Central Washington University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Washington University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Central Washington University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington 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 Central Washington University than PLU ($19,898 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 21.1% lower than at Central Washington University ($13,008 vs. $16,480).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 454.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $42,837 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.8% higher at PLU than at Central Washington University (about $24,728 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Central Washington University (98% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 360.2% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($40,573 vs. $8,816).

Central Washington University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central Washington 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 Central Washington University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 110 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming PLU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Central Washington University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Washington 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).

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Central Washington University's (56%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Central Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $5,063 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($20,737 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($214 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 60%)

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.