My son has moved into an apartment with a small basement. The PVC drainpipe is approx. 7 1/2 feet off the ground. Is this a problem?

Drain pipe from what? If it's the main drain leaving the home it must be located above the city sewer riser.

Answer Bobs question, If it's the house main then a trap and short raiser must be cut in and the washer hose permanently connected to the raiser.
If the washer trap is up there then permanently connect the hose to the reap raiser. Your washer pump should be able to pump up the discharge with no problem. Good luck, Tom

After rereading I am thinking this might be the standpipe behind the washer, is that it BG ?