Adelphi University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Adelphi University in Garden City, NY with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Adelphi University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (7,603 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adelphi University is located in Garden City, NY (Large Suburban setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Adelphi University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adelphi University 12:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Adelphi University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adelphi University or PLU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Pacific Lutheran University than Adelphi University ($22,299 vs. $31,303).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 35.1% lower than at Adelphi University ($13,008 vs. $20,028).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 6.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Adelphi University (about $3,144 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $49,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.4% higher at PLU than at Adelphi University (about $3,144 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $49,110.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Adelphi University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 26.9% larger than aid received by Adelphi University students ($40,573 vs. $31,976).

Adelphi University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adelphi University or PLU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between PLU and Adelphi University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Adelphi University (1230) is 80 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming Adelphi University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at PLU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adelphi University 1120/1340; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adelphi University 24/30; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adelphi University - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Adelphi University (3.69).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Adelphi University (65.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Adelphi University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Adelphi University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adelphi University and PLU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at Adelphi University is the same as at Pacific Lutheran University (66% vs. 66%).
• Graduates from Adelphi University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,400 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Adelphi University graduates have a $300 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($25,500 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Adelphi University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($263 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adelphi University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 70%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.