Converse University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Converse University in Spartanburg, SC 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 Converse University based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,787 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Converse University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Converse 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 Converse University than PLU ($19,061 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 2.8% lower than at Converse University ($13,008 vs. $13,380).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 107% more expensive for in-state tuition than Converse University (about $27,014 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 107% higher at PLU than at Converse University (about $27,014 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Converse University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 118.4% larger than aid received by Converse University students ($40,573 vs. $18,575).

Converse University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Converse 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 Converse University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 20 points higher than at Converse University (1130).
• Incoming PLU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Converse University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Converse University 1010/1250; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Converse University 19/26; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Converse University - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Converse University Aug 1, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Converse University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at PLU (3.71).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Converse University (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12% at Converse University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Converse University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Converse 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 Converse University's (60%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $19,300 more per year than Converse University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $33,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,152 lower median loan debt than Converse University graduates ($25,800 vs. $26,952).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Converse University graduates ($266 vs. $278).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Converse University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 58%)

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.