Carroll College vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Carroll College in Helena, MT with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Carroll College based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,156 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carroll College is located in Helena, MT (Remote Town setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Carroll College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carroll College 12:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Carroll College vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carroll College 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 Carroll College ($22,299 vs. $25,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carroll College are 11.2% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($11,548 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 26% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carroll College (about $10,770 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $41,484.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26% higher at PLU than at Carroll College (about $10,770 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $41,484.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carroll College than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 35% larger than aid received by Carroll College students ($40,573 vs. $30,058).

Carroll College vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carroll College 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 Carroll College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carroll College (1180) is 30 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming PLU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Carroll College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carroll College 1050/1300; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carroll College 21/27; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carroll College - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carroll College Feb 28, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Carroll College (3.64).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Carroll College (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Carroll College vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Carroll College vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carroll College 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).

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Carroll College's (59%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Carroll College graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than Carroll College graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll College graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Carroll College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 74%)

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.