher Education Institution should take at least three years of high school math. The third year could be satisfied by any math course with a primary focus on concepts in algebra, calculus, data science, discrete mathematics, geometry, mathematical analysis, probability, or statistics. Prospective students are encouraged to take a fourth math course in their senior year of high school. Those intending to study a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) major or another field for which calculus is required are strongly encouraged to take pre-calculus and, if possible, calculus in high school.

• c. Science (3 units).  Must include at least a year in fields of inquiry based college preparatory science such as biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and physical science. Science courses that are “inquiry based” provide students the opportunity to apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking to support conclusions or explanations with evidence from their investigations. It is strongly recommended that one year be taken as a laboratory science and that a total of three years of science be taken. Applicants with 2 years of science coursework will not be denied based on admission requirements, but may be admitted with a deficiency in coursework.

• d. Social Studies (3 units).  Must include analysis of societal issues and events. It is strongly recommended that study includes knowledge and use of geographic information, patterns of United States history, patterns of human history, structures and systems of the US Government, and analysis of economic systems.

• e. Second Language (2 units).  Must include demonstrated proficiency equivalent to two years of the same high school-level second language. This requirement applies to anyone who graduated from an Oregon high school in 1997 or any year after. Students may demonstrate proficiency by meeting one of the following options: 

High School and College Options

• Pass with a C- or better, two years of the same high school-level second language

• Pass with a C- or better, the third year of a high school-level second language

• Pass with a D- or better two quarters or two semesters of college-level second language

Second Language Proficiency-based Assessment Options

• Score of 2 or higher on an Advanced Placement Foreign Language Test

• Score of 4 or higher on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level Foreign Language Exam

• Score of 40 or higher on a CLEP Foreign Language Exam

• Score of 500 or higher on an SAT Foreign Language Subject Test if taken in July 2021 or earlier

• Education satisfactorily completed through 7th grade in a school or country where English was not the language of instruction

• Satisfactory performance (P) on a Brigham Young Foreign Language Assessment (BYU FLATS)

• Score of novice-high or higher on the Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency (STAMP)

• Score of 226 or higher on a Proctored WebCAPE (only offered in Spanish for the Second Language Admission requirement)

• Score of novice-high or higher on the ACTFL scale in American Sign Language (ASL)

• Score of novice-high or higher on a ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview

• Credit for Prior Learning

**American Sign Language qualifies as a second language.

Students failing to meet the Second Language Proficiency requirement at the time of admission may be admitted, but will not be able to earn an undergraduate degree at Portland State University until the second language requirement has been completed. Students must provide official high school or college transcripts to demonstrate the Second Language Proficiency Requirement has been met.

Alternatives to the subject requirements if no standard high school diploma is awarded. (Any one of the following.)

Score an average of 470 or above (1410 total) on the SAT II subject exams (English Composition, Math Level I or IIc, and a third test of the student’s choice) if taken before July 2021.

Score 1120 on the combined SAT Math and Verbal reasoning sections.

Score 22 on the ACT Composite.

Take make-up coursework for specific subject requirements missed in high school and achieve a passing grade. Note: Satisfactory completion of Math 95 or its equivalent (Intermediate Algebra) fulfills in total the subject requirement in mathematics. Take make-up coursework for specific subject requirements missed in high school and achieve a passing grade. Note: Satisfactory completion of Math 95 or its equivalent (Intermediate Algebra) fulfills in total the subject requirement in mathematics.

3. Grade point average requirement. High school students with a cumulative unweighted grade point average of at least 3.00 in all graded subjects taken toward high school graduation. Students who do not meet the 3.00 GPA requirement may be admitted based on holistic review.

NOTE: Beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year Portland State University changed its minimum admission high school GPA requirement for First Year applicants to a 2.5 GPA or higher for regular admission, with applicants who did not meet a 2.5 GPA eligible for holistic review. This requirement adjustment may be extended or may end at the discretion of the University Faculty Senate. The current status of this temporary adjustment will be found at www.pdx.edu/admissions/first-year.

The Summer Scholars Program for first year students is a free two-course program held the summer prior to a student’s fall term enrollment at PSU. Students earn four free credits upon completion of the courses. This program is intended to prepare students for the rigors of college and is designed to introduce students to PSU, the resources that we offer, and support for exploring majors.

Admission Requirements—Transfer Students

To be admitted as a transfer student, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.25 in 30 transferable quarter credit hours of college work. Applicants who present a transferable associate’s degree or an Oregon Transfer Module (OTM) will be admitted with a minimum cumulative transferable GPA of 2.00. Students who have accumulated fewer than 30 transferable credits of college work must also meet the first year admission requirements.

1. Writing proficiency requirement.  To be admitted as a transfer student, applicants must satisfactorily complete a writing course satisfying one of the University’s writing requirements (e.g. Wr 121Z)  or its approved equivalent with a C- or better.

2. Second language proficiency requirement.  All resident applicants who graduated from an Oregon high school in 1997 or any year after must meet the second language proficiency requirement described in 2e of the First Year Admission Requirements section.

3. Academic probation/disqualification from other institutions.  Academic probation/disqualification will not affect the admissibility of a student whose complete academic record meets the minimum admission requirements in effect at the time of application. 

4. Disciplinary disqualification.  A student who has been disqualified from another institution for disciplinary reasons must be eligible to re-enroll at that institution to be considered for admission to Portland State University. Students with extenuating circumstances may petition for a waiver of this policy. Other offices on campus may be consulted in evaluating requests for waivers. 

After review of circumstances, Portland State University may, for example, ask that you attend a different institution and reapply; decline to accept your application now or in the future; apply other possible conditions or restrictions to your application review.  

More information on transferring to PSU is available at www.pdx.edu/admissions/transfer.

International Students

Application

Undergraduate International Students

Application

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens who are currently overseas or reside in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas are considered for admission as international students. Applications will be considered for all terms subject to department and/or University restrictions and/or course availability.

International Undergraduate applicants should submit the following information to the Office of International Undergraduate Admissions. All documents submitted become the property of PSU and cannot be photocopied, returned, or forwarded to third parties.

1. Application submission and $60 nonrefundable application fee. Students should apply at www.pdx.edu/admissions or via the Common Application online. To ensure consideration for admission, students should submit their application by the established deadline for their intended start term and submit the nonrefundable $60 application fee (fees subject to change without notice) when applicable. The application and nonrefundable application fee are valid for one academic year only. The $60 fee cannot be waived.

2. Official transcripts. To be considered official, transcripts must arrive in the Office of International Admissions in a sealed envelope from the issuing school. Applicants whose admission will be based on high school/secondary school graduation should submit official transcripts of their final four years of high school/secondary school study or documentation as requested by the office of Undergraduate International Admissions. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended, regardless of whether or not they feel their prior academic study may be relevant to their PSU study. Transfer students with fewer than 30 quarter credits of college/university coursework are also required to submit transcripts from their final four years of high school/secondary school. Credits from accredited schools outside the U.S. will be transferred to PSU according to established international transfer credit guidelines and policies. See Academic Credit section of this Bulletin for more information. Students who knowingly submit altered or falsified academic records or other application documents jeopardize their admission status and may have their admission rescinded and/or registration canceled.

3. Proof of English language proficiency if seeking direct admission to academic coursework.

4. Evidence of adequate financial resources for educational and living expenses. (International applicants residing in the United States on visas other than F-1 or J-1 student visas may not be required to submit proof of financial resources.)

5. Proof of current immigration status (if already residing in the United States).

6. Admission validation. To validate admission, the student must register for classes during the initial term of admission. If the student does not register for this term, the application start term can be changed to one of the next three consecutive terms without repaying the application fee. After this time period, the student must submit a new application along with another $60 application fee.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Applicants must demonstrate an appropriate level of academic preparation.

First Year: Completion of U.S. academic (university preparatory) high school or secondary school equivalent as determined by the Office of Undergraduate International Admissions with a minimum equivalent 2.50 GPA.

Transfer: Completion of 30 transferable college quarter credits, excluding ESL courses, with a 2.25 GPA or higher at a U.S. regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent as determined by the Office of International Admissions. Transfer students who present a transferable associate’s degree (AS or AA or an Oregon Transfer Module (OTM) will be admitted with a minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA.

English language proficiency requirement.  Admitted students who meet the English language proficiency requirement may enroll directly into academic classes. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting qualifying TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores.

English language proficiency requirements may be found at: www.pdx.edu/admissions/international/english-language-proficiency.

Information on the international TOEFL is available at www.ets.org/toefl.

Admission to Professional Programs and Schools

Admission to Portland State University does not automatically admit students to its professional programs and schools. Standards for admission and evaluation of transfer credits often exceed general University requirements. Students should check with the appropriate academic unit to determine if a unit has special admission requirements.

Admission Deadline Exceptions

Exceptions to Portland State’s admission deadlines are considered only when an applicant’s ability to apply or enroll is in some way inhibited by persistent circumstances beyond their control. Examples might include membership or involvement in an organization that limits communication to the university and its student support services.

Exceptions must be made prior to the beginning of classes for a given academic term (summer term exceptions must occur prior to the 1st session) and may only be made at the Vice President or Associate Vice President level. At a minimum, applicants for whom an exception can be made must:

• Apply at least 3 business days prior to the beginning of classes for a given academic term.
• Meet the minimum admission requirements as outlined in the PSU Bulletin.
• Must complete the online new student orientation process and meet with an academic advisor from their advising pathway by the end of the 1st week of classes.
• Have a designated PSU staff member outside of the Office of Admissions who is responsible for ensuring the student successfully submits all admissions documents, and completes orientation and course registration.
• Schedule an appointment with a Financial Wellness Coach to occur within their first 30 days of enrollment at PSU.

Student Orientation Programs

503-725-5511
www.pdx.edu/admissions/orientation

Enrollment Management coordinates orientation programs for all undergraduate students new to PSU. All newly admitted undergraduate students are required to attend a new student orientation session before registering for courses.

After admission to PSU, each undergraduate student must complete orientation programming before their start term. In-person and online programming is available. To sign up for New Student Orientation, the student must have already submitted their enrollment confirmation along with the tuition deposit of $200 (if required).

Orientation provides students with information about:
• academic requirements of a baccalaureate degree;
• course registration access;
• information about programs and services available to PSU students;
• support in the academic and social transition to the University community.

Viking Days takes place prior to the start of fall term. This is a week of activities, information sessions, open houses, and social events in which new students are invited to attend and encouraged to participate. For further information, visit www.pdx.edu/viking-days.