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Pacific Lutheran University

PLU

Tacoma, Washington 98447-0003

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Campus Vibe

SuburbanGreek life

Strong graduate outcomes — known for health sciences

Pacific Lutheran University is a private institution in Tacoma with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1152, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 2.4K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

71% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $66,990 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $21,370.

Established
1890
Motto
Educating for Lives of Thoughtful Inquiry, Service, Leadership, and Care
Mascot
Sir Lance-a-Lute
Type
Private university
Conference
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III
Division
Division III

Campus Visits

116 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, Apr 10 · Campus Tour
81%Acceptance
1152SAT Avg
2,350Students
12:1Student:Faculty
71%Grad Rate
$66,990Earnings 10yr
$21,370Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Pacific Lutheran University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate80.5%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1152

Reading & WritingMid: 632
515630
MathMid: 632
473628

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 25
2127

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

80.5%

Trend

SAT Avg

1152

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$50,964
Room & Board$12,446
Books & Supplies$762
Total Cost of Attendance$62,921
Average Net Price$21,370
Median Debt at Graduation$22,578
Monthly Payment (10yr)$239

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$13,847
$30–48K$13,035
$48–75K$18,653
$75–110K$24,898
$110K+$29,289

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$21,370

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

5600.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$17,074

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

18

Peer Average

13

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (61)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
2,350
Gender Split
64% / 36%
Women / Men
First Generation
30%
Pell Grant Recipients
33%

Race & Ethnicity

White 46%
Black 5%
Hispanic 19%
Asian 11%
Two+ 11%
Int'l 4%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate71.0%
Freshman Retention79.4%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$52,212
8 Years$60,142
10 Years$66,990

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$49,500
Men
$61,300

Rankings

U.S. News
#45
Forbes
#52

More About This School

Varsity Sports

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

118High

Estimated from WA state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 250Rainy days: 75

Nearest Cities

Seattlepop. 740K
32 mi(55 min)
Portlandpop. 650K
113 mi(196 min)
San Franciscopop. 870K
647 mi(1121 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Pacific Lutheran University Application Checklist

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