What the quality of life for a college student. (Portland: schools, universities)

[coolwiththecool2]

I am planning to go to a community college in portland (I graduate either 2017 or 2018) and then go to Portland State University, which I have found out about with college prowler.com's personal ranking feature, the only reason why I am doing that is so I can get in state tuition and cheaper tuition because of the community college. So what is the current quality of life for a college student of any age in the portland metro. Or should I just keep considering Georgetown and Rice universities.

[davemess10]

Originally Posted by coolwiththecool2

the only reason why I am doing that is so I can get in state tuition and cheaper tuition because of the community college.

That's your only reason for want to move over a 1000 miles away? They don't have community colleges in AZ?

Portland is not much of a student town (esp. when compared to Boston or other bigger cities, even Seattle). PSU is much more of a commuter or older crowd school. And the other universities are VERY small and kind of insular. Personally I would choose to go to school somewhere else and then look to move to Portland afterwards.

[christiner81]

i don't really see a comparison between PSU and Georgetown/Rice. Those (and their locations) are way different IMO. What do you want to study and where do you want to end up when you graduate?

[hamellr]

Quality of life is a hard question, as it's what you make of it.

There aren't as many "college friendly" establishments in Portland as there are in towns that are centered around a college. Or even like the University District in Seattle.

I think the real question you should be asking though is, "Does PSU have the program that you want?" And is it a recognized program with a good reputation for your industry?

[EnricoV]

Yeah, it's kind of pondering whether to eat at McDonald's or Le Cirque.

[Minervah]

If you are looking for a typical college town Portland isn't it. Your quality of life will be the same as anyone else's living in Portland depending upon your social circle, budget, entertainment interests, etc. PSU and the community colleges are commuter schools with people of all ages attending so you will see many different types. The quality of the schools are good but as in any other colleges what you are looking for in your studies may or may not be or not be the best in that field. It all depends upon what you have in mind as a major.

Are you looking for something specific? There is really no way to compare the schools you have mentioned. I think each are unique in their own way.

[aajn1983]

portland strikes me as more of a post-college town.

lots of young people w/ degrees moving after finishing school somewhere else.

psu is a good enough school, but i don't know that i'd move across the country for it.

[Minervah]

The advantage of going to school in Portland would be if the OP wanted to live here after graduation. It would give him more of an opportunity to network to get a job while attending school.