Portland State University (PSU)

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

Portland State University provides affordable, urban higher education with a broad range of programs (undergrad, graduate, online) on an active downtown Portland campus, complemented by hands-on learning, career connections, and diverse student support.

Target Customer

{"Prospective undergraduate students (domestic and international)","Prospective and current graduate students","Alumni and supporters","Faculty and staff seeking to promote education and research","Organizations seeking partnerships in education, public health, and engineering"}

Key Differentiator

Tuition-Free Degree for eligible Oregon residents; advertised as the most affordable public research university in Oregon; claims of being the most diverse research university in Oregon; urban campus location with 200+ programs and strong emphasis on hands-on learning and career connections

Implementation Timeline

Not specified in the provided content

Pain Points

1High cost of college tuition and mandatory fees
2Access to affordable, flexible higher education options
3Desire for a downtown urban campus with hands-on, career-connected learning

Key Features

1200+ academic programs across multiple colleges
2Undergraduate, graduate, and online/flexible programs
3Tuition-Free Degree for eligible Oregon residents (undergraduate) and information on undergraduate/graduate tuition and financial aid
4Downtown Portland urban campus with hands-on learning and career connections
5Research opportunities and centers (e.g., Vernier Science Center; NIH-funded malaria research)
6Student services and resources (advising, libraries, study centers, diversity and inclusion resources)

Target Customer Industries

Client Results

1 PSU is No. 1 in the Pacific Northwest for social mobility (U.S. News & World Report) and No. 42 nationally
2More than half of PSU students receive Pell Grants, supporting economic advancement for low-income students
3 NIH-funded malaria research highlighted (demonstrates active research outcomes with external funding)
4 PSU recognized as the most affordable public research university in Oregon and most diverse research university in Oregon

Competitive Advantages

1Tuition-Free Degree for eligible Oregon residents, reducing undergraduate costs
2Claimed status as the most affordable and most diverse public research university in Oregon
3Urban, downtown campus location providing access to city-based opportunities and networks
4Broad program catalog (200+ programs) with online and flexible options
5Focus on hands-on learning, career connections, and student support services

Key Benefits

1Affordability for eligible Oregon residents via Tuition-Free Degree

2Large program catalog (200+ programs) across colleges

3Urban campus with proximity to city opportunities

4Flexible online and in-person learning options

5Strong emphasis on career connections and student support

Additional Product Information

Product Description

Public research university in downtown Portland offering undergraduate, graduate, and online programs across multiple colleges; emphasizes affordability, hands-on learning, career pathways, and diverse student support.

Target Market

Potential college students (undergraduate and graduate), working professionals seeking degree programs, international students, alumni, and partner organizations

Unique Value Proposition

Affordable, urban, widely accessible higher education with a large program catalog, flexible learning options, and a tuition advantage for eligible residents, plus strong local and regional impact through hands-on learning and research

Technical Requirements

Not specified in the provided content

Pricing Model

Tuition details provided (Undergraduate/Graduate Tuition); Tuition-Free Degree for eligible Oregon residents; availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships

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