Portland State University

Portland State University
Former names
Vanport Extension Center (1946–1955)
Portland State College (1955–1969)
MottoDoctrina urbi serviat (Latin)
Motto in English
"Let knowledge serve the city"
TypePublic research university
Established1946 (1946)
AccreditationNWCCU
Academic affiliations
Endowment$98 million (2023)
PresidentAnn Cudd
Academic staff
1,951 (fall 2023)
Total staff
5,232 (fall 2023)
Students21,040 (fall 2023)
Undergraduates16,423 (fall 2023)
Postgraduates4,617 (fall 2023)
Location, ,
United States

45°30′46″N 122°41′07″W / 45.51278°N 122.68528°W / 45.51278; -122.68528
CampusLarge city, 50 acres (20 ha)
NewspaperPortland State Vanguard
ColorsGreen and white
   
NicknameVikings
Sporting affiliations
NCAA Division I FCS - Big Sky
MascotVictor E. Viking
Websitewww.pdx.edu

Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university in Portland, Oregon, United States. It was founded in 1946 as a post-secondary educational institution for World War II veterans. It evolved into a four-year college over the next 20 years and was granted university status in 1969. It is one of two public universities in Oregon that are in a large city. It is governed by a board of trustees. PSU is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

Portland State comprises seven constituent colleges, offering undergraduate degrees in 123 fields and postgraduate degrees in 117 fields. As of 2023, the university had a total enrollment of approximately 21,000 students. Its athletic teams are known as the Portland State Vikings, with school colors of green and white. They compete at the NCAA Division I level, primarily in the Big Sky Conference.